# Culture of Jharkhand > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Culture_of_Jharkhand > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Culture_of_Jharkhand.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Jharkhand > Source revision: 1355453349 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) The state of [Jharkhand](/source/Jharkhand) in [India](/source/India) is located in the eastern part of the country and is known for its vivid culture, distinct paintings, traditions and festivals.[1] ## Languages [Hindi](/source/Hindi) is the official language of Jharkhand. There are many regional and tribal languages in Jharkhand.[1] The regional languages that belong to the Indo-Aryan branch; in Jharkhand, they are [Khortha/Magahi](/source/Khortha_language)(most spoken language of Jharkhand), [Nagpuri](/source/Nagpuri_language), and [Kudmali](/source/Kurmali_language) spoken by the [Sadan](/source/Sadan_peoples), the Indo-Aryan ethnic groups of Chotanagpur.[2] Other Indo-Aryan languages include [Bhojpuri](/source/Bhojpuri_language), [Angika](/source/Angika), [Bengali](/source/Bengali_language), and [Odia](/source/Odia_language).[3] The languages that belong to the [Austroasiatic](/source/Austroasiatic_languages) branch are [Mundari](/source/Mundari_language), [Santali](/source/Santali_language), [Bhumij](/source/Bhumij_language) and [Ho](/source/Ho_language). The languages that belong to the [Dravidian](/source/Dravidian_language) language family are [Kurukh](/source/Kurukh_language) and [Malto](/source/Malto_language).[1] ## Cuisine See also: [Cuisine of Jharkhand](/source/Cuisine_of_Jharkhand) The staple foods in Jharkhand are rice, [dal](/source/Dal), vegetables, and [tubers](/source/Tuber). Some dishes include [Chilka Roti](/source/Chilka_Roti), [Malpua](/source/Malpua), [Dhooska](/source/Dhooska), Arsa roti, and [Pitha](/source/Pitha). Rugra (a type of mushroom) and bamboo shoots are also used as vegetables.[4][5] The leaves of the Munga tree ([Moringa oleifera](/source/Moringa_oleifera)) and the Koinar tree ([Bauhinia variegata](/source/Bauhinia_variegata)) are used as leafy vegetables or [Saag](/source/Saag).[6] Local alcoholic drinks are [Handia](/source/Handia_(drink)) made from rice and *Mahua ,[daru](/source/Desi_daru)* made from flowers of the [Mahua](/source/Madhuca_longifolia) tree.[7][8][9] ## Festivals ### Chhath Puja Main article: [Chhath](/source/Chhath) [Chhath Puja](/source/Chhath) is celebrated on the sixth day of the lunar month of [Kartika](/source/K%C4%81rtika_(month)) (October–November). It's a major festival in Jharkhand.[10] The rituals are observed over four days. They include holy bathing, fasting and abstaining from drinking water (vrata), standing in water, and offering prasad (prayer offerings) and arghya to the setting and rising sun. Some devotees also perform a prostration march as they head for the river banks. Chhath puja is dedicated to the sun god "[Surya](/source/Surya)" and his sister "[Chhathi Maiya](/source/Chhath)". ### Karam Main article: [Karam festival](/source/Karam_festival) Karam is a major native harvest festival of Jharkhand. It is celebrated on the 11th day of a full moon of the month of [Bhado](/source/Bhadra_(Hindu_calendar)) by the tribal (Munda, Bhumij, and Oraon) and the Sadan (Khortha, Nagpuri, Kurmali-speaking group) people of Jharkhand.[11] During this festival, people bring branches of the [Karam tree](/source/Neolamarckia_cadamba) to the village and then place them on the ground. The branches are washed with milk and [handia](/source/Handia_(drink)), and decorated with garlands, curd, rice, flowers and grains. The village priest "Pahan" offer sacrifice of Karam devta for good harvest. ### Jitia Main article: [Jitia](/source/Jitia) During the festival of Jitia, mothers fast for the well being of their children. It is celebrated from the seventh to the ninth lunar day of [Krishna-Paksha](/source/Paksha), in the month of [Ashwin](/source/Ashvin). ### Nawakhani Main article: [Nawakhani](/source/Nawakhani) Nawakhani is an important festival that occurs in Jharkhand. During this festival, grains are eaten following the harvest. ### Sohrai/Bandna Main articles: [Sohrai](/source/Sohrai) and [Bandna](/source/Bandna) Sohrai is a cattle festival of Jharkhand's. It is celebrated during the [Amavasya](/source/Amavasya) of the month of [Kartik](/source/Kartik_(month)). It coincides with the [Diwali](/source/Diwali) festival. People fast throughout the day, and bathe their cattle. In the evening, sacrifices are offered to the cattle deity.[12] ### Holi Phaguwa, or [Holi](/source/Holi), is the spring festival which falls in the month of [Phalgun](/source/Falgun). In spring, people collect [sal](/source/Sal_(tree)) flower blossoms and place them on their roofs. There are special songs and dances for this festival. Holi/Fagua is also celebrated as new year in North Jharkhand along with South Bihar. The Fagua, folk song is also sung during holi to welcome new year. ### Other festivals Other festivals include [Tusu](/source/Tusu_Festival), [Dussehra](/source/Dussehra), [Sarhul](/source/Sarhul), [Baha](/source/Baha_parab), [Ashadhi](/source/Ashadhi_Puja), [Jantal](/source/Jantal_Puja) and [Sendra](/source/Sendra_festival) festivals.[13] ## Folk dances Main article: [Folk dances of Jharkhand](/source/Folk_dances_of_Jharkhand) There are several folk dances in Jharkhand, including Jhumair, Domkach, Lahasua, Vinsariya, Jhumta, Fagua, [Firkal](/source/Firkal_dance), Painki, and Chhau.[14] - [Jhumair](/source/Jhumair): Being a popular folk dance in Jharkhand, it is performed during harvest and festival season in which people hold hands and dance in circles. It is folk dance of [Sadan](/source/Sadan_people), native Indo-Aryan ethnic groups of Jharkhand. The musical instruments used in this festival include Mandar, Dhol, Bansi, Nagara, Dhak, Shehnai, and Khartal. There are varieties to this dance, such as Khortha Jhumair, Nagpuri Jhumair, and Kurmali Jhumair. The Nagpuri version also have [Mardani Jhumar](/source/Mardani_Jhumar) and [Janani Jhumar](/source/Janani_Jhumar) as varieties. - [Domkach](/source/Domkach): A [Nagpuri](/source/Nagpuri_people) folk dance performed by the family of the bridegroom on the occasion of marriage. The theme of the songs carried in this dance is satirical. Some of the many songs played are *ek haria, dohri, adh ratia, bihanwa*. - [Paiki](/source/Paiki): Also known as Paika is a [nagpuri](/source/Nagpuri_culture) martial dance performed by men wearing [ghungroos](/source/Ghungroo). The dance is composed of sword and shield carrying accompanied by music played on the Nagara, Dhak, and Shehnai. - [Chhau dance](/source/Chhau_dance): A semi-classical dance with martial, tribal, and folk traditions. Seraikella Chhau is found in Seraikella district of Jharkhand. - Mundari dance: A dance performed by the [Munda tribe](/source/Munda_people#Culture_and_tradition) during harvest and festival season. - Santali dance: A dance performed by the [Santal tribe](/source/Santal_people) during harvest and festival season. Musical instruments used include [Mandar](/source/Madal), [Dholki](/source/Dhol), [Bansi](/source/Bansuri), [Nagara](/source/Naqareh), [Dhak](/source/Dhak_(instrument)), [Shehnai](/source/Shehnai), [Khartal](/source/Khartal), and Narsinga, among others.[15] ## Paintings [Sohrai painting](/source/Sohrai_and_Khovar_painting) is performed during the [Sohrai](/source/Sohrai) festival. Various designs are painted in courtyards and on walls.[13] ## Tattoo The local tattoo tradition of [Godna](/source/Godna) is an essential part of local tradition.[13] ## Cinema Main article: [Cinema of Jharkhand](/source/Cinema_of_Jharkhand) Jharkhand produces many films in regional languages, including [Nagpuri](/source/Nagpuri_cinema), [Khortha](/source/Khortha_cinema), [Santali](/source/Santali_cinema), [Ho](/source/Ho_language), and [Kurukh](/source/Kurukh_language).[16] The first feature film of Jharkhand was *Aakarant*, made under the banner of Drishyantar International in 1988. The first Nagpuri film was *Sona Kar Nagpur* (1994), produced and directed by Dhananjay Nath Tiwari.[17][18][19][20] ## References 1. ["Culture of Jharkhand, Languages in Jharkhand, Arts and Crafts"](http://www.jharkhandonline.in/about/profile/culture) 1. Paudyal, Netra P. & Peterson, John (2020-09-01). "How one language became four: the impact of different contact-scenarios between "Sadani" and the tribal languages of Jharkhand". *Journal of South Asian Languages and Linguistics*. **7** (2): 275–306. [doi:10.1515/jsall-2021-2028](https://doi.org/10.1515/jsall-2021-2028). [ISSN 2196-078X](https://www.worldcat.org/issn/2196-078X) 1. ["Jharkhand gives second language status to Magahi, Angika, Bhojpuri and Maithili"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190328090028/https://www.avenuemail.in/ranchi/jharkhand-gives-second-language-status-to-magahi-angika-bhojpuri-and-maithili/118291/). *avenuemail*. 11 March 2018. Archived from [the original](https://www.avenuemail.in/ranchi/jharkhand-gives-second-language-status-to-magahi-angika-bhojpuri-and-maithili/118291/) on 28 March 2019. Retrieved 29 August 2022. 1. ["10 Dishes of Cuisine of Jharkhand you must try at least once in Life"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170203080725/https://greatindianfood.in/10-dishes-cuisine-jharkhand-must-try-least-life/). *Great Indian Food*. 30 September 2016. Archived from [the original](https://greatindianfood.in/10-dishes-cuisine-jharkhand-must-try-least-life/) on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2017. 1. ["::Jharkhand Tourism::Cusines"](http://www.jharkhandtourism.in/artculture/cuisines.htm). *www.jharkhandtourism.in*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170226222111/http://jharkhandtourism.in/artculture/cuisines.htm) 2017-02-26 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2 November 2018. 1. Mukherjee, Subhadip (15 April 2016). ["Tribal Food of Chota Nagpur"](https://indianvagabond.com/2016/04/15/tribal-food-of-chota-nagpur/). *Indian Vagabond* 1. ["Hadia is a popular beverage of Jharkhand | Rice Knowledge Management Portal – Rice, Paddy, Dhan, Chawal, Rice Research Domain, Rice Extension Domain, Rice Farmers Domain, Rice General Domain, Rice Service Domain, RKMP, Rice in India, Rice Government Schemes, Rice ITKs, Rice FLDs, Rice Package of Practices"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170203162516/http://www.rkmp.co.in/general-domain/rice-facts/hadia-is-a-popular-beverage-of-jharkhand). *www.rkmp.co.in*. Archived from [the original](http://www.rkmp.co.in/general-domain/rice-facts/hadia-is-a-popular-beverage-of-jharkhand) on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2017. 1. ["The Telegraph – Calcutta : Jharkhand"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170203161946/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1040303/asp/jharkhand/story_2832423.asp). *www.telegraphindia.com*. Archived from [the original](https://www.telegraphindia.com/1040303/asp/jharkhand/story_2832423.asp) on 3 February 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2017. 1. ["High time to make most of mahua – Times of India"](http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/High-time-to-make-most-of-mahua/articleshow/19687715.cms). *The Times of India*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170209082700/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ranchi/High-time-to-make-most-of-mahua/articleshow/19687715.cms) 2017-02-09 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2 February 2017. 1. ["Bihar and Jharkhand's Chhath Puja: Honoring the Sun God – The Cultural Heritage of India"](https://cultureandheritage.org/2023/06/chhath-puja-of-bihar-jharkhand.html). Retrieved 2024-11-20. 1. ["{title}"](https://indroyc.com/2012/09/26/karma/). 26 September 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160327154052/http://indroyc.com/2012/09/26/karma/) 2016-03-27 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2018-11-02. 1. ["{Sohrai: An Adivasi festival that celebrates oneness with nature and coexistence with cattle}"](https://www.forwardpress.in/2025/11/sohrai-an-adivasi-festival-that-celebrates-oneness-with-nature-and-coexistence-with-cattle/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181030093959/http://www.jharkhandonline.in/about/profile/culture/festivals) 2018-10-30 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2018-11-02. 1. Khanna, Dr. C. L. (September 2010). [*{title}*](https://books.google.com/books?id=7PWhBQAAQBAJ&q=Jharkhand+General+Knowledge+festivals&pg=PA53). Upkar Prakashan. ISBN 9788174822468. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181014092915/https://books.google.com/books?id=7PWhBQAAQBAJ&pg=PA53&lpg=PA53&dq=Jharkhand+General+Knowledge+festivals&source=bl&ots=QEjeHPFVq_&sig=lw3_zIeAVXGUQnFqY-f6t6sTuOY&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjkjp2O94TeAhUPX30KHep1BDU4ChDoATAKegQIBRAB#v=onepage&q=Jharkhand%20General%20Knowledge%20festivals&f=false) 2018-10-14 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2018-11-02. 1. ["Welcome :: Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation Ltd"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180805212613/http://jharkhandtourism.gov.in/content/explore/art). Archived from [the original](http://jharkhandtourism.gov.in/content/explore/art) on 2018-08-05. Retrieved 2018-11-02. 1. ["Jharkhand's art and culture is going through a period of crisis and transition: Art critic Manoj Kapardar"](https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/jharkhand/bokaro/art-culture-of-jharkhand-is-going-through-crisis-and-transition-art-critic-manoj-kumar-kapardar-mtj) 1. ["{title}"](http://www.newindianexpress.com/pti-news/2017/nov/03/jharkhand-govt-gives-approval-for-production-of-20-films-1690803.html). 3 November 2017. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181014165012/http://www.newindianexpress.com/pti-news/2017/nov/03/jharkhand-govt-gives-approval-for-production-of-20-films-1690803.html) 2018-10-14 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2018-11-02. 1. 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[21] --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Culture of Jharkhand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Jharkhand) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Jharkhand?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.