JHIJHIYA IN NEPAL: A SACRED FOLK DANCE OF MITHILA'S LIVING TRADITION

Authors

  • Sanjeev Kumar Mishra Post Graduate Teacher History, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Ministry of Education, Govt. of Indiass

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v2.i2.2021.5794

Keywords:

Jhijhiya, Nepal, Folk Dance

Abstract [English]

Nepal, known for its breath-taking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, is home to a wide spectrum of traditional dances and rituals that reflect the diverse identities of its people. Among these treasured cultural expressions, the Jhijhiya dance holds a special place in the heritage of the Mithila region, especially across the southern Tarai plains.
More than just a dance, Jhijhiya is a sacred act—an intricate blend of devotion, ritual symbolism, and communal storytelling. Marked by its graceful choreography, vibrant traditional attire, and the iconic use of earthen pots balanced on the dancers' heads, the performance serves both as a spiritual offering and a collective prayer. Most often performed by women during the sacred festival of Dashain, Jhijhiya represents an earnest appeal for divine protection and blessings.

References

Bimal, R. P. (2007). Mithilako itihas, sanskriti ra kalaparampara (Mithila’s History, Culture and Art). Himalayan Book Stall.

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Lal, R. R. (2007). Mithilak Sanskritik Parmpara (Maithili Cultural Tradition). Ramanand Yuva Club.

Mishra, Umesh. Mithila ki Samskriti O Sahitya (Maithili), Darbhanga

Ojha, P. N. (Ed.), (!987). Bihar: Past and Present, K P Jaiswal Inst, Patna

Rakesh, R. D. (2003). Folk Dances of Mithila. A mix of vibrant culture and entertainment. Journal of Nepalese Literature, Art and Culture, 5(1), 13-17.

Rakesh, R. D. (2020, November 13). Jhijhiya: The Cultural Folkdance of Mithila Region. The Gorkha Times. Last accessed on 13 June 2023.

Thakur, Upendra. (1987). Mithila ka Lokakala (Maithili), Patna

Web Search- https://www.deviantart.com/mithilanepal/art/A-Jhijhiya-Dance-118177968

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Published

2021-12-31

How to Cite

Mishra, S. K. (2021). JHIJHIYA IN NEPAL: A SACRED FOLK DANCE OF MITHILA’S LIVING TRADITION. ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts, 2(2), 466–470. https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v2.i2.2021.5794