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Introduction to Folk Dance
We can see many dance forms in India. Folk dances are very well known to the Indian people. We practice dance forms during rituals, and many traditions are incomplete without dance. Folk dance is used to maintain practices and ethics in dance performances. They include complex but beautiful steps and keep the essence of the dance performances alive. Apart from India, many other countries also follow these ethics and rituals that are continued from the time of the ancestors to the new generation. The youth also follows these forms of dances by accepting the spirituality and ethics of dances that they have in their tradition. Let us explore more about folk dances in India.
The Importance of Folk Dance in India
Following the traditions and rituals of their culture essentially makes the person feel connected with their ancestors. There are 28 states in India, and every state has its importance in various specialities. Like the role of the state in the country, ritual, and transitions that inspire others the most, their governance and function in the old, medieval, and modern history. And we know that dance makes every ritual, spiritual, alive, and enjoyable.
It is the most precious thing that can make a person feel connected with the old history of their ancestors, and they keep it going in the future as well. So that the younger generations must not break the chain, they can follow the same traditions by presenting beautiful and spiritual ethics with the dance performances. Hence, folk dance is essential and influences others to follow the practices.
A List of Folk Dances in India
Every state has a folk dance of its own. The list of folk dances by state is mentioned below.
| States | Folk Dances |
| Kuchipudi, Andhra Natyam, Bommalu. Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Dappu, Lambadi, Tappeta Gullu, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Veeranatyam, Butta. |
| Bihu, Bichhua, Canoe, Maharas, Kaligopal, Khel Gopal, Bagurumba, Jhumura Hobjanai, Naga dance, Natpuja, Tabal Chongli. |
| Bakho-Bakhain, BidesiaJata-Jatin, Panwariya, Sama Chakwa. |
| Bhavai, Dandiya Raas, Garba, Tippani Juriun. |
| Daph, Dhamal, Gagor, Gugga, Jhumar, Khor, Phag, Loor. |
| Chhapeli, Chharhi, Dhaman, Dangi, Mahasu, Nati. |
| Hikat, Damali, Kud Dandi Nach, Mandjas, Rauf. |
| Huttari, Karga, Kunitha, Lambi, Suggi, Yakshagana. |
| Kathakali, Kaikottikali, Mohiniattam, Ottam Thulal. |
| Bohada, Dahikala Dasavtar, Gafa, Koli, Lavani, Lezim, Nakata. |
| Chhau, Ghumara, Odissi, Munari, Painka, Savari. |
| Bhangra, Bandh, Daff, Dhaman, Giddha, Nagual. |
| Chakri, Ghumar, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Ghapal, Kalbeliya, Suisini. |
| Bharatanatyam, Kavadi, Kolattam, Kumi. |
| Chappeli, Kajri, Jhora, Jaita, Nautanki, Raslila. |
| Chappeli, Garhwali, Kajari, Kumayuni, Jhora, Raslila. |
| Baul, Dhali, Kathi, Keertan, Gambhira, Jatra, Marasia, Mahal. |
| Chu Faat Dance, Chutkey Naach, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi Yangku Dance, Khukuri Naach, Maruni Dance, Sikmari, the Snow Lion Dance, Yak Chaam. |
The above list shows a few states and their famous folk dances. There are still many states left that include numerous dances as their rituals followed by the traditions from history. Next, we will see India’s most popular and well-known folk dances.
Most Popular Folk Dances in India and their Significance
Kathakali: Kerala
The following folk dance is Kathakali, which has continued from Mahabharata’s days. This dance has various things which make it more enjoyable and beautifully interesting like it has drama, different elegant moves that define the story, and expressions. The dance has been famous and well known since the 17th century among the royal families and Sabhas.
Garba: Gujarat
The next on the list is Garba from Gujarat, which is the most famous and enjoyable among various folk dances of India. It is done several times, like Navaratri, Vasant Panchami, Holi, Diwali, and Poornima. Garba is played every night of the Navratri, especially for the Devi Amba due to their spiritual belief and enjoyable performances. Hence this is continuing from the old history, and people do it beautifully. They wear beautiful Ghagra Cholis and embroidered clothes with lovely lighting in the fair or Chopals.
Bhangra: Punjab
Have you ever seen a Punjabi doing an energetic and lively dance? It is none other than the Bhangra. It is the origin-based dance and the famous folk dance of Punjab. It is mainly done on the occasion of the Baisakhi Festival, known as the Harvest season for the farmers. For Punjabis, every festival is incomplete without Bhangra. It has energetic vibes filled by the Punjabis, and everyone enjoys it. The dresses are vibrant and bright, and the environment is filled with the beat of dhols and drums.
