Jhinjhi and Hanna: Living symbols of cultural heritage of Rana Tharu society"**✍️ Naveen Singh Rana
Jhinjhi and Hanna: Living symbols of cultural heritage of Rana Tharu society"**
✍️ Naveen Singh Rana
Rana Tharu society has been deeply connected with nature since ancient times, and has made the worship of nature an integral part of its lifestyle through its traditions and cultural heritage. Among the various traditions of the society, rituals like Teej, Jhinjhi, Hanna, Naach, and Swang have special significance. Among these, Jhinjhi and Hanna, centuries-old traditions, give a unique identity to the Rana Tharu society. Both these traditions are a beautiful amalgamation of song and dance performed in the lap of nature.
The traditions of Jhinjhi and Hanna complement each other. Jhinjhi is a ritual sung and danced by sisters, daughters and newly married women of Tharu society, while Hanna is a dance of young brothers and men, which is performed at this time. This festival was celebrated in the month of Saavan and Bhadrapad when the corn was ready to ripen. The teams of Hanna and Jhinjhi would go to every house of the village and perform their dance and songs, and in return a maana (rice measuring vessel) of rice or corn was taken as donation. When their performance was over in the entire village, they were formally bid farewell.
young girls dancing the zhinzi fantasy picture
In the Jhinjhi tradition, the earthen pot is considered a symbol of Jhinjhi Maiya. To decorate this vessel, small holes are made in it with a tool called a burma and a lamp is lit inside with mustard oil. Sisters and brides, dressed in traditional costumes, dance with Jhinjhi Maiya on their heads, while their friends and other women of the family sing Jhinjhi songs. These songs are related to stories of nature, life and collective life of society, which are inspired by folk tales. When they go from house to house and dance, in return the people of that house donate food to them, which is offered to Jhinjhi Maiya.
Bhutte i.e. the time of ripening of the corn crop and an imaginary picture of the Jhinjhi tradition
Hanna, on the other hand, is a unique dance performed by young men. A Y-shaped wooden log is decorated, and a young man represents 'Hanna' by jumping out of it like a deer. Hanna dance partners spread happiness throughout the village by singing songs based on folklore. This dance comments on various aspects of society in a humorous manner, and is an attempt to cheer people up.
Many legends related to these traditions have been prevalent in the Rana society, in which it is believed that Jhinjhi Maiya goes from house to house spreading light, and in return the villagers offer her food and pray for their prosperity and peace. Similarly, in the Hanna dance, it is believed that Hanna will take our sorrows and pain with her. Some believe that in the past, the rainy season was a very difficult time, when there was a shortage of food in many houses, so instead of begging from the rich houses of the society, food was collected as donation through the traditions of Hanna and Jhinjhi.
These traditions have undergone many changes over time, and some legends have also disappeared with time. Nevertheless, these cultural heritages of the Rana Tharu society are still alive, and keep the society connected to its roots. These traditions not only symbolize the collective life and brotherhood of the society, but also express the unique relationship of the Tharu society with nature.
It is our responsibility to preserve these invaluable traditions and make the coming generations aware of their importance, so that our nature-worshipping society survives for ages with its heritage. Jhinjhi and Hanna remain the identity of Rana Tharu society, and this culture keeps alive its natural beauty, festivity and spirit of collectivism.
Note: The presented article has been written on the basis of information obtained from various sources, in which there may be some contradictions or some information is missing. We hope you will cooperate to improve it.)
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