Culture of Bihar- Language, literature, Folk songs, Artforms, Fairs and Festivals

Bihar is a large state of India covering approximately 94,163 square kilometres. The Culture of Bihar, language, customs, and traditions change from region to region. But, the people have embraced the customs and traditions of each other and celebrate each other’s festivals and beliefs and together live in harmony.

Language and literature of Bihar

The main language spoken in Bihar is Hindi. It is spoken by approximately 80.9 per cent of the population. Urdu and Santhali are other prominent languages used by the people. Different Indian languages can be traced back to different ethnic groups of India and have evolved from different stocks of population. Broadly speaking we can differentiate the Indian languages into the following groups:

• Indo- Aryan
• Sino- Tibetan
• Dravidian
• Austric
• Negroid

In major languages of India comprise the two dominant groups the Dravidians and the Indo- Aryans. The language used in Bihar belongs to the Indo- European family of languages that came to India with the advent of the Aryans. Bihari language is made up of all the main languages of western and Northern India. It is a mix of Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi, Hindi, Gujarati, Oriya, Kashmiri, Sanskrit, Urdu, Pahari, Sindhi, and others. 

If divided on the basis of language and culture Bihar can be attributed to four Regional identities:

• Bhojpuri
• Magazine
• Maithili
• The tribal languages

The region of Bihar where Magadhi is spoken is the Magadh Pradesh of ancient times and today consists of approximately the district of Patna and the North half of the District of Gaya. Although the Magadhi language is also used in Aurangabad, Munger, Nalanda, Narada, Girdih, Dhanbad, Hazaribagh, Palamau (North-Eastern), the purest form of the language is to be found in the districts of Gaya and Patna. Hence, they can be considered as the core of the language.

As the name suggests, Bhojpuri is the language of Bhojpuri which is the name of the town of a district in Shahabad. The districts where Bhojpuri is spoken today are Bhojpur, Chapra, Siwan, Molinari, Palamu, Rohtas, Gopalganj, Champaran, Hazaribagh, Western Vaishali, and Muzaffarpur. Bhojpuri is the folk language of the rural people and the folk tales and songs in Bhojpuri come across as the mirror of the religious, socio-cultural and political aspects of the Bhojpuri people. Bhojpuri was always influenced by Brij Bhasha. Bhakti literature then was written in the Bhojpuri language. This continued but after the 19th century, not much attention was paid towards cultivating this language.

Literature of Bihar

Since ancient times, Bihar has been a land of education, culture, and scientific events. The Mauryan period was an important seat of learning and scholars from all over the world came seeking knowledge to the great Nalanda University. Great personalities like Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira, Guru Gobind Singh (the last Guru of the Sikhs), Aryabhatta (the great Mathematician) (476 to 550 AD) all lived on this land. Nalanda was the world’s first seat of higher learning and was sought after by scholars of the nations world over. It remained thus from the 5th to the 11th century Before its decline began. Lord Buddha had taught in this university and the Chinese traveller Hieun Tsang was a student here. A number of great writers and scholars have flourished in Bihar and made important contributions to the literature of Bihar. Some great poets and Authors of Bihar are:

• Mahamahopadhyaya Pandit Ram Avtar Sharma
• R. K. Sinha
• Shivpujan Sahai
• Ramdhari Rambriksh Banipuri
• Pandit Nalin Vilochan Sharma
• Mridula Sinha
• Pankaj Raj
• Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
• Jhaand Baba Nagarjun
• Maha Pandit Rahul Sankrityayan.

Folk dances of Bihar

Bihar is a state rich in its folk art songs and dances. Various forms of folk dances are prevalent in different regions of Bihar. 

• Bidesia- it is a folk dance form popular in the Bhojpuri speaking regions of Bihar. The Bidesia dance form is accompanied by the Biraha folk songs of Bihar. The Biraha songs demote the pain, sorrow, and anguish of the woman left behind by her lover for various reasons. It is said that Bihari Thakur started the concept of Bidesia dance form through which he raised the conflicting themes of upper caste and lower caste discrepancy, the rift between the rich and poor classes, and other such issues.
• Jhijhia- It is a very popular dance form of Bihar. Also known as Jijiya, it is an all-women dance in which women depict their adoration for Lord Indra and give offerings to please him. The dance is performed when there is a situation of draught. When the land is parched and cracked and there is no hope for rain, the village women dress up in all their finery and sing and dance to please the rain god, appealing for rain and harmony. This is a ritualistic dance.
• Phagua- Holi, the festival of colours is celebrated all over the country. In Bihar, the celebrations are accompanied by the phagua folk songs, accompanied with dholak, jhal-manjira, harmonium, and other instruments. The phauga dance along with the song tells the story of Bhakt Prahlad and his demon father Hiranya Kashipu and also of Prahlas’s aunt Holika.
• Jhumri Dance- Jhumri is popular in the Mithila Region. It is performed by married women and is somewhat similar to the Garba dance of Gujarat. It celebrates the romantic seasons of the months of Ashwin and Kartik when nature is at its attractive best. Jhumri is a seasonal dance that celebrates the joy of the season.
• Jat-Jatin Dance- this dance belong to the Mithila Kosi region of North Bihar. Originally it was based on the story of the separation of two lovers  Jat and Jatin, but, evolved over time and now raises social issues like floods, poverty, drought, and others.
• Kajri- The humming and singing of Kajri songs start with the advent of Shravan (monsoon). As the raindrops fall the Kajri dancers dance in tune with the musical notes of the Kajri songs. This folk song and dance celebrates the month of monsoon.
• Sohar Khilona Dance- it is a ceremonial dance to celebrate the birth of a child in the family. This occasion is celebrated throughout the country with different traditional rituals. In Bihar, ladies sing Sohar songs praising and comparing the child with Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and other Gods. The dancers dancing to the Sohar wear masks.
• Paola Dance- this dance is more of a martial art performance. It is performed with a sword and shield and incites the viewers to work for a better physique and indulge in courageous activities.

Folk songs of Bihar

In Bihar, folk songs have so deeply impacted the lives of the people that it is still alive. The credit for preserving it to date goes to devotees who sing the Bhajans and Kirtana, the woman folk of Bihar, and the villagers. It was in the 11th century that Nanya Deva of Mithila (1097 – 1133) who was a great patron of music developed popular ragas which are continuing till today. This Mithila music was carried to Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Nepal. Later, during the Muslim period, the art form of music and dance were suppressed but survived. Some of the Ragas which originated in Bihar are:

• Nachari
• Phaag
• Chaita
• Purbi
• Lagani, and others

These forms celebrated the seasons, the emotions, and the religious tags invoke Gods and Goddesses.

The folk dance and songs of Bihar are also preserved by the perseverance of the devotees, the Nagar shobhinis, and the Nagar vadhus of the older times. The common people too adopted the song and dance forms for their entertainment and to sing praises of the Gods. This, preserving the else art forms. The singing of religious songs like Bhajan Kirtan is very common throughout Bihar.  Kajri, Chaita, Birha and Basant songs are seasonal ragas. Jatasari, sohar, and jhumar are traditional entertainment songs. Ramleela nautanki and bhikariya songs can be heard at festivals and fairs. 

Art forms of Bihar

Madhubani:

Madhubani painting is the most well known and celebrated art form of Bihar. Since it originates from the Mithila Region of Bihar, it is also known as Mithila paintings. The colours used in this are natural dyes and mineral pigments. Different paintings are meant for different occasions and festivals. The natural dyes are filled in the drawings with brushes, fingers, twigs, and matchsticks. Traditionally the paintings were made on freshly plastered mud walls. But, now cloth, handmade paper, canvas, and other backgrounds are used for these paintings. Madhubani paintings are based on natural objects like- sun, moon, rivers, flora and fauna, dirties, mythological scenes, and man’s association with nature.

Sujini Embroidery:

Sujini Embroidery is an art form in which old, used, and worn-out clothes are given a new lease of life. Several worn-out sarees and dhotis folded on top of each other are put together in a close running stitch in colourful threads. Women often stitch in some narratives in these stitches.

Applique Kathwa Patchwork:

Kathwa Patchwork comprises pieces of patchwork sewn onto a larger piece of cloth. The edges of the patchwork are stitched onto the fabric. This applique work is mainly used to make table covers, curtains, cushions, canopies, and tents. The designs used are from nature, like trees, birds, animals, flowers, and others.

Sikki Grass work:

Sikki is obtained from an annual plant that grows during the monsoon. After the plant dries, the flowering part of the plant is cut off and the bottom is stored to make attractive sikki articles from it. The dried Grass is dyed in different colours and a variety of articles like baskets, boxes, toys, etc., are prepared. 

Tikuli work:

It is an art form made from broken glass. The artisans melt the broken glass and give it different shapes and designs. 

Bangle Making:

The best Bangle Making region in Bihar is Muzaffarpur. The artisans get their raw material from the nearby forests. The bangles are given a circular shape by using light fire. 

Yampuri Puppetry:

Yampuri is the name given to the traditional rod Puppetry of Bihar. Wooden puppets which are made in one piece and have no joints are held and manoeuvred by rods from below. Shows of Yampuri puppets are also called Baikunth Darshan shows.

Stonework: 

During the Mauryan period, stone and architecture work were at their peak. But, today it is contained in pathar katti in the Gaya district. Since blue-black pot stone is easily available here, household articles, statues, etc., are made by artisans. Very fine fountains and tables in stone are also made. 

Wood inlay:

The wood inlay is an ancient industry in Bihar. Today it is done with materials like ivory, mental, and staghorn.

Lacquer work, printed textiles, leathercraft, papier-mâché, pottery works, bamboo art are other forms of handicraft. 

Fairs and Festivals of Bihar:

Bihar is a state well known for its various fairs and festivals.

Sonpur Cattle Fair

The Sonpur cattle fair held yearly at Sonpur is a vast land of teeming humanity, cattle, horses, buffaloes, elephants, and others. It is also known as the Harihar Kshetra Mela. The fair commences on Kartik Purnima and lasts for 15 days. 

Makar Sankranti Mela

This is another famous Melanie held in Rajgir in the month of Posh (mid-January). Devotees worship the ditties at hot springs. Another makar Sankranti Mela is held in the Mandar hills in the Banka district of the state. The significance of this place is that the Mandar Hill shows the markings of servant coil around it. It is believed that the hill was used during Sagarmanthan (churning of the ocean) to attain Amrit (nectar).

Pitrapaksh Mela

During the Pitrapaksha ritual in September/ October, Gaya town witnesses the famous Pitrapaksha mela or the Ancestor worship. The descendent of Magga Brahmins (once devotees of Shiva), later converted to Vaishnavism help the pilgrims with the vehicle shrad cerekknynor the pind Dan. This ritual is for the departed soul to attain salvation. 

Vishjupada Temple Mela

The Vishnupada temple was built in 1787 by Rani Aahiliya Bai of Indore. The shrad ceremony is performed under a fig tree near the temple. The women perform the rituals indoors. 

Shravani Mela

Shravani Mela is held in the month of Shravan. It covers the 108-kilometre route linking Sultanganj (Bihar) and Deoghar in Jharkhand. Lakhs of Kawarias (pilgrims) wearing the saffron collect water from river Ganga at Sultanganj and walk barefoot to the temple situated at Deoghar. They bathe the Shivlinga at the Deoghar temple as an offering. Thousands of people throng alongside the route. The government and many institutions, charitable trusts, and individuals offer service along the route for the Kawarias to cover the pilgrimage safely and with ease. 

Saurath sabha

An annual gathering at the Saurath village of Madhubani district of Bihar. Held in the month of June, it is a gathering of Mathil (Mithila Brahmins). Known as Saurath sabha, it is held in an enormous mango Grove. Parents and guardians of children of marriageable age come to this sabha with the horoscopes and find suitable matches for their wards. 

Rajgir Mahotsav

It is held every year during the last week of December in the hilly Rajgir region. The Mahotsav consists of vibrant and excellent folk art, besides classical and cultural live performances by renowned artists from all over the country. 

Festivals of Bihar

Madhu Shravani

It is a festival celebrated in the month of Shravan (July – August). It is a festival of the Mithila Pradesh. Newly married women perform the rituals. Snake worship is performed at this festival.

Sama Chakeva

This festival too is popular in Mithila. It celebrated the deep relationship between brother and sister. Also, heralds the beginning of the migration of birds from the Himalayas to the plains. 

Ram Navmi

On the auspicious birthday of Rama, this festival is celebrated with joy and reverence in Bihar. Many devotees keep fast for seven days. An atmosphere of celebration and gaiety prevails. The temples dedicated to Lord Rama are decorated, special prayers are held, and offerings are made.

Buddha Jayanti

Gaya witnesses the holy gathering of Buddhist pilgrims on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti. It is an international Buddhist gathering held annually in the month of Vaisak (April/ May). The annual session of the Dalai Lama also is held in December. 

Mahavir Jayanti

It is celebrated in the Parasnath hill at Vaishali. Deo deep-water is celebrated at Pawapuri. It is celebrated 10 days after Diwali. It marks the occasion of attainment Nirvana by Mahavir. 

In this article, we have discussed the culture of Bihar, about its rich heritage and harmonious co-existence of its people. We hope this article will help you with your purpose.

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