Ghoda Nach is performed by a tribal community in Jharkhand

Ghoda Nach is a horse dance performed by a tribal community in Jharkhand at weddings, fairs and other events. Performers make a horse-shaped costume from soil, cloth and wheat straw, with bamboo support inside. They stand within the costume and tie themselves to it while dancing.

A community practitioner described the dance as an old tradition, but its exact age is uncertain. Local tradition associates it with welcoming kings returning from war. Performers now present it at public events to keep the dance known.

Notable Points

• Firkal dance: Firkal is a martial-art folk dance of the Bhumij community, performed in Potka block of East Singhbhum. Its listed implements include swords, bows, arrows and shields.
• Paiki dance: Paiki is a Nagpuri ceremonial martial dance performed by men with swords and shields. Its musical instruments include the Nagara, Dhak and Shehnai.
• Mundari and Kurukh dance terms: The Munda community uses durang and Susun for dance and song, respectively; Jadur and Jena are named Mundari dances. In Kurukh, dance is called dandi, and named forms include Jagra Matha, Jadur, Karam dandi, khaddi and dudhiya.