Jhinjhiya is folk dance native to
Uttar Pradesh. It is performed exclusively by the women during the Hindu month of Ashwin (September-October). It celebrates the marriage of two legendary characters named Tesu and Jhinjhiya. This dance is similar to the famed Garba dance of
Gujarat.
The main object in the dance is the Jhinjhiya, which is a small clay jar containing a lamp inside it. This jar has numerous holes on its surface to let the light out. The main dancer balances the Jhinjhiya on her head and performs a series of dance movements. She is surrounded by other women who keep clapping to the music. The jar is passed on to other dancers, where each dancer takes turn for balancing it and dancing. The music is provided by a range of folk instruments, chief among them being the Dholak.
