The Bharia Dance is of deep cultural significance for the Bharia tribe in Madhya Pradesh, representing a tie to their ancestors and reelry of their religious faith. The traditional dance is most often done for festivals and rituals, uniting people in collective reverence. By rhythmic gestures, the Bharia people thank nature and pray for prosperity. The dance is a reflection of the tribe's affinity with their heritage, playing a unifying role between the past and the present traditions.

The Bharia tribe of Madhya Pradesh is recognized by its exclusive traditions and deep affinity with the soil. Living mainly in the Patalkot Valley, they have managed to maintain their indigenous customs and traditional medicine plant knowledge. The tribe subscribes to a mixture of animistic and Hindu practices with nature at the center of their spirituality. The Bharia people live in close family units, and music and dance are fundamental elements of their cultural performances, representing unity and respect for heritage.

During Bharia Dance, the dancers don traditional outfits that reflect their tribal origin. The men dress in plain dhotis, while the women put on colored sarees with elaborate tribal designs. Both men and women adorn handcrafted ornaments made from nature products such as beads, metals, and shells to highlight the natural connection of the tribe. The costumes are carefully selected to complement the beauty of the dance, enriching its cultural value. This colorful clothing aids in maintaining their unique tribal identity through visual means.

The music is deeply ingrained in folk tales, sometimes being composed of songs with lyrical verses that narrate stories of teachers, nature, and spiritual themes. The rhythmic and melodic patterns of the music are designed to resonate with the dancers' movements, thereby allowing for a total immersive experience. The words sometimes pass down through generations and, in so doing, have forged the oral history of the Bharia tribe. Thus as mediums of storytelling, music aids in the endurance of the cultural beliefs of the tribe.

Traditional instruments are a part of Bharia Dance, adding rhythm and resonant sounds. Drums, including the dhol, set the tempo of the dance, while other instruments such as the flute and manjira (cymbals) provide melodic and harmonic depth. These instruments tend to be handcrafted from materials found locally, highlighting the resourcefulness and environmental connection of the tribe. As one, the notes of these instruments enhance the show, forming a rhythmic support that leads the dancers and makes the cultural experience richer.