folk dances of india
India is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, deeply rooted in traditions spanning from ancient civilizations to contemporary communities. Dance, an integral aspect of life, has evolved into various forms, broadly classified into classical and non-classical styles. For candidates preparing for competitive exams, it is important to understand these nuances, especially because solid GK often holds the importance for scoring high marks.
Indian folk and tribal dances, characterized by simplicity, serve as expressions of joy at seasonal changes, births, weddings and festive occasions. These art forms, collectively belonging to specific groups or regions, comprise a shared heritage. Although the origins may be lost to history, specific styles persist across generations.
Questions related to Indian folk dances frequently appear in examinations, providing an opportunity to candidates to increase their marks. By referring to the table given below, learners can explore and become familiar with the various dance forms associated with different states.
Folk Dances of India – State wise list (Folk Dances list in Hindi)
| State | Folk dance |
| Maharashtra | Koli, Gafa, Gauricha, Tamasha, Dahikala, Pobada, Bohda, Mauni, Lalita, Lavani, Lejam |
| Gujarat | Dandiya, Garba, Gardandi, Rasila, Raasleela |
| Rajasthan | Ghoomar, Kalbelia dance, Terhtali, Chari dance, Puppet dance, Suisini, Chakri dance |
| Chhattisgarh | Karma, Raut dance, Gedi, Panthi dance, Sua dance, Danda dance, Kaksar dance, Domkach dance, Sarhul dance, Parghoni dance, Hulki dance, Bilma dance, Parghoni dance, Phag dance, Hulki dance, Dussehra dance, Pandwani dance. |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Mandjas, Rauf, Hikat |
| Punjab | Bhangra, Giddha |
| Uttar Pradesh | Kajri, Chachari, Jangar, Jaita, Dhola, Nautanki, Raasleela, Song |
| Madhya Pradesh | Gonyo, Goundo, Chait, Chheria, Tapali, Dagla, Diwari, Narbani, Pali, Bilma, Bhagoria, Mandri, Reena, Sigamdiyan, Sua, Hulko, Hemdanna. |
| Meghalaya | Bangla |
| Andhra Pradesh | Kummi, Ghantamardala, Batakramma, Madhuri, Mardala, Siddhi, Bhadrakala, Kaliyattam. |
| tamil nadu | Kadhagam, Kavadi, Kolattam, Pinnal Kolattam |
| Kerala | Thiruvathirakali, Kathakali |
| Bihar | Karma, Ghumkadiya, Kirtaniya, Chakwa, Chhau, Jat-Jatni, Jadoor, Jatra, Jaya, Jhika, Danga, Panwariya, Barbo-Barwahan, Baima, Magha, Madhi, Mujhri, Mooka, Vidapat, Videshiya Sohrai. |
| West Bengal | Kathi, Kirtan, Gambhira, Jatra, Dhali, Baul, Marasia, Ramvesh |
| Arunachal Pradesh | mask dance, war dance |
| Assam | Ankiyanat, Kaligopal, Jhumura, Tabal Chaugambi, Natpuja, Bichua, Bihu dance, Bugurumba, Boisaju, Maharas, Hobjanai. |
| Orissa | Garuda Vahan, Ghumra, Changunaat, Jadoor Mudari, Paika, Communication, Ride |
| Goa | Khol, Jhagor, Deccani |
| Manipur | Talam, Thangata, Nataras, Pungcholon, Basantaras, Rakhal |
| Nagaland | Kuminaga, Khiva, Chong, Nooralim |
| Mizoram | Cherokan, Pakhupila |
| Lakshadweep | Prichkali |
| Haryana | Song, Dhamaal, Lur, Phag, Daf(Duff) |
| Jharkhand | Jhumair, Damkach, Karma, Chhau dance, Alkaap |
| Uttarakhand | Pandava Dance, Chholiya Dance, Jhoda-Chanchri, Hudka Bowl |
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Folk dance of Uttar Pradesh (Uttar Pradesh Folk Dance,
Nautanki dance – Nautanki dance is presented through verses, couplets, Hari Geetika, Qawwali, Ghazal etc. It includes many genres like singing, acting, dancing etc. This is a very interesting dance. Nautanki folk dance performed in Uttar Pradesh, India is famous since ancient times. There are many elements involved in drama such as humor, heroism etc. The story presented in Nautanki can also be based on someone’s life. Its duration is very short and it involves singing and dancing. Many instrumental dances are also used in Nautanki.
Folk dance of Bihar (Bihar folk dance,
foreigners – The foreign dance performed in Bihar is Bhojpuri language dance. Foreign dance is more famous in rural areas of Bihar. This dance is full of entertainment. Along with this, the message of ending the evils related to the society is also given.
Folk Dance of Rajasthan
Kalbelia dance – This is a state full of art and culture. There is a tribe named Kalbelia here, the dance performed by them is called Kalbelia dance.
Ghumar – Ghumar dance is a major dance performed in every festival, festival and celebration in Rajasthan. It is done by women only. The long ghagras worn by women are the special attraction of this dance.
Terhtali dance – This dance is performed by women and hymns are sung by men. In this dance, women tie manjiros on their bodies and play them with the rhythm of the song.
Bhavai dance – Bhavai dance performed in Udaipur region of Rajasthan is very popular. In this dance, pots are danced on the head. The number of these pots can be 8 to 10. The specialty of this dance is that while dancing, the dancer dances while standing on the edge of a glass or plate or on a sword.
Folk dance of Kerala (Kerala folk dance,
Mohiniyattam – This dance is based on classical tradition only. This dance is as captivating as its name suggests. In this dance, the expressions of eyes, hands and face are very important. In this, the dancer wears Kerala’s special white colored saree with golden brocade. This dance is basically based on Hindu mythology.
Kathakali – In Kathakali, a dance drama i.e. the description of a story is presented. In this, characters from various Puranas like Mahabharata or Ramayana etc. are adapted. The costumes of this dance are very beautiful and attractive. In this, special clothes and ornaments like crown on the head etc. are used. Hand postures and facial expressions have special importance in this dance.
folk dance of madhya pradesh (Madhya Pradesh Folk Dance)
Pandavani Pandwani dance is performed in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. It is a solo folk dance. In this, singing and dancing are done by the same person. In this, events mainly based on Pandavas are depicted.
Gangaur dance- Gangaur is the most popular dance of the region in Nimar, Madhya Pradesh. Gangaur dance is performed during Navratri of Chaitra month. This festival is for the worship of Mother Gauri and Shiva. In this, the dance is performed with the chariot placed on the head.
Folk dance of Assam (Assam Folk Dance,
Bihu – Bihu is a folk dance of Assam state of India. Bihu dance is performed by the Kachari tribe of Assam. Bihu dance is performed only during the harvesting of crops. This dance is celebrated three times a year. The costumes of Bihu dance are very simple, while performing it traditional clothes like dhoti, gamchha etc. are worn.
Folk dance of Gujarat (Gujarati Folk Dance
Garba – Garba is a folk dance of Gujarat, but it is performed in many parts of India, it is performed on the occasion of Navratri. Mother Durga is worshiped through Garba dance. Garba dance is performed all over India during Navratri.
Folk dance of Karnataka (Karnataka folk dance,
Yakshagana – Yakshagana is a traditional dance drama. Which is done in Karnataka state. This dance is performed especially in the paddy fields at night. In which aspects related to war are shown.
Folk dance of Punjab (Punjab folk dance,
Bhangra – Mainly this folk dance is performed by men, in Punjab it is performed on festivals and celebrations.
Giddha – Another folk dance is famous in Punjab itself, whose name is Gidda. This dance is performed by women wearing traditional Punjabi clothes.
Folk dance of Maharashtra (Maharashtra folk dance,
Tamasha – This is a drama dance performed in Maharashtra. In most of the folk dramas, men play the lead roles but in Tamasha, only women play the main roles. This is a very successful folk dance. In this, instruments like harmonium, ghunghroo, manjira, etc. are used. The show is often presented by the Kolhati community.
Lavani – Lavani is the most popular dance of Maharashtra. The popularity of Lavani dance can be gauged from the fact that Lavani dance is also used in films. This dance is performed in special traditional attire, in which the dancer wears a 9 meter saree. In Lavani dance, there is a combination of both spirituality and makeup.
Folk dance of Jammu and Kashmir (Jammu and Kashmir folk dance,
Rauf dance – This dance, popular in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is especially performed on the occasion of harvest. This dance is mainly performed by women.
Folk dance of Chhattisgarh (Chhattisgarh folk dance,
Panthi dance – Panthi dance is named after the sect of Guru Ghasidas, the great saint of Chhattisgarh. Mainly based on Nirguna Bhakti, this folk dance is performed by the Satnami community of Chhattisgarh. In this dance, the dancers wear white dhoti and dance to the sound of cymbals and mridang. Amazing feats are also shown during this dance. This dance is based on spiritual feelings.
Dance of Andhra Pradesh (Andhra Pradesh folk dance,
Kuchipudi – This dance is named after Kuchipudi, a village in Andhra Pradesh. This dance is famous all over South India. Kuchipudi dance is performed in a traditional manner. Before the dance, worship is done on the stage. In this dance, instruments like Mridang, violin etc. are used along with Carnatic music. Special jewelery and clothes are worn in this.
Folk dance of Uttarakhand (Uttarakhand folk dance,
Chholiya dance – The most famous folk dance performed in Uttarakhand is Chholiya. It is believed that the history of Chaulia folk dance of Uttarakhand is many decades old. This dance has been prevalent in Uttarakhand since the time when marriages used to take place at the point of the sword. Chaulia dance is performed on the occasion of marriage. When the wedding procession takes place, some men in the wedding procession, wearing traditional costumes, perform this dance and similarly proceed to the bride’s house.
Folk dance of West Bengal (West Bengal folk dance,
Chhau dance – Chhau dance song of West Bengal is full of music. This is a dance with a very powerful image. Chhau dance is performed in West Bengal as well as Orissa and Bihar. In these regions, this dance is performed on many occasions, like Surya Puja etc. In this dance the events of Ramayana and Mahabharata etc. are described. Masks are the special attraction of this dance.
Jatra – Jatra is a folk dance involving dramatic acting. In which along with acting, there are songs, music, debates etc. The history of Jatra in West Bengal is very old.
Folk dance of Himachal Pradesh (Himachal Pradesh folk dance,
Plate – Folk dances have special importance in Himachal. Various folk dances are performed here on many occasions like festivals, weddings etc. In thali dance, dancers and singers sit in a round circle, in this the dancers perform one by one. In this dance the dancer moves his body in a special way. To make thali dance more attractive, the dancers also dance with a pot filled with water on their head.
Folk dance of Orissa (Odisha folk dance,
odyssey – It is believed that Odissi dance originated from the dance of Devdasis dancing in temples. In Odissi dance, mainly the stories of the incarnations of Lord Krishna and Vishnu are told and Description of Lord Jagannath is also done. Many archaeological evidences of Odissi dance are also found. This is a very ancient art. Hand gestures play a very important role in Odissi dance.
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