Home Articles List of Folk Dances of Different States in India

List of Folk Dances of Different States in India

General

Kanika
Kanika

List of Folk Dances of Different States in India: India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions. Folk art is the common possession of a group of people or a particular locality. The identity of the originators is forgotten, but the style is preserved down the ages

India is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions. Dance is a part of life from ancient times to the most cultured communities.Generally, dance forms in India are classified into two categories namely classical and folk dance. As per the local tradition, these dance forms have been originated from various parts of India. 

Dance Forms in India

In India, folk dance and classical dance are the two main dance genres. The origin is the main distinction between folk and classical dancing.

  • There is a strong connection between classical dance and the Natya Shastra, which lists the distinctive characteristics of all classical dance genres.
  • Contrarily, folk dance developed from the regional customs of the particular state, ethnic group, or geographical area.

 

What is Folk Dance?

India is characterized by a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions, making its cultural landscape highly distinctive. One prominent aspect of this diversity is reflected in the realm of dance, with Classical and Folk Dance standing out as two major and distinct dance forms in the country. The primary differentiator between Classical and Folk Dances lies in their origins. Classical dances, with a history deeply rooted in the Natya Shastra, encompass eight distinct forms, each with its unique elements. In contrast, Folk Dances in India emerge from local traditions, shaped by the specific state, ethnicity, or geographical region, resulting in a vibrant array of over 30 different folk dances across the country.

 

List of Folk Dances Of India (State-wise)

Get a quick overview of all Folk Dances of Indian States along with the Classical dances in the combined list below:

  • Folk dances in India represent the culture and tradition of the community from where they originated.
  • Folk dances are usually performed during the respective community’s celebration- childbirth, festivals, weddings, etc.

 

State

Folk Dance

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, Sarlamkai/ 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

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Name two famous folk dances of Madhya Pradesh?

Some of the famous folk dances of Madhya Pradesh are Mataki and Jawara. Others are Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki,etc.

Ghoomar and Chakri is a folk dance of which state in India?

Ghoomar and Chakri folk dance is popular in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Other Folk dances from Rajasthan are Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Ganagor, etc.

Which is the recently added dance form in the classical dance list of India?

The Cultural Ministry of India has included Chhau in the list of classical dances making a total of 9 classical dance forms.

Is Kathak and Kathakali the same form of dance?

Kathakali is different from a similar-sounding Kathak, though both are Indian classical dance traditions of “story play” wherein the stories have been traditionally derived from the Hindu epics and the Puranas.

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