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Folk Dances of India, Check State Wise List Here

India is a land of rich and diverse cultures. Moving from North India to South India and West India to East India, India follows different cultures and languages. Among all Dance is the most prevalent. Dance is a significant part of this cultural expression, with numerous dance forms found across the country.

Folk Dances of India is a trending topic in almost every government exam. Candidates preparing for government jobs should not miss this topic, as 2-3 questions are often directly related to it, making it very important. Folk dances of India is a vast topic as it covers the regional dances of the country. In this article, we discuss the most frequently asked folk dances in recent exams and those predicted to appear in upcoming exams.

Folk Dances of India

Folk dances in India are dance forms specific to various communities and are typically performed during community celebrations such as births, festivals, weddings, and other special occasions. Each region has its own folk dance, which is characterized by vibrant energy and enthusiasm. Unlike performances by professional dancers, folk dances celebrate the traditions and way of life of common people. Each dance reflects the unique cultural identity and history of the region or community it originates from.

Article

State Wise Folk Dances

State Folk Dances
 

 

 

Andhra Pradesh

  • Kuchipudi
  • Dappu
  • Dhimsa
  • Kolattam
  • Vilasini Natyam
  • Andhra Natyam
  • Bhamakalpam
  • Veeranatyam
  • Dappu
  • Tappeta Gullu
  • Lambadi, Dhimsa
  • Kolattam
  • Butta Bommalu.
 

 

 

Assam

  • Bihu
  • Gamocha
  • Tabal Chongli
  • Natpuja
  • Bichhua
  • Natpuja
  • Maharas
  • Kaligopal
  • Bagurumba
  • Naga dance
  • Khel Gopal
  • Tabal Chongli
  • Canoe
  • Jhumura Hobjanai
 

Bihar

  • Jata-Jatin
  • Bakho-Bakhain
  • Panwariya
  • Sama Chakwa
  • Bidesia
 

Gujarat

  • Garba
  • Dangi
  • Hallisaka
  • Gheriya Nritya
  • Dandia (On Navratri)
  • Rathwa ni Gher (On Holi by Rathwa Tribe)
  • Dandiya Ras
  • Tippani Juriun
  • Bhavai
 

 

Haryana

  • Jhumar
  • Phag
  • Daph
  • Dhamal
  • Loor (by Women)
  • Ratvai (By Mewati Tribes)
  • Gugga
  • Khor
  • Gagor
 

 

Himachal Pradesh

  • Jhora
  • Chharhi
  • Thoda (Sports Dance/ Martial Art form)
  • Chham (By Buddhist to ward off evil spirit)
  • Nati (  Guiness Book of World
  • Jhali
  • Chharhi
  • Dhaman
  • Chhapeli
  • Mahasu
  • Dangi
 

Jammu and Kashmir

  • Rauf
  • Dhumal
  • Hafiza
  • Bhand Pather
  • Hikat
  • Mandjas
  • Kud Dandi Nach
  • Damali
 

Karnataka

  • Yakshagana
  • Bolak-aat
  • Ummatt-aat
  • Dollu Kunitha
  • Hampi
  • Bayalata
  • Veeragase (During Dussehra),
  • Bhootada Kola (Walking on bed of hot coal)
  • Huttari
  • Suggi
  • Kunitha
  • Karga
  • Lambi
 

Kerala

  • Kathakali (Classical)
  • Kummattikali (Mask dance)
  • Ottam Thullal
  • Kolkali Padayani
  • Ottam Thulal
  • Mohiniattam
  • Kaikottikali
 

 

Maharashtra

  • Lavani
  • Povada
  • Dhangri Gaja
  • Lezim (During Ganesh Festival)
  • Nakata
  • Koli
  • Gafa
  • Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada
 

Odisha

  • Mayurbhanj Chhau (Martial Art form derived from Tribal
  • Savari
  • Ghumara
  • Painka
  • Munari
  • Chhau
  • Odissi (Classical)
  • Dalkhai
  • Sakhi Kandhei (Puppet Dance)
  • Paika
  • Gotipua
  • Tiger Nach (Bagh Nach on Chatra month)
  • Ranapa (Enacting Chapters from life of Lord Krishna)
 

 

West Bengal

  • Jatra
  • Baul
  • Marasia
  • Mahal
  • Kathi
  • Gambhira
  • Dhali
  • Dhali Jatra
  • Bhatiyali Geet
  • Gambira (Using Wooden Masks)
  • Alkam (Famous Dancing, Singing)
  • Keertan
Punjab  

  • Dhaman
  • Bhand
  • Naqual
  • Baga (Martial Dance)
  • Heer Geet
  • Tappa (Often shows soreness of a lover)
  • Viyahula Giddha (During Marriage)
  • Bhangra (Bhangra word derived from Hemp)
  • Daff
 

 

Rajasthan

  • Ghumar
  • Chakri
  • Bhavai
  • Jhulan
  • Gangaur
  • Terah Taali
  • Suisini
  • Kalbelia (UNESCO Recognised dance form)
  • Ghoomar (State Dance of Rajasthan)
  • Khayal (By Bhawai Tribe
  • Jhulan Leela
  • Jhuma
  • Suisini
  • Ghapal
  • Kalbeliya
 

Tamil Nadu

  • Bharatanatyam
  • Kummi
  • Karagam
  • Natyanjali (Tribute to Lord Shiva
  • Kolattam
  • Kavadi
 

Uttar Pradesh

  • Nautanki
  • Raslila
  • Kajri
  • Jhora
  • Chappeli
  • Jaita
 

Uttarakhand

  • Garhwali
  • Kumayuni
  • Kajari
  • Jhora
  • Raslila
  • Choliya (Martial art/ Sword Dance)
  • Hurka Baul
  • Chappeli
 

 

 

 

Goa

  • Tarangamel
  • Dhalo
  • Kunbi (Tribal Dance)
  • Dhangar (Shepherd Community during Navratri)
  • Koli
  • Dekhni
  • Fugdi
  • Shigmo
  • Ghode
  • Modni
  • Samayi nrutya
  • Jagar
  • Ranmale
  • Gonph,
  • Tonnya mell
 

 

 

Madhya Pradesh

  • Jawara
  • Matki
  •  Jawara (Celebrate Wealth),
  • Phulpati (By unmarried girls of Malwa Community)
  • Aada
  • Khada Nach
  • Phulpati
  • Grida Dance
  • Selalarki
  • Selabhadoni
  • Maanch
 

 

Chhattisgarh

  • Gaur Maria
  • Panthi
  • Gaur
  • Saila (By Boys after harvest Season)
  • Sua  (Tribal Dance Women dance like a Parrot)
  • Raut Nacha
  • Pandwani
  • Vedamati
  • Kapalik
  • Bharthari Charit
  • Chandaini
 

 

 

 

 

Jharkhand

  • Alkap
  • Karma Munda
  • Agni
  • Jhumar
  • Janani Jhumar
  • Mardana Jhumar
  • Paika
  • Karma (During Autumn Season)
  • Birhor (By Tribe Birhor)
  • Kadsa (Carrying Kalasha
  • Phagua
  • Hunta Dance
  • Mundari Dance
  • Sarhul
  • Barao
  • Jhitka
  • Danga
  • Domkach
  • Ghora Naach
 

 

Arunachal Pradesh

  • Buiya
  • Rikhampada
  • Ponu Yoksi
  • Bardo Chham
  • Ponung
  • Popir
  • Chalo
  • Wancho
  • Pasi Kongki
  • Ponung
  • Popir
  • Bardo Chham
 

 

 

Manipur

  • Dol Cholam
  • Thang Ta
  • Lai Haraoba
  • Pung Cholom
  • Khamba Thaibi
  • Nupa Dance
  • Raslila
  • Pong Cholom
  • Jagoi
  • Khubak Ishei
  • Lhou  Sha
 

Meghalaya

  • Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem
  • Laho
  • Nongkrem (By Khasi Tribes during Wangla Festival)
  • Chad Sukra (Celebrate as a sowing festival),
    Behdienkhlam
 

 

Mizoram

  • Cheraw Dance
  • Khuallam
  • Chailam
  • Sawlakin
  • Cheraw (Traditional Bamboo Dance)
  • Khullam (Performed by village Guests)
  • Chawnglaizawn
  • Zangtalam
  • Par Lam
  • Sarlamkai/Solakia
  • Tlanglam
 

 

Nagaland

  • Rangma
  • Bamboo Dance
  • Zeliang
  • Nsuirolians
  • Gethinglim
  • Temangnetin
  • Hetaleulee
  • Leshalaptu
  • Aaluyattu (By konyak tribe)
Tripura
  • Hojagiri
  • Maimata (By Kaloi Community)
 

 

 

Sikkim

  • Chu Faat Dance
  • Sikmari
  • Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion Dance
  • Yak Chaam
  • Denzong Gnenha
  • Tashi Yangku Dance
  • Khukuri Naach
  • Chutkey Naach
  • Maruni Dance
  • Chu Faat (By Lepcha Community, in honour of MountKhangchendzonga)
  • Maruni
  • Limbo or Subba (Chyap Brung music instrument is used)
  • Lama or Chham (Masked Dance by buddhist lamas
    during Pong Lhabsol Festival
Ladakh
  • Spao
 

Lakshadweep

  • Lava
  • Kolkali
  • Chakali
  • Parichakali

Folk Dances are an integral part of the Static GK Syllabus, the list provided incorporates all the dances important from the examination point of view, hope it helps you in better preparation. The only solution to learn them is reading them as much as possible.

Some important Folk Dances In India

Let’s get some information about some state-specific details of different folk dances.

Dumhal and Rouff of Jammu and Kashmir

  • Dumhal is performed by men of the Wattal tribe of Kashmir to celebrate special occasions.
  • It is performed wearing long vibrant-coloured robes, a conical cap studded with beads and shells.
  • The group of dancers moves in a procession, ceremoniously carrying a banner which is dug in the ground and the men dance around it in circles.
  • Rouff is a much loved customary dance of Kashmir performed by girls.
  • It involves simple footwork and is mostly performed on celebrated occasions such as Ramzan and Id.
  • Rouff has been an element of Kashmiri life since primaeval times, and it was a welcoming dance performed by women on the onset of spring season.

Bhangra of Punjab

  • One of the most popular dances, not just in the state of Punjab, but in the country as a whole. It was performed originally during the harvest season, wearing a traditional Punjabi dress and with instruments including a Dhol, Chimta, Algoza and others.
  • It is regarded as a popular music style in the country.
  • The dance form has a mix of many steps like dhamaal, jutti, fulka, sialkoti, dankare, jugni, mirzi, fumnian.
  • Other folk dance of Punjab like Jhummar and Sammi, are also included in Bhangra.

Raas Leela of Uttar Pradesh

  • It is popular in the region of Mathura and Vrindavan of Uttar Pradesh and is associated with the festival of Holi and Janmashtami.
  • It is a part of the mythological stories of Lord Krishna where he dances with Radha and sakhis.
  • It is regarded as the “dance of the divine love.”
  • The Indian classical dance Kathak evolved from Raas Leela of Braj and Manipuri classical dance.
  • Raas Leela has been a popular theme in many other classical dance forms.

Garba of Gujarat

  • Traditional Garba is performed around a clay lantern known as the Garba Deep or around the statue of Goddess Shakti.
  • Symbolically the Garba Deep represents a body within which the divine energy of the Goddess resides.
  • The dance is performed in groups to celebrate the nine days Hindu festival of Navratri.
  • It is performed in rings and concentric circles representing the cycle of birth and death in Hinduism, leaving only one constant which is the divinity of God symbolized by the idol of the Goddess or the Garba Deep.

Ghoomar of Rajasthan

  • Ghoomar was developed by the Bhil tribe and was later adopted by Rajasthani communities.
  • The beauty of this folk dance is in the swirling colourful robes of the women as the pirouetting displays the vibrant colors of the flowing ghagra (long heavily embroidered colourful skirt).

Bihu of Assam

  • Characterized by brisk steps and rapid hand movements, this is a folk dance performed by both men and women of Assam.
  • The musical instruments mostly used in the dance are Dhol (drum), Pepa (horn), Gagana (an instrument made of bamboo).
  • Usually, the ladies wear a mustard and red coloured saree while the men are dressed in a dhoti and a headband of red and mustard color.

Lavani of Maharashtra

  • Performed on the beats of the instrument Dholki, Lavani is characterized by powerful rhythms.
  • It contributes majorly to Marathi folk theatre.
  • It is performed by females dressed in a nine-yard-long saree on songs in a quick tempo.

Ghumura of Odisha

  • One of the most sought-after dances in Odisha, Ghumura is similar to a tribal dance, because of the dress that is worn while performing it.
  • Research suggests that it was regarded as a war dance in ancient India, and was performed by Ravana in the Ramayana.
  • Its roots in the Medieval period are confirmed by the fact that this dance is depicted in the Sun Temple, Konark.
  • The movements and expressions used in the dance make it a “heroic dance.”

Kathakali of Kerala

  • Katha means story and kali means play
  • Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world.
  • Originating more than 1500 years ago, this is a combination of dance, drama, music and ritual.
  • Noted for elaborate costumes, attractive make-up done on the characters, detailed gestures and well-defined body movements presented in tunes.

Yakshagana

Yakshagana is a traditional theater form originating from Karnataka, particularly from Gunavante village in Honnavar taluka.

  • It’s a lively performance combining music, dance, dialogue, and elaborate costumes, similar to Broadway or opera. Families in villages have passed down this art for generations.
  • Yakshagana, rooted in Sanskrit literature, emerged between the 11th and 16th centuries in coastal Karnataka and parts of Kerala.
  • It began as a temple tradition and evolved into a full-fledged theatre form, drawing stories from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • Yakshagana costumes are vibrant, featuring headgear, chest decorations, shoulder ornaments, and belts made from light wood covered in golden foil, adorned with mirrors and colorful stones.

Article

Folk Dances of India, Check State Wise List Here_3.1

FAQs

What are the most asked folk dances?

Folk dances from the states of Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and north eastern states are asked frequently in exams.

What is Kashmiri folk dance called?

Bacha Nagma is one of the major folk dance forms found in the Kashmir valley. It is also referred to as Bacha Gyavaun in certain parts of Kashmir.

What is folk dance of Haryana?

A distinctive traditional folk dance of Haryana, the Ghoomar dance is popular in the western parts of the state.

What is folk dance of Gujarat?

The dance form of Dandiya, also known as the stick dance, is one of Gujarat's most popular folk dances. Another most famous folk dance of Gujarat is Garba.

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