Dhanbad a highly industrialized region of Jharkhand and famous for coal mines is known across the world. Besides having abundance of coal, this city is rich in culture as well. Dhanbad is melting pot of various cultures as this city is home to people of different religions, social backgrounds and cultural values across the country.
Thus, culture of this city is perfect blend of various cultures of India and influence of this amazing diversity makes this city rich in traditional and cultural values. In fact, one can say that Dhanbad is perfect example of 'Unity in Diversity'.


Rapid development and urbanization in Dhanbad city has changed it a lot but traditions and cultural values are still alive in the hearts of people. It can be seen in almost everything of this city be it food, art, festival or language.
In fact, despite of modernization, Hindi is the main language of this district and other popular languages are also local and tribal languages. People believe in traditional customs and rituals. A lovely combination of various languages, communities, religions and customs can be easily seen in culture of this industrial city.
Religions in Dhanbad
Dhanbad is home to people belonging to different religions including Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and Buddhists etc. People from different communities reside here. Most of the residents of Dhanbad are Bengalis and Biharis and rest of the people usually belong to Punjabi, Rajasthani, Gujarati, Tamil, Malayali, Telugu and other local communities. Many communities are residing in Dhanbad from long time and have become permanent residents of Dhanbad city. Some local tribes also reside in and around the district. Thus, Dhanbad boasts of having classic mix of different religions and communities.
Folk Songs and Dances of Dhanbad
Folk music and dance both are an integral part of culture of this region. Jhumar, Phaguwa, Udasi, Daidhara, Adhratiya, Pratkali, Vinsariya are some of the popular folk music of this region. Folk songs are usually sung with traditional musical instruments like Bansuri, Sahnai, Singa and Arbansi. Famous forms of folk dance in this region are Chhau, Karma, Ghatwari, Santhal, Natua, Nachni, Agni and Choukara etc.

Festivals in Dhanbad
Dhanbad is a place where people belonging to different sects and belief reside in harmony. Culture of Dhanbad shows varieties and same thing relates to the festivals of this city which are celebrated by all communities with pomp and gaiety. Lots of festivals are celebrated in Dhanbad. Most popular festivals of Dhanbad are Holi, Diwali, Chhath, Durga Puja, Saraswati Puja, Charak Puja, Sarhul, Karma, Guru Purnima, Vishwakarma Puja, Eid, Moharram, Christmas and the list goes on. Another famous religious event in the city is ‘Car Festival’ and ‘Rath Yatra’ which is organized at Jagannath Temple every year.
Art and Craft of Dhanbad

Paitkar paintings are folk paintings of this region which are unique for being one of the earliest tribal paintings in India. Folk artists are expert in making Paitkar paintings which are also known as Scroll Paintings due to their scrolling look which depicts life after death. But, due to improper promotion and lack of recognition these paintings are facing threat of extinction. Bamboo craft is also popular in Dhanbad as people of this region make various items from thin and strong bamboo like basket, containers, fishing gears, hunting equipments and other home decor items.
Languages in Dhanbad
Variety of languages are spoken in the Coal Capital of India Dhanbad. Hindi is the dominant language of the region. Others include Bengali, Santhali, Khortha, Maithili, Bhojpuri and Magahi. Other less popular languages are Urdu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi and Telugu. English is not so much popular as it is usually used in business and tourist communication. Kurukh and Ho are some of the tribal languages spoken in this city of Jharkhand.
Languages in Dhanbad
Variety of languages are spoken in the Coal Capital of India Dhanbad. Hindi is the dominant language of the region. Others include Bengali, Santhali, Khortha, Maithili, Bhojpuri and Magahi. Other less popular languages are Urdu, Tamil, Gujarati, Punjabi and Telugu. English is not so much popular as it is usually used in business and tourist communication. Kurukh and Ho are some of the tribal languages spoken in this city of Jharkhand. Cuisines of Dhanbad
Food of Dhanbad is also influenced with blend of different cultural backgrounds. Thus, one can taste food of different regions here. Traditional food of Dhanbad is rich in taste and aroma too. Litti and Chokha is most popular food item of Dhanbad which is traditional food of entire Jharkhand state. It not only tastes yummy but is easily digestible too and the credit should go to native folks of this region for maintaining such food habits. Rice is main crop of this district and mostly used in preparing different cuisines.

Rice, Lentils, Chapattis and sweets are cooked as main food in this district. Rugda is famous delicacy of Dhanbad famous for its mouthwatering taste. Aloo Chokha, Dhuska, Pittha, Mitha Khaja, Thekua, Pua and Til Barfi are also popular traditional cuisines of Dhanbad. Earlier, this region was under reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar and thus, slight influence of Robust Mughals is still visible on food culture of Dhanbad. Non-Vegetarian dishes are usually cooked in Mughlai style that is also popular in Dhanbad.
Costume in Dhanbad
Generally, women in Dhanbad wear Saree and Blouse. These sarees are made of various fabrics having beautiful tribal prints which consist of tribal dances, art, culture and festivals. Tussar silk is very popular in this region as Jharkhand is famous for its Tussar silk made sarees. Apart from that Salwar Kameez is also popular among women of Dhanbad. Women usually put on gold and silver jewelry. Sometimes, pearls and beads are also used in ornaments to make it much more fascinating and unique.
Men put on Shirts and Trousers as well as Kurta with Pyjama or Dhoti in general. With the passage of time, this city has developed and women are trying western outfits too but still they love to follow their traditional roots. Well, men are also experimenting with their costumes following new fashion trends. Men and women both love to wear perfume especially made out of natural flowers or leaves having natural aroma.
Men put on Shirts and Trousers as well as Kurta with Pyjama or Dhoti in general. With the passage of time, this city has developed and women are trying western outfits too but still they love to follow their traditional roots. Well, men are also experimenting with their costumes following new fashion trends. Men and women both love to wear perfume especially made out of natural flowers or leaves having natural aroma.