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Folk Dances
Of India
Art &
UPSC Art and Culture Notes
Culture
Notes For
UPSC -
State-wise
List

Dance Forms in India:

• Classical and folk dance are the two most popular dance forms in India.
• The origin is the most significant distinction between Classical and Folk Dances.
• The Natya Shastra, in which the distinctive elements of each of the Classical dance forms are
outlined, has a long history with classical dance.
• Folk dance, on the other hand, arose from the state's, ethnic, or geographic region's local
tradition.

The folk dances of India reflect the diversified culture and customs of the country. There are numerous
types of folk dances which are practised in various parts of the country.

1. The folk dances are of great significance in India, particularly in the rural areas because they
mostly express the daily work and rituals of the village community.
2. Most of the folk dances in the country have a unique costume and they vary according to the
local tradition of that particular state.
3. The tribal folk dances of India are inspired by the tribal folklore which are either sung by the
dancers or the onlookers.
4. These dances are usually performed during ceremonies such as Weddings, births, coronations,
entering a new house or town, welcoming a guest, religious processions, harvest time and so
on.
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Check the following article on Folk dances of India to know about the types of folk dances followed in
various states of India. Since questions related to this topic are frequently asked in UPSC Civil Service
Examination, it is very important for the aspirants to ace this topic.

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State-wise Folk Dances Of India

Here is a list of state-wise folk dances of India:

Andhra Pradesh:

Some of the important folk dances of Andhra Pradesh are as follows,

Bhamakalapam Andhra Natyam Dappu

Vilasini Natyam Veera Natyam Dhimsa
Gobbi Chiratala Bhajana Kolattam
Tappeta Gundlu Lambadi Butta Bommalata
Urumulu Chhadi Ghanta Mardala
Ottam Thedal

Andhra Pradesh, which is known for its rich culture, has a wide range of performing arts, particularly the
folk dances.

• Lambadi folk dance is performed by the women belonging to Senegalese and Banjara tribes of
the state.
• Veera natyam is one of the oldest folk dances of Andhra Pradesh and it is performed by the
men of Veeramusti Community in the Saivite temples of Kurnool, Anantapur and Khammam
districts.
• Tappeta Gundlu is another popular folk dance in the northern districts such as Srikakulam,
Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam. It is performed by the members of Yadava community in
honour of their water deity, Gangamma.
• Folk dances such as Butta Bommalu and Veera Natyam are not accompanied by any singing
whereas Kolatam, Tappeta Gundlu and Chiratala bhajana are a combination of dance and
musical narration.

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Arunachal Pradesh

Some of the important folk dances of Arunachal Pradesh are as follows,

Ponung Buiya Idu mishmi

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Sadinuktso Khampti Wancho

Pasi Kongki Buiya Chalo
Bardo Chham Popir Ka Fifai

Arunachal Pradesh has a very distinctive culture as it consists of around 26 tribal communities and dance
and music holds a significant place in their life.

• Ponung folk dance is performed by the young girls and women of Adi tribe of Arunachal
Pradesh. Since the tribe depends on agriculture for livelihood, they perform this dance to pray to
God before the harvest period. Only one male takes part in the dance, he is called Miri and he
plays the musical instrument, Yoksha.
• Sadinuktso is performed by the members of Akas tribe of Arunachal Pradesh in occasions
such as marriages, construction of a new house and during the arrival of guests.
• Buiya folk dance, which is a joyful dance, is performed by the men and women of Digaru
Mishmis tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. It is performed during the festivals such as Duiya, Tanuya,
Tazampu and family gatherings.
• Chalo dance is a part of the Chalo Loku festival which is a famous festival of the state
celebrated by the Nocte tribe.
• Wancho dance is another important folk dance of the state and it is part of the Oriah festival
celebrated by the Wancho’s tribe.
• Popir dance is performed as a tribute to the goddess Mopin Ape.
• Assam

Some of the important folk dances of Assam are as follows,

Bihu Goalini Jhumura Hobjanai

Bagurumba Bhortal Nritya Deodhani
Zikirs Bichhua Canoe
Kaaligopal Nat Puja Tabal Chongli

The people of Assam are an intermixture of various racial stocks such as Aryan, IndoIranian, Mongoloid
etc and thus the state is rich in culture and heritage. The most popular folk dance of the state is Bihu which
is performed by the young boys and girls during the Bihu festival.

• Deodhani dance is performed as a tribute to the snake goddess, Manasa.

• The Jhumar dance is performed by the tea workers, also known as Adivasis of Assam.
Bagurumba dance also known as the butterfly dance is performed by the Bodo community of
Assam.

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Bihar

Some of the important folk dances of Bihar are as follows,

Panwariya Sama Chakwa Bidesiya

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Jat-Jatin Bakho-Bakhain Domkach

Fagua Jatra Paika

The folk dances of Bihar mostly reflect the common life of people, their problems, sorrows and
accomplishments. Musical instruments such as dholak, harmonium, tabla etc are used while performing
some of the dances.

• The most famous folk-drama of Bihar is Bidesiya which is mainly a lyrical drama and is full of
pains of separation.
• The Jat-Jatin dance is performed by the couples from Koshi and Mithila regions of the
state.This dance beautifully portrays the relationship between the husband and wife.
• The Paika folk dance is famous in the Mayurbhanj region.

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Chhattisgarh

Some of the important folk dances of Chhattisgarh are as follows,

Panthi Gaur Maaria Goudi

Raut Nacha Karma Mundari
Dagla Pali Jhumar
Navrani Tapali Saila

Chhattisgarh is one of the most ancient states of India and has a rich heritage. Since a large number of
tribes reside in the state, a variety of dance forms are found here. Most of the folk dances of Chhattisgarh
are performed for denoting the change of seasons and in reverence for the gods.

• Panthi dance is one of the most vital folk dances and is considered as a prominent custom of
the Satnami community of the state.
• Raut Nacha is performed by the Yadava cowboys of the state and is known as the cowherds
folk dance.
• Soon after the reaping season, the young men of the state perform Saila dance.

Apart from that, tribal groups such as Baigas, Gonds and Oraons of Chhattisgarh perform the Karma
dance which denotes the end of stormy season and the beginning of spring season.

Goa

Some of the important folk dances of Goa are as follows,

Dulpod Kunnbi-Geet Fugdi

Mussoll Dhalo Amon
Shigmo Tarangamel Goff

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Musal Khel Dhangar Dashavatara

Divlyan Nach Morulo Tonayamel
Dekhni

The folk dances of Goa reflect the rich historical and cultural legacy of the state.

• The Dhalo folk dance of Goa is performed by a group of rural women on special occasions and
festivals.
• Kunnbi-Geet is one of the oldest folk dances and was named after the tribal group ‘kunbis’.
• Only the women dancers of Goa perform the Dekhni dance and this dance is accompanied by
the songs.
• Musal Khel is a song cum dance which is done in praise of brave Hindu kings.

Similar to Dhalo folk dance, the Fugdi dance is performed by women on Marathi and Konkani songs. A
circular pattern is followed in the fugdi dance and is performed at a fast pace.

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Gujarat

Some of the important folk dances of Gujarat are as follows,

Garba Tippani Juriun Dandiya Raas

Bhavai Padhar dance

In the state of Gujarat, people perform various traditional folk dances based on their culture and traditions.

• The most popular folk dance of Gujarat is Dandiya raas in which men and women stage mock-
fights between the Goddess Durga and the demon-king Mahishasura.
• Garba dance is performed by both men and women around a lamp or Goddess Shakti and it is
mostly performed during the Navratri festival.
• The Padhar dance is performed by the members of the Padhar community of Gujarat. Tippani
Juriun is a prominent folk dance in the Chorwad district of Gujarat and it is one of the vigorous
dance forms of the state.

Haryana

Some of the important folk dances of Haryana are as follows,

Khoria Raas Leela Saang

Jhumar Chhathi Dhamal
Gugga Gagor Loor
Khoria Teej dance Phag
Daph

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Dance is known as Naach in Haryana. The rich folklore and tradition of the state is showcased by the folk
dances. Farmers of the state organise various folk dances before and after the harvest seasons.

• During the months of February and March, Phag dance is performed to celebrate the harvest of
the farmers.
• Loor dance is very popular in the Bangar and Bagr regions of the state and it is performed by
the girls during the holi festival.
• Similarly, Khoria dance is also performed exclusively by women and it is famous in central
Haryana.
• Ras Leela dance is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is an extremely popular dance of the state.

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Himachal Pradesh

Some of the important folk dances of Himachal Pradesh are as follows,

Jhali Chharhi Kinnauri

Nati Mangen Jhainta
Mahasu Dangi Jhora
Dhaman Rakshasa Chhapeli
Chamba Thali Stick dance

• Dangi dance of Himachal Pradesh is performed predominantly by the female dancers in

Goddess Naina Devi temple during the harvest season. This dance is based on one of the
oldest folklore of the state and consists of two themes.
• Nati dance consists of various forms which vary from region to region in the state. Kinnauri Nati
is performed during the onset of new festivals, Kullu Nati is mostly performed during the
Dussehra festival and the Shiv Badar Nati is performed during Shivaratri.
• The Rakshasa (demon) dance of Himachal Pradesh is more or less similar to the Bhangra
dance of Punjab. Performers of this dance wear demon masks and represent the attack of
demons on the crops cultivated.

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Jharkhand

Some of the important folk dances of Jharkhand are as follows,

Sohrai Munda Danga

Jat-Jatin Chhou Bidesia
Karma Sarahul Santhal
Hunta Paika

The folk and tribal dances of the state Jharkhand, expresses the vibrant and rich culture of the state.
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• The Santhal dance is performed by the men and women of the Santhal tribe and is one of the
best tribal folk dances of India.This dance is accompanied with folk music.
• Hunta is also performed by the Santhal tribe but only males perform this dance.
• Paika dance of the state involves a high degree of martial arts and is performed by the males.
• The Chhou dance is famous in the tribal areas of Jharkhand and in some parts of Chhattisgarh
and Odisha.

Karnataka

Some of the important folk dances of Karnataka are as follows,

Bayalatta Veeragase Dollu Kunitha

Huttar Lambi Suggi Kunitha
Karga Yakshagana Bhootha Aradhane

• Dollu Kunitha is the popular drum dance of Karnataka and it is performed by the men of the
shepherd community called Kuruba. This dance is accompanied by songs.
• Puja Kunitha is another famous ritualistic folk dance of Karnataka.
• Yakshagana folk dance is a combination of dance and play and takes place during the winter
harvests.
• Suggi Kunitha is performed by the men of the farmer community during the harvest seasons.

Kerala

Some of the important folk dances of Kerala are as follows,

Koodiyattam Theyyam Thirayattam

Oppana Kaikottikali Thiruvathirakali
Chakyar Koothu Thidambu Nritham Chavittu Nadakam
Padayani Ottamthullal

Kerala, also known as God’s own country, has several folk dances and are performed by the people during
events and festivals. Most of the folk dances of the state are a fusion of elegant body movements and
music.

• Thiruvathirakali dance is performed by a group of women during the Onam festival. It is

performed in a circular pattern along with singing and clapping around a lamp or floral
decoration.
• Koodiyattam is a famous and one of the oldest folk dances of Kerala and is performed in the
temples.
• The Muslim community of the state performs the Oppana dance during weddings and other
festivals of muslims.
• In the Ottamthullal dance, the dancer narrates the story based on mythology. It is a group
dance and performers wear vibrant costumes.
• Chakyar Koothu is an ancient folk dance of Kerala in which the scenes from Mahabharata and
Ramayana are narrated by the dancer.

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Madhya Pradesh

Some of the important folk dances of Madhya Pradesh are as follows,

Jawara Grida dance Maanch

Tertali Charkula Phulpati dance
Matki dance Selalarki Selabhadoni

Madhya Pradesh is home to various tribal communities of India. This contributes to the rich cultural saga
of the state.

• Jawara folk dance is performed by the people of Bundelkhand region to celebrate prosperity.
Tertali dance is performed by the Kamar tribe of Madhya Pradesh.
• Matki dance is the solo dance of the Malwa region and is performed by the members of Ahir
and Gadariya communities of the state.
• The Baiga tribe performs Pardhoni dance during the marriage occasions and the Kanwar tribe
performs bar dance.

Maharashtra

Some of the important folk dances of Maharashtra are as follows,

Gafa Koli Naakata

Lavani Tamasha Powada
Gouricha Mauni Dahikala Dashavatar
Lezim Dhangari Gaja

• Lavani is the most prominent folk dance of Maharashtra and is performed by the women to the
beats of dholak.
• Tamasha dance is a combination of romantic music and the lavani dance. This dance is
prevalent in the Konkan region.
• The fishermen (both men and women) of Koli district of Maharashtra perform the Koli dance
which symbolises the lives of the fishermen.
• Dhangari Gaja is also a famous folk dance of Maharashtra and is performed by the shepherd
community called Dhangars of Solapur district.
• Lezim or lazium is another popular folk dance of Maharashtra where dancers carry a small
musical instrument with jingling cymbals called the Lezim. There are at least 20 dancers in
lezim. A drum instrument is used as the main percussion music.
• Powada is a dance form that shows the life and achievements of the greatest Maratha ruler,
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is usually of a narrative style.

Manipur

Some of the important folk dances of Manipur are as follows,

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Thang Ta Nat Rash Maha Raash

Rakhal Dhol Cholom Lai Haraoba

• The Thang Ta dance, also known as the art of sword and spear, consists of a wide range of
martial arts weaponry in their performance.
• Lai Haraoba is performed by the members of the Meitei community of Manipur.
• One of the renowned dance forms of Manipur is the Dhol cholom which is also known as the
drum dance. This dance is mostly performed during the holi festival.
• Folk dances such as Salin Lam, Dar Lam, Waikep Lam and son on are some of the familiar
dances performed by the Kom tribe of Manipur.

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Meghalaya

Some of the important folk dances of Meghalaya are as follows,

Baala Nongkrem Laho

Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem Lahoo Behdienkhlam

Folk dance is one of the essential components of the culture in the North Eastern state Meghalaya.

• Khasi is the majority tribe of the state and their most important dance is Nongkrem dance. It is
a thanksgiving dance to the heavenly deities for good harvest, harmony and prosperity.
• Shad Suk Mynsiem is also another thanksgiving dance performed by the people of Khasi hills.
The Lahoo dance is performed by the Jaintia tribe and the Wangla dance by the Garo tribes of
the state.
• The Jaintias celebrate the Behdienkhlam dance festival annually in the month of July.

Mizoram

Some of the important folk dances of Mizoram are as follows,

Cheraw Cherokan Khuallam

Zangtalam Pakhupila Khanatm
Chailam Sarlamkai

Mizoram has several folk dances which reflect the lifestyle and vibrant spirit of the locals.

• The Cheraw dance which is also known as the bamboo dance is the most prominent, traditional
and distinct dance of Mizos. It is performed by using long bamboo staves and are accompanied
by drums and gangs.
• The Khuallam dance is performed by the guests who are invited from other states. While
dancing, the performer sways the traditional mizo cloth wrapped around his/her shoulder.
Sarlamkai dance is performed during the celebration of victory in the battle. The men swing the
shields and swords held by them in accordance to the rhythm.

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• During the Chapar Kut festival, Mizos perform Chailam folk dance.

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Nagaland

Some of the important folk dances of Nagaland are as follows,

Nuralim Changsang Chang Lo

Khaiva Bamboo Dance Rangma
Zeliang Monyu Asho Melo Phita
Akok-khi Khupielili Rukhyo-sharu

• Music and dance plays a very important role in the Naga culture and any event won’t conclude
without folk dance. There are several tribes in the state each having their own culture, dance
forms and languages.
• The Changsang dance is performed by the Chang tribe in praise of the birth-place of mankind
and the earth during Naknyulum festivals.
• The Angami Nagas perform the Melo Phita dance during the sekrenyi festival by dressing in full
traditional attire.
• The Rukhyo-Sharu dance is performed by the Lotha tribe and the Akok-Khi is performed by
the Snagtam tribe of the state.
• The Pochury tribe of Nagaland consider the Khupielili dance as an integral part of the Nazu
festival.
• The Zeliang tribe performs butterfly dance, the Nagas perform Kuki dance which is also known
as bamboo dance and the Rengma tribe performs the Rengma dance.

Odisha

Some of the important folk dances of Odisha are as follows,

Ruk Mar Nacha Dalkhai dance Ghumura

Paika Bagha Nacha Goti Pua
Munari Danda Nata Medha Nacha

• Odisha is known for the rich heritage of music and dance in India. The most ancient folk dance
of the state is Danda Nata in which the devotees physically torture their body to appease Lord
Shiva and is mostly performed in the Ganjam district of Odisha.
• Medha Nacha is a mask dance performed in the coastal districts of Odisha.
• Gotipua dance is performed by the young boys aged between 6 to 14 years by dressing like a
girl. It is popular in the Raghurajpur village in Odisha.
• Bagha Nacha, also known as tiger dane, is another famous dance of the state and is performed
during the Chaitra of the year. It is performed by male dancers who paint their body like tigers.
Paika dance is an energetic dance performed by the young boys and men.
• An entire battle scene is enacted through this dance. Ghumura dance is famous in Kalahandi
district of Odisha. The Ghumura dancers have a drum attached to their neck and they play
drums while dancing.
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Punjab

Some of the important folk dances of Punjab are as follows,

Bhangra Dhaman Giddha

Daff Jhoomer Kikkli
Dandass Jindua Malwai Giddha

Most of the folk dances of Punjab such as bhangra, dandass are very popular throughout the country. The
exuberance and enthusiasm of the people of Punjab are displayed strongly in their folk dances.

• Bhangra is the most popular and the oldest folk dance of the state. Initially it was performed
during the Vaisakhi festival and now it is performed on all important occasions.
• The vigor and vitality of the Punjabi women is displayed in the Giddha folk dance which is
performed by a group of women wearing colourful traditional costumes.
• Kikkli dance is performed by two young girls who hold each other’s hand and twirl.
• The Jhoomer dance, referred to as the ecstasy dance, is a rhythmic and slow dance and is
performed on themes such as love and other emotions.
• The Malwai Giddha dance is mostly performed by bachelors and a wide range of musical
instruments are employed in this dance.

Rajasthan

Some of the important folk dances of Rajasthan are as follows,

Ghoomar Jhulan Leela Chari

Ghapal Suisini Ganagor
Jhuma Bhavai Ganagor
Panihari Kalbeliya

The ancient customs and traditions of Rajasthan are showcased well in their colourful folk music and
dances.

• Ghoomar dance is the most popular folk dance of the state as well as the country. It was
introduced by the Bhil tribe and was later adopted by the royal communities of the state. It is
performed by women on special occasions.
• The Bhavai dance is performed by the women belonging to Jat, Meena, Bhil, Kalbelia and
Kumhar tribes of Rajasthan. They are accompanied by the male dancers who sing and play
instruments.
• Chari dance which symbolises joy and ritual of collecting water in pot (chari) is performed by the
women belonging to the Saini community of Ajmer and the Gujjar community of Kishangarh.
Kalbeliya dance is performed by the women of the namesake tribe to the music played by men.
It is regarded as the Intangible heritage by UNESCO.

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Sikkim

Some of the important folk dances of Sikkim are as follows,

Singhi Chaam Sikmari Tashi Yangku

Chu Faat Yak Chaam

Each ethnic castes and tribes of the state have their own folk dances.

• The Singhi Chaam and Yak Chaam are Tibetan dance forms. While the former is linked to the
five peaks of Mount Kanchenjunga which forms a snow lion image, the latter is performed as a
tribute to the animal Yak, on which the people at higher altitudes depend for their survival.
• Chu-Faat is a famous folk dance of Sikkim and it is performed by the Lepcha community as a
tribute to the snowy ranges of Mount Kanchenjunga.

Tamil Nadu

Some of the important folk dances of Tamil Nadu are as follows,

Kummi Kavadiyattam Devarattam

Kolattam Karakattam Mayil attam
Oyilattam Puliyattam Poikkal Kuthirai Attam
Paampu attam Bommalattam Theru Koothu

• Karakattam is the most prominent folk dance of Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the Goddess
Mariamman who is believed to bestow the earth with rains. It is performed during the Mulaipari
festivals.
• Theru Koothu is performed in almost all the villages of the state and it is a combination of
literature, music and dance/drama.
• Kavadi attam is dedicated to Lord Muruga on certain festive occasions and it is performed by
carrying a long bamboo stick suspended with bamboo pails, on the shoulders and by singing the
kavadi chindu.
• Poikkal Kuthirai attam also known as the dummy horse dance is the oldest folk dance of the
state and it is performed as a tribute to the village guardian god, Ayyanar.
• Oyilattam is popular in southern Tamil Nadu and is performed in districts such as Madurai,
Tirunelveli, Trichy etc.

Telangana

Some of the important folk dances of Telangana are as follows,

Perini Shivatandavam Lambadi Dappu Dance

Gussadi Oggu Katha Tholu Bommalata

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• Dappu dance, also known as Dappu Nrityam is a famous folk dance of the southern state of
Telangana. It is mostly performed by the men in a group of 15 to 20 members and is performed
in most of the festive occasions.
• Lambadi is the ancient folk dance of the state. It is performed by a group of women around the
fire at night and rarely men participate in it. This dance is accompanied by the songs that are
sung in different languages.
• Perini Shivatandavam is associated with Lord shiva and it is performed by the men in shiva
temples. It originally belongs to the warrior clan of the 11th century AD.
• The Gussadi dance is performed by the Gondulu tribes of Adilabad district.

Tripura

Some of the important folk dances of Tripura are as follows,

Hozagiri Jhum Maimita

Masak Sumani Lebang boomani Bijhu dance
Hai-Hak dance Wangala dance Padisha
Gajan Garia Cheraw

The culture of the Northern state Tripura, revolves around various festivals and celebrations which are
marked by a number of dances and musics. Similar to other northeastern states, Tripura is a homeland to
several tribal communities. Each of them have a special and unique folk dance.

• The Tripuris depend on Jhum (shifting) cultivation for livelihood and they perform the Garai
dance as a tribute to the deity Goria for better harvest. This folk dance is widely performed by
the members of Koloi, Jamatia and Tripuri communities.
• Before the onset of monsoon season, the Tripuris perform Lebang Boomani dance in which
the tribal youth indulge themselves in catching the colourful insects called Lebang.
• The Hozagiri dance is performed by women belonging to the Reang community of the state.
The Halam community of Tripura performs the Hai-Hak dance at the end of the harvesting
season.
• The Wangala dance is performed in every house to celebrate the good harvest and it is a
women folk dance.

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Uttar Pradesh

Some of the important folk dances of Uttar Pradesh are as follows,

Raas Leela Jaita Jhora

Chappeli Charkula Kajra
Nautanki Khyal Dadra

Uttar Pradesh holds a great significance in Hindu Mythology and ancient cities such as Varanasi and
Mathura are present in this state. It is known for the vibrant culture.

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• One of the most spectacular folk dances of the state is Charkula dance which is popular in the
Braj region of Western Uttar Pradesh. It symbolizes the birth of Radha and it is usually
performed on the third day of Holi.
• Similar to Charkula, Raas Leela is also famous in the Western Uttar Pradesh and the life tales
of Lord Krishna are portrayed in this dance.
• Nautanki is a street play and it consists of folklore and mythological dramas which are blended
with folk songs and dances.

Uttarakhand

Some of the important folk dances of Uttarakhand are as follows,

Garhwali Jhora Langvir Nritya

Kajari Barada Nati Ramola
Bhotiya Chhapeli Pandav Nritya
Choliya

Like any other state, the locals of Uttarakhand express and celebrate their joys and sorrows through dances.

• Through the Pandav Nritya dance, various stages of the life of Pandava brothers are narrated
along with the drum beats.
• The Choliya dance belongs to the Kumaoni tribal community of the state and it is an ancient
sword dance which stages the martial art traditions of the tribe.
• Jhora dance is performed by the locals of the state while celebrating the onset of spring.
Barada Nati is a famous folk dance of the state and is largely performed in the Jaunsar Bhawar
area of Dehradun district.
• The Langvir Nritya is performed by the men and is popular in the Tehri Garhwal region of the
state.

Union Territory Of Jammu And Kashmir

Some of the important folk dances of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are as follows,

Rouf Kud Dandi Naach Hikat

Damali Mandjas Dumhal
Kud Dogri Bacha Nagma

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is known not only for its scenic beauty but also for the
traditional folk dances.

• Rouf dance is a famous and ancient folk dance which is performed on festive occasions such
as Eid, Ramzan etc and also at the onset of spring.
• The Dumhal dance is performed by the males of Wattal community during special occasions.
• The Kud dance is performed in the villages of middle Himalayas during the night times under
the stars.
• Bacha Nagma is another famous folk dance of Jammu and Kashmir. It is performed by young
boys who are dressed in female attire and a group of men who sing Kashmiri and Sufi songs.
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West Bengal

Some of the important folk dances of West Bengal are as follows,

Jatra Kathi Domni

Dhali Alkap Santhali
Marasia Gambhira Kalikapatadi
Purulia Chhau Brita Tusa

• Purulia Chhau is one of the well known folk dances of West Bengal. The theme of this dance is
taken from Ramayana and Mahabharata and it is a vigorous form of dance drama.
• Santhali dance is performed by the members of Santhal tribe and it is an integral part of all the
festivals of that community.
• The Gambhira dance is performed by the worshippers of Lord Shiva and is considered to be
the devotional dance.
• Brita or Vitra dance is an important dance of the state and is performed either by the women
wishing for a grant or child or by the survivors of dangerous illness.

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Classical Dance in India:

• The Natya Shastra is the source of classical dance.
• According to the ancient sources and historians, India has eight traditional dance genres.

The Culture Ministry of India has added Chhau to the list of classical dances, bringing the total
number of classical dance forms to nine.

The following are the eight basic technicalities expressed in classical dance:

• Shringar: Love
• Hasya: Humorous
• Karuna: Sorrow
• Raudra: Anger
• Veer: Heroism
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• Bhayanak: Fear
• Bibhats: Disgust
• Adbhoot: Wonder

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