Bidesia is the most popular folk dance of Bihar people. The dance is said to have originated in the 20th century. It is a folk theatre form that is prevalent in the Bhojpuri-speaking regions of Bihar. Bhikari Thakur is believed to be the father of this dance style. He raised conflicting issues prevailing in society. Conflicting trends between rich and poor, upper class and lower class, upper caste and lower caste, urban and poor dwellers etc were his themes. He used dance as a form to put his views onto ground and among people.
Biraha songs combined with dance become an effective medium. Bidesia is a dance version of Biraha songs. Biraha songs are portrayal of pain of the women who are left alone behind by their men, away from home. Males play the roles of female in Bidesiya dance and for the purpose; they wear artificial long hair and dhoti. Despite the fact that many new modes of entertainment has come up, Bidesia still has its charm amongst Biharis.