Bettiah: Faruwahi folk dance, once a vibrant cultural marker of West Champaran and the Bhojpuri-speaking region in Bihar, is now struggling to survive. As changing lifestyles and modern entertainment reshape social life, artists, organisers, and elders fear that this centuries-old tradition may fade away.Faruwahi is a physically demanding dance in which the performer’s entire body moves rhythmically to the beats of traditional instruments such as the dholak, nagada, and cymbals. Its energy and intensity once captivated audiences.
Veteran folk artists recall a time when Faruwahi troupes were invited from one village to another, especially during weddings, where performances continued throughout the night, drawing enthusiastic crowds. However, shifting social habits and the dominance of modern entertainment have pushed this traditional art form to the margins.Dahadi Sah, a Faruwahi organiser from Khothawa village under Madhubani block of West Champaran, said that a decade ago, 20 to 22 Faruwahi teams operated in different areas of the district. “Today, barely three to four remain. When there were no orchestras and other entertainment options, we were in great demand. People even came for advance bookings. Now we get only five to six bookings a year. There are 10 members in our team, including singers, musicians, and dancers. We charge between Rs8,000 and Rs12,000,” he said.Shrikant, another member of a Faruwahi troupe, said that the growing influence of television, smartphones, cinema, and digital platforms has reduced people’s interest in folk performances. “Easily accessible modern entertainment has replaced traditional art forms, leading to declining respect and financial support for dances like Faruwahi. The condition of folk artists has worsened, forcing many to abandon the art. The younger generation shows little inclination to learn or promote it. Although new theatre groups have emerged in towns and cities, he said, they largely prioritise modern theatre over traditional folk arts,” he said.Pandit Bharat Upadhyay, a retired teacher, said Faruwahi is not merely a dance but the collective memory and identity of rural West Champaran. “Preserving this folk tradition will not only revive the livelihoods of artists but also reconnect future generations with their cultural roots. The responsibility now lies with both society and the govt to protect and promote this endangered art form so that the powerful rhythms of Faruwahi may once again echo through village nights,” he said.Upadhyay warned that without immediate and concrete efforts, Faruwahi will survive only in books and the memories of elderly artists. He stressed the need for govt intervention through financial assistance, establishment of training centres, and inclusion of folk arts in school and college curricula.
