Themes
tribal dance
BIHA DANCE, odisha
The Kisan tribe is an agricultural community primarily found in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. Their cultural identity is intimately linked with agriculture; their festivals are related to the agricultural season. They excel in traditional music, dance, and customs.
A traditional dance associated with Kisan weddings. Men and women line dance to the sound of the 'mandar' drum and take on a feeling of jubilation and celebration complemented by the sounds of folk songs and instrumental music during this ceremony.
A very famous double-membraned drum made chiefly of wood or earthenware, played by men for Kisan functions. The 'mandar' is highly appreciated for its utility and very wide range of tones, more especially during stages of dances like the Biha.
The festivals celebrated by the Kisan tribe correspond with the agricultural calendar; each season has its celebration, such as Phagua, Jadur, Karma, Jhumar, and Biha, usually interspersed with songs and dances that serve as cultural expressions.
Traditional Attire-Kisan people wear rural attire passed on from generation to generation, with the older generation preferring simple outfits. Kisan women wear fixed ornaments of brass, gold, or aluminum, and tattoos are a cultural trait of Kisan women, particularly the older generation.