List of Folk Dances of Different States in India

Important Folk Dances in India

The majority of Indian folk dances are made up of only a few simple moves. These are performed all over the world to mark the beginning of a new season, the birth of a child, marriages, festivals, and other social events. In some Indian folk dances, men and women dance separately, whereas in others, they dance together. Usually, the dancers will sing while being accompanied by musicians. Most traditional dancing costumes are exceedingly intricate. Although a few structured, ancient folk and tribal dances exist, many more are being developed.
Read About: Kuchipudi Dance

Important Folk Dances of India

• In Andhra Pradesh, the Sutradhari is the most significant figure and plays several roles in a Yakshagana. Harikatha originated from Yakshaganam, and the two are regarded interchangeable. Their dances are similar in that one person performs extracts from Palkuriki Somanatha, Srinatha, and other Palkuriki Somanathas.
• The folk dances of Assam are Bihu, Bagurumba, Bhortal dance, Goalini, Jhumur and Gumrag.
• Folk dances of Arunachal Pradesh include Aji Lamu, Chalo, Hiirii Khaniing, Lion and peacock dance, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Buiya, Wancho and Bardo Chham. These are also associated to different communities of the state.
• Bihar has several types of folk dances that are famous in different parts of the state. Bidesiya is a dance-drama about social issues and the fight between affluent and poor, traditional and modern. During a wedding ceremony, women conduct Domkach in the bridegroom’s home. During Holi, phagua is a dance as well as a type of folk song. The most prominent folk dance in North Bihar is Jaat-Jaatin, which is particularly popular in the Mithila and Koshi regions. During a drought, Jhijhiya is sung and danced as a petition to Indra for rain. Gujarat’s Garba is comparable to Jhumri. Kajri is a Bhojpuri-speaking region of Bihar. Painki is a flat-ground dance that emphasises the dancers’ weapon-handling skills. Women sing and dance Sohar to commemorate the birth of a child.
• Goa’s folk dances are Deknni, Dhalo, Fugdi, Khol, Mussoll and Samayi Nrutya.
• Raut Nacha is a traditional folk dance from Chhattisgarh that is performed as a form of worship by Yadavs, a caste who considers themselves to be Krishna’s descendants. It is similar to Krishna’s raslila and is performed during Dev Udhni Ekadashi.
• Nati is a traditional dance from the Himachal Pradesh districts of Sirmaur, Kullu, and Shimla. “The biggest number of persons attending and participating in a Nati dance instruction at a single venue,” according to Guinness World Records.
• Dances in Haryana Include, Ragini, Chaupaiya, Raslila, Kissa, Been, Dhamal dance, Ghoomar, Jhoomar and Loor dance.
• In Karnataka, Veeragase, Shravana and Karthika, Hulivesha, Yakshgana, Dollu Kunitha, Bharatnatyam, Lavani, Buta Kola are the folk dances.
• Alkap, Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan are the folk dances of West Bengal.
• Folk dances of Sikkim are Chu Faat, Yak Chaam Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi Yangku, Khukuri Naach, Chutkey Naach, Maruni Dance.
• Dandiya Raas is a Gujarati dance that is dynamic and vibrant. Both sexes participate in Garba, which occasionally includes the stick dance. Its name originates from the Sanskrit word garbha deep, which meaning “interior temple light.” Working women beat the floor with a wooden rod in the Tippani dance, which originated in the Chorwad district of Saurashtra. The Padhar community performs the Padhar dance.
• Kud Dance, Chajja Dance, Crow Dance, Dogri Bhangra, and other traditional dances are popular in Jammu.
• Wattal tribal men perform Dumhal, a ritual dance. Long, colourful robes and tall, conical crowns studded with beads and shells are worn by dancers. They march in a parade while carrying a banner.
• Laho, Baala, Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem are folk dances of Meghalaya.
• Ghumara,Ranappa,Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari, Chhau, Chadya Dandanata , Savari,Painka, Munari are Odisha’s folk dances.
• Kerala has folk dances, which include Ottam Thulal, Kaikottikali, Tappatikali and Kali Auttam.
• Karagam,Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi are folk dances of Tamil Nadu.

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