Kajari (Bhojpuri: 𑂍𑂔𑂩𑂲) also spelled Kajri is a traditional folk song and dance form originating from the Bhojpuri region of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India. It is a semi-classical music genre within the broader tradition of Hindustani classical music, typically performed during the monsoon season (late June to September), when the lush greenery reappears and agricultural activities resume. The term Kajari is derived from the word kaajar (or kohl), symbolizing the dark, rain-laden clouds that characterize the monsoon, often associated with beauty and longing in the songs' imagery. Kajari is predominantly performed in eastern Uttar Pradesh, particularly in districts like Mirzapur, Varanasi, and Chandauli, as well as parts of western Bihar, and extends to nearby Awadhi-speaking regions.

Kajari has deep roots in the folk traditions of the Bhojpuri and Awadhi-speaking communities, emerging as a cultural expression tied to the agrarian lifestyle of the region. Its origins are believed to trace back to the oral traditions of rural Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where it was sung by women during the monsoon season to express emotions tied to love, separation, and the beauty of nature. The genre gained prominence through its integration into the Benares gharana, a distinguished school of Hindustani classical music, where it was refined into a semi-classical form by legendary performers such as Rasoolan Bai, Siddheshwari Devi, and Girija Devi. These artists elevated Kajari from a purely folk tradition to a recognized genre within the semi-classical repertoire, blending intricate ragas and talas with its rustic lyrical essence.

Kajari songs are characterized by their emotive and lyrical content, often centered around themes of love, longing, and separation, particularly the yearning of women for their beloved, who may be far away (referred to as Pardeshi Sainya or "lover in a foreign land"). The monsoon season, with its dark clouds and heavy rains, serves as a metaphor for the emotional turmoil and longing expressed in these songs. The imagery frequently includes references to nature, such as the crow (kaga), which acts as a messenger carrying the singer's feelings to their distant lover. Musically, Kajari is set in ragas suited to the monsoon, such as Raga Megh, Raga Des, or Raga Malhar, and is often accompanied by instruments like the harmonium, tabla, and sitar.

The dance form associated with Kajari is less formalized than classical Indian dance styles like Kathak or Bharatanatyam but is an integral part of its performance in rural settings. It involves graceful movements and gestures that reflect the themes of the songs, often performed in groups during village gatherings or festivals.

Below is an example of traditional Kajari lyrics in Bhojpuri, reflecting the themes of longing and the monsoon, followed by an English translation:

``` Kari badariya barse re, sainya pardes gaye Kaga le ja sandeswa, hamri atariya aaye Sawan ke jhula jhule, dilwa mora roye Piya bina jiyara jare, kaise saawan soye ```

``` The dark clouds rain, my beloved has gone to a foreign land Oh crow, carry my message, come to my balcony The swings of Sawan sway, but my heart weeps Without my beloved, my soul burns, how can I sleep this monsoon? ```

These lyrics exemplify the emotional depth of Kajari, with the monsoon imagery and the crow as a messenger, a common motif in the genre.