Vishwa Bandhu Padma Shri 2026: Folk dance legend who revived Bihar's Domkach

New Delhi: Padma Shri 2026 was conferred upon legendary folk dancer and guru Vishwa Bandhu for his extraordinary contribution to Indian folk art. A native of Bihar’s Patna, he dedicated his life to reviving dance traditions that were slowly fading from public memory. Through relentless performances, teaching, and cultural activism, he ensured that rural rhythms found space on national stages.

His work stood as a bridge between village traditions and mainstream cultural platforms.

Vishwa Bandhu was not just a performer but a cultural force. He trained thousands of dancers, staged more than 6,000 performances across the country, and gave dignity to folk expressions rooted in everyday life. His efforts placed Bihar’s folk dance heritage firmly within India’s cultural narrative.

A life devoted to preserving Bihar’s folk soul Reviving a disappearing dance tradition

Vishwa Bandhu played a decisive role in bringing Domkach, a traditional folk dance of Bihar, Jharkhand, Mithila, and parts of Nepal, back into public consciousness. At a time when the form was losing relevance, he reintroduced it through structured performances, workshops, and stage adaptations, making it accessible to younger generations and urban audiences.

Deep association with IPTA

He remained closely linked with the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), especially its Bihar chapter.

Starting as a member of the IPTA ballet team, he later became a guiding force and long-time patron of Patna IPTA. His involvement helped folk dance evolve into a powerful medium of expression, social commentary, and cultural pride.

Founder of Surangan and mentor to thousands

Vishwa Bandhu later founded the cultural organisation Surangan, which became a platform for nurturing folk dancers across Bihar. Over nearly seven decades, he trained hundreds of artists and directed several dance dramas such as Tillottama, Hiran-Hirani, and Bihar Gaurav Gaan.

These productions blended folk movement with storytelling rooted in labour, agriculture, and festivals.

Understanding Domkach dance

Domkach is a collective dance traditionally performed during weddings, especially after the groom’s procession departs. Men and women dance in semi-circles or with linked arms, exchanging playful humour and satire through songs. Instruments like dholak, mandar, jhanj, and timki accompany the performance, turning it into a night-long celebration of community bonding and shared laughter.

Awards and final years

Apart from the Padma Shri, Vishwa Bandhu received the Bihar Government’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Tagore Akademi Award from the Sangeet Natak Akademi. He passed away on March 30, 2025, at the age of 95 in a Delhi hospital, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in Indian folk arts.

Vishwa Bandhu’s life proved that folk dance is not a relic of the past but a living expression of people’s lives. Through devotion, discipline, and belief, he ensured Bihar’s rhythms continue to echo across generations.