Dance
Jhijhiya: The Dance of Faith and Protection
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Jhijhiya is a ritualistic folk dance of the Mithila region, performed during the Navratri festival. It is a unique expression of devotion to Goddess Durga and a symbolic plea for the protection of the community from evil spirits and the 'evil eye'.
The Rituals
Women balance earthen pots (ghailas) on their heads. These pots have numerous holes and a lit lamp (diya) inside. The dancers move in a circle, singing songs dedicated to Goddess Durga and 'Barham Baba'.
Cultural Significance
It is believed that if the number of holes in the pot remains uncounted by an evil spirit during the dance, the village remains safe from misfortune for the coming year.
Origin
Ancient Mithila ritual traditions
