Sohar

Sohar in Bihar is an extremely popular folk form. Like all forms of folk music in Bihar, this form is integrally connected with a very significant event of social life – the birth of a child in the family. The folk songs of Bihar were seldom created for the sake of artistic expression by itself. Almost all folk forms have some kind of a social relevance connected to it. As such, they continue to be integrally connected to the lives of the people who participate in the performances and those who arrange for them and listen to them. Bihar's Sohar is also popular in the neighboring state of Jharkhand where they are sung much for the same purpose.

The birth of a child is considered auspicious and various rituals are observed to commemorate the event. Sohar is an integral part of these celebrations. The language employed in Sohar of Bihar is Magadhi and the themes are reminiscent of the social life of the women in general and also portends great future for the child. The newborn is blessed by the women and sometime the dances accompany the songs.

The entire feel is extremely homely and calm. Sohar at Bihar forms an important part of the cultural life of the state. It is performed by a group of women, usually in the form of a chorus with probably one woman to lead the group. Sohar is extremely soothing and is particularly noted for the continuous lilt produced by the singer. The song, resembling somewhat a lullaby, is sung by women to the accompaniment of traditional instruments like a harmonium, a tabla and may be some other instruments of folk origin. The songs have a typical rural feel about them.