Folk Dances of India: Check The List of Folk Dances of Different States in India
Folk Dance of India bears rich culture, tradition and heritages of various states of India. The invigorating Bhangra mixed with Gujarat Garba, graceful Ghoomar, and boisterous Bihu-style Indian dances represent the variety of social and cultural life in India. Common during festivals and local celebrations, the dances are well ingrained in the communities they are a part of. Though India has no national dance, folk dances such as Lavani, Chhau, Yakshagana and Ras Lila are among the living traditions of India.
Check the following article on essential dance forms of India to learn about the classical and folk dances of India, followed in various states nationwide. Since questions related to this topic are frequently asked in the UPSC Civil Service Examination, it is essential for the aspirants to ace this topic.
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What is Folk Dance?
India has a rich cultural tapestry of various cultures and practices; thus, it is among the most distinguished. A relatively eminent feature of this diversity has been presented in dancing, with two significant and distinct forms of dancing, classical and folk dancing, which have been prominent in India. The critical distinction between classical and folk dances is their origins. The highly antique dances have a long origin based on the Natya Shastra, and these classical dances include eight forms with different aspects. Conversely, Folk Dances in India are local customs and are specific to the state, ethnicity or geographical region and thus the riotous existence of more than 30 folk dances nationwide.
Folk Dances Of India
India is a land of diversity, and its folk dances reflect the cultural richness of every region. The folk dances of India are deeply rooted in traditions, festivals, and daily life, making them unique expressions of joy and identity. While dance forms of India include both classical and folk traditions, the folk dances of India remain closer to the people, performed during harvests, weddings, fairs, and religious occasions. These Indian dance forms also preserve local history and folklore through rhythm and movement.
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List of Folk Dances of Different States in India
|
List of 29 States and their Dance Forms |
|
|
State |
Folk Dance of India |
|
Himachal Pradesh |
Kinnauri, Thoda, Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Dangi, Chamba, Thali, Jhainta, Daf, Stick dance |
|
Uttarakhand |
Chappeli, Gadhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila, etc |
|
Punjab |
Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand, Naqual |
|
Haryana |
Jhumar, Phag Dance, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor |
|
Uttar Pradesh |
Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita |
|
Rajasthan |
Ghoomar, Suisini, Kalbeliya, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Panihari, Ginad, etc |
|
Gujarat |
Garba, Dandiya Ras, Bhavai, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai |
|
Maharashtra |
Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada, Tamasha, Mauni, Powara, Gouricha |
|
Madhya Pradesh |
Tertali, Maanch, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni, Jawara etc |
|
Chhattisgarh |
Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Chandaini, Bharthari Charit, Goudi, Karma, Jhumar, Dagla, Pali, Tapali, Navrani, Diwari, Mundari, Jhumar |
|
Jharkhand |
Karma Munda, Karma, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua, Chhanu, Sarahul, Jat-Jatin, Karma, Danga, Bidesia, Sohrai, Hunta Dance, Mundari Dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhitka, Danga, Domkach, Ghora Naach |
|
Bihar |
Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama-Chakwa, Bidesia, Jatra |
|
West Bengal |
Purulia Chhau, Alkap, Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan, Santhali Dance, Mundari dance, Gambhira, Gajan, Chaibari Nritya |
|
Sikkim |
Chu Faat, Yak Chaam Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi Yangku, Khukuri Naach, Chutkey Naach, Maruni Dance |
|
Meghalaya |
Laho, Baala, Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem |
|
Assam |
Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal, Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai, etc |
|
Arunachal Pradesh |
Chham, Mask dance (Mukhauta Nritya), War dance, Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo |
|
Nagaland |
Chong, Khaiva, Lim, Nuralim, Bamboo Dance, Temangnetin, Hetaleulee. Rangma, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim |
|
Manipur |
Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat, Dol Cholam, Khamba Thaibi, Nupa Dance, Raslila, Khubak Ishei, Lhou Sha |
|
Mizoram |
Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, Par Lam, Sarlam Kai/ Solakia, Tlanglam, Khanatm, Pakhupila, Cherokan |
|
Tripura |
Hozagiri |
|
Odisha |
Ghumara, Ranappa, Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari, Chhau, Chadya Dandanata |
|
Andhra Pradesh |
Ghantamardala, Ottam Thedal, Mohiniattam, Kummi, Siddhi, Madhuri, Chhadi, Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Butta Bommalu |
|
Karnataka |
Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi |
|
Goa |
Fugdi, Dhalo, Kunbi, Dhangar, Mandi, Jhagor, Khol, Dakni, Tarangamel, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale, amayi nrutya, Tonnya mell |
|
Telangana |
Perini Shivatandavam, Keisabadi |
|
Kerala |
Ottam Thulal, Kaikottikali, Tappatikali, Kali Auttam |
|
Tamil Nadu |
Karagam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi |
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National Dance of India
Although India has no officially declared national dance of India, Bharatanatyam from Tamil Nadu is often considered the most iconic due to its antiquity and popularity. Alongside classical dances, lok nritya (folk dances) of various states create a colorful mosaic of traditions.
List of classical dances of India
|
Dance |
State |
|
Bharatnatyam |
Tamil Nadu |
|
Kathak |
Uttar Pradesh |
|
Kuchipudi |
Andhrapradesh |
|
Odissi |
Odisha |
|
Kathakali |
Kerala |
|
Sattriya |
Assam |
|
Manipuri |
Manipur |
|
Mohiniyattam |
Kerala |
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