Kajri Dance – A Cultural Delight of Bihar’s Heritage
Kajri dance of UP and Bihar
Kajri dance is one of the most popular and well-known forms of folk dance in Bihar & Uttar Pradesh, India. The Kajri dance is performed just before the arrival of the monsoons to express joy and happiness.
History of Kajri Dance
Mirzapur is considered to be the real birthplace of the Kajri dance. According to a Mirzapur folk tale, King Kantit Naresh’s daughter Kajali loved her husband very much but could not meet him throughout her life. Monsoon still came, and she could not meet her husband. When the separation became unbearable, she began to cry at the feet of Goddess Kajmal. These cries took the form of popular Kajri songs. He stays alive through these songs.
Kajri Dance Performance
Kajri dace is played to the accompaniment of graceful ‘Jhula’ lyrics or swing songs. The term Kajri was probably derived from the Hindi word Kajra or Kohl, a genre of semi-classical singing.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Kajri dance is precisely performed in two forms. One type is played on a performance platform and the other is sung by women on monsoon evenings. The second type is known as “Dhunmuniya Kajri”.
The land of Uttar Pradesh experiences sizzling heat in summer and the only relief at that time is the arrival of the black monsoon clouds that bring with them rain drenched with relief and great joy. To celebrate their arrival, the women of the village sing songs and express their joy of the coming monsoons saying goodbye to the scorching summer. They swing together singing magical songs in village gardens.
Charles Doyley, while giving an account of the dancing women of Lucknow, says that their dancing positions and movements are well executed and graceful in nature. Although they lack step variety, the complicated leg movements are remarkably executed.
Kajri Dance Costumes
Dancers usually wear a tight and short blouse known as a choli paired with a flared skirt. These cholis are short and there is always a gap between the waist of the skirt and the border of the choli. They also put a dupatta over it, which is tucked into the waist of the skirt and draped around the head and shoulders.
These dupattas are generally richly embroidered and have decorative gold and silver threads on the edges. The skirt flares to the ankles as it moves down with endless pleats. The dancers complete the look by wearing heavy jewelry. This jewelry mainly consists of bracelets, anklets, earrings, necklaces, and more. The Kajri dance closely resembles the dance pattern of the Kathak school.
Places and people famous for the Kajri dance
Kajri dance is performed in varied villages and cities of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Mirzapur, Banaras, Mathura, and Prayagraj are a number of places in Uttar Pradesh wherever the Kajri dance is known. Bhojpur regions of Bihar conjointly organize this dance kind.
Some of the famous names who have played a key role in popularizing kajri dance are Pandit Channulal Mishra, Shobha Gurtu, Siddheshwari Devi, Girija Devi, and Rajan and Sajan Mishra.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Kajri folk dance of Bihar is a vibrant and energetic dance form that holds great cultural significance in the region. It is primarily performed by women during the monsoon season to celebrate the arrival of rain and express their joy and gratitude to nature.
The dance is characterized by graceful movements, rhythmic footwork, and lively music. The participants adorn themselves in traditional attire and use props such as umbrellas and pitchers to enhance the visual appeal of the performance. Through its expressive movements and lyrical songs, Kajri beautifully portrays rural life, the beauty of nature, and the emotions of the performers. It is an integral part of the cultural heritage of Bihar and continues to be cherished and performed by the local communities.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: What is Kajri folk dance?
A1: Kajri folk dance is a traditional dance form performed by women in Bihar, primarily during the monsoon season. It is a celebration of rain and an expression of gratitude towards nature.
Q2: What is the significance of Kajri folk dance?
A2: Kajri folk dance holds cultural significance as it portrays rural life, celebrates the arrival of rain, and expresses the emotions of the performers. It is also a way to preserve and promote the traditional folk art of Bihar.
Q3: What are the key features of Kajri folk dance?
A3: Kajri is characterized by graceful movements, rhythmic footwork, lively music, and expressive storytelling through dance and songs. The performers use props such as umbrellas and pitchers to enhance the visual appeal.
Q4: Who performs the Kajri folk dance?
A4: Kajri folk dance is primarily performed by women in Bihar. It is a popular dance form among rural communities, where women come together to celebrate the monsoon season and showcase their talent.
Q5: What is the attire worn during the Kajri folk dance?
A5: The performers of Kajri folk dance wear traditional attire, which typically includes colorful sarees or lehengas adorned with traditional jewelry. They also use accessories like ghungroos (musical anklets) and carry props such as umbrellas and pitchers.
Q6: Is Kajri folk dance performed only during the monsoon season?
A6: Yes, the Kajri folk dance is primarily performed during the monsoon season when the region experiences rainfall. It is a way to rejoice in the arrival of rain and express gratitude to nature.
Q7: Are there any specific songs associated with Kajri folk dance?
A7: Yes, Kajri folk dance is accompanied by traditional Kajri songs, which are usually sung in the local dialect. These songs often depict the beauty of nature, the longing of lovers, and the everyday life of rural communities.
Q8: Is Kajri folk dance still popular in Bihar?
A8: Yes, the Kajri folk dance continues to be popular in Bihar, especially in rural areas. It is performed during festivals, cultural events, and social gatherings, keeping the traditional art form alive and cherished among the local communities.
