Folk Dances of India: India, a land of rich cultural diversity, boasts an array of folk dances that vary from state to state, reflecting the vibrant traditions of the people. These dances are not just performances but celebrations of life, rituals, and history passed down through generations. Each state in India has its own unique style of folk dance, deeply rooted in its heritage and traditions. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most popular folk dances from different states of India, and you can download a PDF guide for easy reference.
What is a Folk Dances of India?
Folk dances are traditional art forms performed by the common people of a region during festivals, social events, or ceremonies. Unlike classical dances, they are not bound by rigid rules but are more free-flowing and spontaneous. They often reflect the daily lives, agricultural practices, or the cultural stories of the people.
Folk Dances of India (State-wise)
1. Himachal Pradesh
Kinnauri, Thoda, Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Dangi, Chamba, Thali, Jhainta, Daf, Stick dance
2. Uttarakhand
Chappeli, Gadhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila
3. Punjab
Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand, Naqual
4. Haryana
Jhumar, Phag Dance, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor
5. Uttar Pradesh
Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita
6. Rajasthan
Ghoomar, Suisini, kalbeliya, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Panihari, Ginad
7. Gujarat
Garba, Dandiya Ras, Bhavai, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai
8. Maharashtra
Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada, Tamasha, Mauni, Powara, Gouricha
9. Madhya Pradesh
Tertali, Maanch, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni, Jawara
10. Chhattisgarh
Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Chandaini, Bharthari Charit, Goudi, Karma, Jhumar, Dagla, Pali, Tapali, Navrani, Diwari, Mundari, Jhumar
11. 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
12. Bihar
Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama-Chakwa, Bidesia, Jatra
13. West Bengal
Purulia Chhau, Alkap, Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan,Santhali Dance, Mundari dance, Gambhira, Gajan, Chaibari Nritya
14. Sikkim
Chu Faat, Yak Chaam Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi Yangku, Khukuri Naach, Chutkey Naach, Maruni Dance
15. Meghalaya
Laho, Baala, Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem
16. Assam
Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal, Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai
17. Arunachal Pradesh
Chham, Mask dance (Mukhauta Nritya), War dance, Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo
18. Nagaland
Chong, Khaiva, Lim, Nuralim, Bamboo Dance, Temangnetin, Hetaleulee. Rangma, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim
19. Manipur
Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat, Dol Cholam, Khamba Thaibi, Nupa Dance, Raslila, Khubak Ishei, Lhou Sha
20. Mizoram
Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, Par Lam, Sarlamkai/ Solakia, Tlanglam, Khanatm, Pakhupila, Cherokan
21. Tripura
Hozagiri
22. Odisha
Ghumara, Ranappa,Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari, Chhau, Chadya Dandanata
23. Andhra Pradesh
Ghantamardala, Ottam Thedal, Mohiniattam, Kummi, Siddhi, Madhuri, Chhadi. Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Butta Bommalu
24. Karnataka
Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi
25. Goa
Fugdi, Dhalo, Kunbi, Dhangar, Mandi, Jhagor, Khol, Dakni, Tarangamel, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale, amayi nrutya, Tonnya mell
26. Telangana
Perini Shivatandavam, Keisabadi
27. Kerala
Ottam Thulal, Kaikottikali, Tappatikali, Kali Auttam
28. Tamil Nadu
Karagam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi
Why Folk Dances Matter
Folk dances serve as a living heritage, keeping ancient traditions alive. They offer us insights into the history, festivals, and everyday lives of people across India. Moreover, they bring communities together, fostering unity and cultural pride.
Download folk dances of India PDF in a single file
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