JHIJHIYA IN NEPAL: A SACRED FOLK DANCE OF MITHILA'S LIVING TRADITION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v2.i2.2021.5794Keywords:
Jhijhiya, Nepal, Folk DanceAbstract [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.
Jha, M. & Jha, J.S. (2020). Women on the centre stage: The legacy of Maithili folk plays. In P. Mishra (Ed.), The Dynamics of Folklore and Orature in Culture (pp. 85-104). Vishvanatha Kaviraja Institute.
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
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2021 Sanjeev Kumar Mishra

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
With the licence CC-BY, authors retain the copyright, allowing anyone to download, reuse, re-print, modify, distribute, and/or copy their contribution. The work must be properly attributed to its author.
It is not necessary to ask for further permission from the author or journal board.
This journal provides immediate open access to its content on the principle that making research freely available to the public supports a greater global exchange of knowledge.