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India, with its rich cultural diversity, has an array of folk dances that reflect the country’s traditions, customs, and heritage. Each region has its own unique dances, like the energetic Bhangra from Punjab, the elegant Ghoomar from Rajasthan, the powerful Chhau from Odisha, and the vibrant Cheraw bamboo dance from Mizoram. These dances are not just art forms but are often deeply tied to festivals, rituals, and everyday life. For competitive exams like UPSC CSE, SSC, Banking, Railway, or State PCS, questions on folk dances are frequently asked, making it essential to have a clear understanding of these art forms.
This blog provides a detailed guide to Indian folk dances categorised by states, along with their significance, costumes, and instruments.
Table of Contents
What Are Folk Dances of India?
Folk dances are traditional, community-based dance forms that are usually performed during festivals in India, celebrations, or to mark special occasions. They are characterised by:
- Simple movements.
- Local music and instruments.
- Reflecting the culture, mythology, and lifestyle of a region.
State-Wise List of Major Folk Dances in India
Here’s a state-wise list of major folk dances in India to help you prepare for competitive exams:
| Region/State | Folk Dance | Occasions | Important Features |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Rouf, Dumhal | Festivals, celebrations | Graceful movements (Rouf); colourful attire and tall caps (Dumhal) |
| Himachal Pradesh | Nati, Lahauli | Harvest festivals | Slow, rhythmic movements (Nati) |
| Punjab | Bhangra, Giddha | Baisakhi, weddings | Energetic movements (Bhangra); expressive gestures and songs (Giddha) |
| Haryana | Phag, Dhamal | Holi, harvests | Holi dance (Phag); harvest celebrations (Dhamal) |
| Uttarakhand | Choliya, Jhora | Weddings, festivals | Sword dance (Choliya); community bonding (Jhora) |
| West Bengal | Chhau, Santhal | Festivals, celebrations | Martial movements with masks (Chhau); tribal celebrations (Santhal) |
| Odisha | Chhau (Mayurbhanj), Ghumura | Religious rituals | Martial dance forms |
| Bihar | Jat-Jatin, Bidesia | Rural festivals | Love stories (Jat-Jatin); socio-economic themes (Bidesia) |
| Jharkhand | Paika, Karma | Tribal festivals | Martial themes (Paika); reverence for nature (Karma) |
| Assam | Bihu, Bagurumba | Assamese New Year, festivals | Brisk movements (Bihu); butterfly-like formations (Bagurumba) |
| Manipur | Ras Leela, Thang Ta | Janmashtami, ceremonies | Devotional themes (Ras Leela); martial art movements (Thang Ta) |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Bardo Chham | Tribal festivals | Animal depictions with masks |
| Nagaland | Chang Lo (Zeliang Dance) | Harvest festivals | Energetic group dance |
| Meghalaya | Shad Suk Mynsiem | Agricultural festivals | Celebrating nature’s bounty |
| Tripura | Hozagiri | Tribal ceremonies | Balance and grace |
| Mizoram | Cheraw | Festivals, weddings | Bamboo dance |
| Rajasthan | Ghoomar, Kalbelia | Weddings, cultural events | Graceful swirling (Ghoomar); snake-like movements (Kalbelia) |
| Gujarat | Garba, Dandiya Raas | Navratri | Circular dance (Garba); stick movements (Dandiya Raas) |
| Maharashtra | Lavani, Tamasha | Festivals, entertainment | Rhythmic beats (Lavani); theatrical performances (Tamasha) |
| Goa | Fugdi, Dekhnni | Festivals, celebrations | Fast clapping patterns (Fugdi); Portuguese-influenced dance (Dekhnni) |
| Andhra Pradesh | Kolatam, Dhimsa | Ceremonial celebrations | Stick dance (Kolatam); tribal themes (Dhimsa) |
| Telangana | Perini Shivathandavam | Temples, festivals | Devotional dance for Lord Shiva |
| Tamil Nadu | Karagattam, Kummi | Weddings, temple festivals | Pot balancing (Karagattam); simple group dance (Kummi) |
| Kerala | Kaikottikali, Theyyam | Onam, rituals | Graceful claps (Kaikottikali); ritualistic themes (Theyyam) |
| Karnataka | Dollu Kunitha, Yakshagana | Temples, cultural events | Drum dance (Dollu Kunitha); narrative drama (Yakshagana) |
| Madhya Pradesh | Matki Dance, Tertali | Rural celebrations | Balancing earthen pots (Matki); rhythmic gestures (Tertali) |
| Chhattisgarh | Panthi, Raut Nacha | Devotional themes (Panthi); Krishna worship (Raut Nacha) | Festivals, rituals |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Nicobarese Dance | Reflects island life | Community celebrations |
| Ladakh | Shondol Dance | Known as the “royal dance of Ladakh” | Festivals, ceremonies |
Explore: Tribes of India: The Ancient People & Their Culture
Folk Dances of India: PDF Link Available (Free Download)
Prepare to ace questions on Folk Dances of India with this comprehensive PDF guide! Packed with a state-wise list of dances, their cultural significance and detailed explanations, this resource is perfect for competitive exams. Whether it’s Bhangra, Garba, or Bihu, this guide simplifies everything you need to know with engaging content and easy-to-remember tips. Download now to transform your preparation into a fun and effective journey. Click the link below for your FREE PDF and take the first step toward exam success!
Also Read: Hindustani And Carnatic Music: Differences and Similarities
FAQs
India’s diverse cultural tapestry is beautifully reflected in its vibrant folk dances. From the energetic Bhangra of Punjab to the graceful Kathakali of Kerala, each dance form tells a unique story. The rhythmic beats of Garba in Gujarat, the soulful Bihu of Assam, and the elegant Ghoomar of Rajasthan showcase the rich heritage of these regions.
India, a land of diverse cultures, boasts a rich heritage of dance forms. Some of the most famous dance forms include the classical dances of Bharatanatyam, Kathakali, Kathak, Odissi, and Manipuri. The vibrant folk dances of Bhangra, Garba, Bihu, and Ghoomar are equally popular. These dance forms not only entertain but also preserve the cultural traditions and values of India.
India’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in its diverse dance forms. Seven classical dance forms have been recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi: Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu, Kathakali and Mohiniyattam from Kerala, Kathak from North India, Odissi from Odisha, Kuchipudi from Andhra Pradesh, and Manipuri from Manipur. These dance forms are known for their intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and graceful movements.
The Nati dance of Himachal Pradesh holds the Guinness World Record for the largest folk dance.
Uday Shankar is known as the “Father of Modern Indian Dance” as he popularised Indian dance globally, blending classical and folk styles. However, no single person is considered the “Father of Folk Dance” in India, as folk dances like Bhangra, Garba, and Kathakali are community-driven traditions, rooted in regional culture and passed down through generations.
Folk dances of Meghalaya are Nongkrem and Shad Suk Mynsiem.
Popular folk dances of Punjab are Bhangra and Gidda.
Ghoomar and Kalbelia are famous folk dances of Rajasthan.
Kuchipudi and Veeranatyam are some popular dances of Andhra Pradesh.
Kashmir is known for its folk dances like Rouf and Bhand Pather.
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