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List of Folk Dances of Different States in India
India is a country with many different cultures and traditions. Folk art is the collective knowledge of a group of people or a specific location. The creators’ identity has been lost, yet the aesthetic has endured. Read out the collection of folk dances from various Indian states below.
India has a rich cultural heritage and customs. Dance has been a part of life from the earliest to the most civilised societies. In India, dancing genres are divided into two categories: classical and folk dance. According to local legend, several dance traditions evolved in diverse locations in India.
Indian folk and tribal dances are typically done to show excitement at the advent of the seasons, childbirth, weddings, and festivals. Folk art is the collective knowledge of a group of people or a specific location. The creators’ identity has been lost, yet the aesthetic has endured.
Most times, dancers sing themselves, supported by musicians. Each type of folk dance has its clothing and rhythm, and some costumes are pretty colourful, with elaborate gems and decorations. Here is a list of state and folk dances that might aid you in various exams such as UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Bank Exams, etc.
Indian Dance Forms
Classical, and folk dance are India’s two primary dance styles. The genesis is the primary distinction between Classical and Folk dancing.
Classical dance has a profound association with the Natya Shastra, which mentions the distinctive aspects of each classical dance genre.
Folk dance, on the other hand, arose from the local tradition of the specific state, ethnic group, or geographical location.
Indian Classical Dance
The Natya Shastra is the source of the traditional dance form. According to the source and researcher, India has eight traditional dance genres.
The Cultural Ministry of India has added Chhau to the list of traditional dances, bringing the total to nine.
The following are the eight essential principles stated in classical dance:
- Shringar: Love
- Hasya: Entertaining
- Karuna: Sadness
- Raudra: Fury
- Veer: Bravery
- Bhayanak: Distress
- Bibhats: Disgust
- Adbhoot: Wonder
The following is a list of classical dances in India:
| List of Classical dances in India | State of Origin |
| Bharatnatyam | Tamil Nadu |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh |
| Kathakali | Kerala |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh |
| Manipuri | Manipur |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala |
| Odissi | Odisha |
| Sattriya | Assam |
Indian Folk Dances
In India, folk dances depict the culture and heritage of the group from which they came. Folk dances are typically performed at communal celebrations such as birthing, festivals, and weddings. In India, there are several sorts of folk dances.
The following is a list of Indian folk dances.
Folk Dances and Indian States
| State | Folk Dances |
| Andhra Pradesh | Andhra Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Butta Bommalu, Dappu, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Kuchipudi, Lambadi, Tappeta Gullu, Veeranatyam, Vilasini Natyam |
| Assam | Bagurumba, Bichhua, Bihu, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai, Kaligopal, Khel Gopal, Maharas, Naga dance, Natpuja, Tabal Chongli |
| Bihar | Bakho-Bakhain, Bidesia, Jata-Jatin, Panwariya, Sama Chakwa. |
| Gujarat | Garba, Tippani Juriun, Dandiya Ras, Bhavai. |
| Haryana | Phag, Jhumar, Daph, Loor, Dhamal, Khor, Gugga, Gagor. |
| Himachal Pradesh | Chharhi Jhali, Nati,, Dhaman, Mahasu, Jhora, Chhapeli, Dangi. |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Hikat, Rauf, Kud Dandi Nach, Mandjas, Damali. |
| Karnataka | Lambi, Huttari, Yakshagan, Kunitha, Suggi, Karga, |
| Kerala | Mohiniattam, Kathakali (Classical), Kaikottikali, Ottam Thulal, |
| Maharashtra | Koli, Lezim, Lavani, Gafa, Nakata, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada. |
| Odisha | Odissi (Classical), Savari, Munari, Painka, Chhau, Ghumara. |
| West Bengal | Kathi, Dhali, Marasia,Jatra, Baul, Mahal, Gambhira, Keertan. |
| Punjab | Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand, Naqual. |
| Rajasthan | Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Kalbeliya. |
| Tamil Nadu | Bharatanatyam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi. |
| Uttar Pradesh | Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita. |
| Uttarakhand | Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila, Chappeli. |
| Goa | Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale, Gonph, Tonnya mell. |
| Madhya Pradesh | Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni, Maanch. |
| Chhattisgarh | Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Bharthari Charit, Chandaini. |
| Jharkhand | Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua,Hunta Dance, Mundari Dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhitka, Danga, Domkach, Ghora Naach. |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo Chham. |
| Manipur | Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Khamba Thaibi, Nupa Dance, Raslila, Khubak Ishei, Lhou Sha. |
| Meghalaya | Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho. |
| Mizoram | Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, Par Lam, Sarlamkai/Solakia, Tlanglam. |
| Nagaland | Rangma, Bamboo Dance, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim, Temangnetin, Hetaleulee. |
| Tripura | Hojagiri. |
| 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. |
| Lakshadweep | Lava, Kolkali, Parichakali. |
- Natya Shastra is the source of classical dance. Lasya and Tandava are the two fundamental parts of classical dance.
- Folk dancing is related to agricultural harvest celebrations or social events such as weddings.
- Professional or fully skilled performers who have trained their form for many years perform classical dances. In India, there are eight classical dances.
- In India, there are about 30 different folk dances. Ghoomer, Kacchi Gori Chari, and Kalbelia are some of Rajasthan’s most prominent folk dances.
