Folks Dances of India: India is a nation of cultures and customs, unlike any other place. India has a diverse spectrum of dance genres, whether they are folk or classical, to offer visitors. Almost every 100 kilometres, the dialect changes, as do the styles of traditional dances, clothing, and other arts. Furthermore, we have four distinct seasons, which means we have different dances for each season. During harvest season, a specific dance is performed to celebrate in practically every state.
Traditionally done to convey the happiness, grief, and many moods of a society’s population, folk dances are a form of expression. These folk dances have grown and become folk dances throughout the years, adding a sense of originality and novelty to Indian culture and tradition. Here is a list of several state and folk dances that may be used to prepare for various examinations such as the UPSC, State PSC, SSC, Bank Exams, and other competitive exams.
List of Indian Folk Dances
Check out the state-by-state categorisation of Indian traditional dances on this page. There is a direct question in several tests relating to the relationship between state and folk dancing.
| State | Folk Dances |
| Andhra Pradesh | ➤ Kuchipudi, ➤ Vilasini Natyam, ➤ Andhra Natyam, ➤ Bhamakalpam, ➤ Veeranatyam, ➤ Dappu, ➤ Tappeta Gullu, ➤ Lambadi, ➤ Dhimsa, ➤ Kolattam, ➤ Butta Bommalu |
| Assam | ➤ Bihu, ➤ Bichhua, ➤ Natpuja, ➤ Maharas, ➤ Kaligopal, ➤ Bagurumba, ➤ Naga dance, ➤ Khel Gopal, ➤ Tabal Chongli, ➤ Canoe, ➤ Jhumura Hobjanai |
| Bihar | ➤ Jata-Jatin, ➤ Bakho-Bakhain, ➤ Panwariya, ➤ Sama Chakwa, ➤ Bidesia. |
| Gujarat | ➤ Garba, ➤ Dandiya Ras, ➤ Tippani Juriun, ➤ Bhavai. |
| Haryana | ➤ Jhumar, ➤ Phag, ➤ Daph, ➤ Dhamal, ➤ Loor, ➤ Gugga, ➤ Khor, ➤ Gagor. |
| Himachal Pradesh | ➤ Jhora, ➤ Jhali, ➤ Chharhi, ➤ Dhaman, ➤ Chhapeli, ➤ Mahasu, ➤ Nati, ➤ Dangi. |
| Jammu and Kashmir | ➤ Rauf, ➤ Hikat, ➤ Mandjas, ➤ Kud Dandi Nach, ➤ Damali. |
| Karnataka | ➤ Yakshagan, ➤ Huttari, ➤ Suggi, ➤ Kunitha, ➤ Karga, ➤ Lambi. |
| Kerala | ➤ Kathakali (Classical), ➤ Ottam Thulal, ➤ Mohiniattam, ➤ Kaikottikali. |
| Maharashtra | ➤ Lavani, ➤ Nakata, ➤ Koli, ➤ Lezim, ➤ Gafa, ➤ Dahikala Dasavtar ➤ Bohada. |
| Odisha | ➤ Odissi (Classical), ➤ Savari, ➤ Ghumara, ➤ Painka, ➤ Munari, ➤ Chhau. |
| West Bengal | ➤ Kathi, ➤ Gambhira, ➤ Dhali, ➤ Jatra, ➤ Baul, ➤ Marasia, ➤ Mahal, ➤ 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. |
These folk dances are performed by men, women, or people from different cultures.
Classical Dances of India: Folks Dances of India
Shastriya Academi is the name of an Indian traditional dance academy. These are performed by extremely gifted, well-trained, and competent performers. Almost all of these dances have a connection to the Hindu goddess Durga.
The following is a list of the classical dances performed in India:
| List of Classical dances in India | State of Origin |
| Bharatnatyam | Tamil Nadu |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh |
| Odissi | Odisha |
| Kathakali | Kerala |
| Sattriya | Assam |
| Manipuri | Manipur |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala |
FAQs: Folks Dances of India
Q. What dance was Vallathol responsible for reviving?
Ans- B Kathakali
Q. What is Lord Shiva’s Dance called?
Ans- Nataraja
Q. What does the name “Nataraja” imply in Sanskrit?
Ans- The King of the Dance
Q. Who is the Goddess of Dancing?
Ans- Terpsichore
Q. Where Did Kathak Get Its Start?
Ans- India’s northern region
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