About the Tradition
Jat-Jatin is one of the most famous folk dances of Bihar, performed primarily in the Mithila and Koshi regions. It is danced by women during the monsoon months (typically under the moonlit sky in Shravan and Bhadrapada) to pray for rains and ward off evil. Theme and Story: The dance depicts the love, quarrels, separation, and eventual reunion of Jat and Jatin, a legendary couple. The performance acts out various domestic issues, humorous arguments between husband and wife, and social commentaries. Performance Style: - Participants: Usually performed by a group of young women, with two dancers taking the roles of Jat (husband) and Jatin (wife) wearing traditional costumes. - Music: The dancers sing rhythmic folk songs as they dance. The step patterns are energetic, involving graceful footwork and expressive hand gestures that match the playful nature of the lyrics.