The state of West Bengal has its own set of folk or traditional art from different kinds of music, dance, artworks, etc. Dance as a form of art and expression is a part of every communities’ tradition. West Bengal is a culturally rich state in India and has several indigenous dance forms.

Many different folk dance forms are performed and practised all over West Bengal, like Kirtan dance, Baul dance, Chhau dance, and more.

A history of folk Dances of West Bengal

Folk dance and classical dance are not the same. These two dance forms differ in terms of rhythm, tempo, and gesture. Folk Dance is the dance of the common population. It is passed down generation after generation. The performers have great liberty in improvising the performance; the essence remains the same. Folk dances are more spontaneous and free-spirited. On the other hand, classic dance forms are complicated and need long, extensive practice to acquire perfection. 

Although every state or region has its folk dance forms, West Bengal and India’s neighbouring country, Bangladesh, have a couple of folk dance forms in common. Some of the most popular folk dance forms of Bengal are Kirtan dance, Lathi dance, Jari dance, Baul dance, Fakir dance, etc.

Different Dance forms of West Bengal

The rich culture, heritage and tradition of West Bengal reflects in its folk dance forms.

Here are some popular folk dance forms that we will discuss below. Without learning about them, the discussion of folk dance forms of Bengal would be incomplete.

•  Chhau Dance – It is considered to be one of the popular folk dances of West Bengal. It is mainly performed in the Purulia district. Big, colourful, and eye-catchy masks are an essential part of Chhau dance. This folk dance is performed by men. It primarily revolves around the tales of Hindu mythology epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Chhau dance comprises of energetic movements of martial arts, athletics, and stunts. It is a part of the sun festival of West Bengal. 

• Kirtan Dance – Kirtan dance form is a 500-year-old folk dance of Bengali culture. This dance form is a ceremonial part of the Bhakti cult. The playful activities of Lord Krishna are the central theme of Kirtan dance.

Participants sing hymns about Lord Krishna while moving in circular form with their hands elevated. It can be loosely related to the genre of musical drama.

• Baul Dance – Bauls are a group of spiritual minstrels living in different parts of West Bengal. The Baul songs and dance are part of Baul culture. 

The Nikita is a vital part of the Baul dance. Usually, Bauls hold Nikita (musical instrument) in their right hand and play it simultaneously while dancing and singing Baul songs. This form of dance is highly spiritual and mystic by nature.

• Dhali Dance – Many states and communities in India have folk dance forms that showcase scenes of battle and the warrior spirit of the clan. And one such dance form is the Dhali dance. It is performed in different parts of West Bengal.

In Dhali dance, two groups of dancers (warriors) holding bamboo sticks as swords and cane as shields fight each other. It is an energy-packed folk dance of Bengali culture showcasing the fighter spirit of the community.

• Gambhira Dance – Gambhira is an ancient folk-dance form of West Bengal. This dance form was performed to celebrate the festivity, heritage, and vitality of West Bengal. Earlier, Gambhira was performed for agriculture festivals, but later it took a more devotional outlook, as devotees of Goddess Shakti started to participate in it.

In this dance form, two men dress up and play the role of grandfather and granddaughter. And discusses different social and economic problems and changes through dance and rhythmic conversations.

• Fakir Dance– Among the folk dance forms of Bengal, like Baul and Kirtan dance, Fakir dance is also a spiritual dance form. It is performed by Fakirs or the followers of Madar Pir. They believe in spirituality more than religious rituals. The Fakirs dance in a group around a fire which they light to burn the offerings for Madar Pir.

The performers usually wear bells around their ankles and long loose garments.

Conclusion

West Bengal is a state rich in culture and heritage.  This is also vividly reflected in the folk dance forms of Bengali culture, as they explore different aspects of the lives of the common folks. Some dance forms depict socio-cultural aspects like Gambhira, Jatra, and Mahal dance. Folk dances, like Jari, Dhali, Dhamali, Lathi, etc., showcase their warrior spirit. Another major aspect of Bengali folk dance is its spirituality reflected in Baul dance, Kirtan dance, Rajan, and Fakir dance.