The folk dances of Bihar have three distinct streams. One of them is mainly rooted in the songs of poets; the second stream is those of the Adivasis which are closer to nature, social institutions and rituals. And lastly, the third stream relates to the other regions of south Bihar. Most of the folk dances are religious ones, in which, gods and goddesses are invoked through dance and performed to the rhythm of folk songs and music. Some of the prominent Folk dances of Bihar include the following:

Bidesia
Bidesia dance is a popular form of dance drama, which originated in the 20th century folk theatre and is prevalent in the Bhojpuri-speaking region of Bihar. Bhikhari Thakur is the creator of this dance form. Bidesia is actually a type of play which deals with the contradictory topics like tradition and modernity, the urban and the rural and the rich and the poor. This dance is used to execute the views of its creator. In bidesia the female parts are played by the male actor-dancers. The costume for this dance is dhoti and trouser. In case of female roles artificial long hair is used.

Jat-Jatin Dance
Jat-Jatin is the most popular folk dance of North Bihar, namely in Mithila and Koshi region, which is performed as a couple dance. This dance presents many socially concerned topics like poverty, love, sorrow, arguments etc. The original theme of this dance originated from the love story of Jat and Jatin.

Jumari Dance
The Jumari dance is one of the famous dances in Indian state of Bihar. Such dances are closely connected with the local culture & tradition. This dance has a similarity with the Garba dance of Gujrat. This dance form is specialized to the married women.

Jhijhian Dance
Jhijhian dance of Bihar is a famous folk dance. This dance is ritualistic in nature and a part of the ritual to appease the rain god Lord Indra, hoping to get a good rain for a year, for a resulting good quality harvest. In the harvesting season the men and women do their work in field along with this dance. The participants of the dance comprise a lead singer, harmonium player, a flute player, and a dholak player. This is woman only dance show.

Kajari Dance
The theme of this dance is to prise the rainy season. Not only is the change in the climate but also the mental refreshment and relaxation also described in this dance form. This performance is done at the beginning of the rainy season.

Paika Dance
The Paika Dance is a famous dance in Bihar. The basic objective of the dance performance was the development of physical excitement and courageous activities of the dancing warriors. This dance is performed with shield and sword.