List of Different States and their Folk Dances in India
Dance is an important activity that showcases the rich cultural heritage of a state. In India, dance forms are categorised as Classical Dances and Folk Dances.
Folk dances are usually performed for entertainment at various festivals and social occasions like marriage or get-togethers. Folk dances showcase the local culture and the beliefs of people living in a particular region.
This list is very important for exams like State PCS, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, CDS, UPSC CSE, etc.
List of Indian States and Folk Dances
| State/UT | Folk Dances |
| Folk Dances of Andhra Pradesh | Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Butta Bommalu. |
| Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh | Wancho, Khampti, Daminda, Bardo Chham, Ponung, Rikhampada, Lion and peacock Dance |
| Folk Dances of Assam | Bihu, Bagurumba, Jhumair (also performed in Bangladesh), Natpuja, Bhortal dance |
| Folk Dances of Bihar | Bideshiya (dance-drama), Domkach , Phagua, Jat-Jatin, Jhijhian, Jhumri, Kajari, Painki, Sohar |
| Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh | Raut Nacha, Saila Dance, Karma dance, Sua Nacha, Pandavani, Panthi, Jhirliti, Gendi, Rahas, Gaur dance, Muria dance |
| Folk Dances of Goa | Fugadi, Dekhni, Dhalo, Mussal Khel, Shigmo, Ghode Modni, Samayi nrutya, Ranmale, Gonph/Goff, Tonya Mel, Romat |
| Folk Dances of Gujarat | Garba, Gagari, Ghodakhund, Dandiya Raas, Siddi Dhamal, Tippani, Matukadi, Padhar, Aagaw, Hudo |
| Folk Dances of Haryana | Ragini, Ras Leela, Gogaji and Gugga/Gogga dance, Jhoomar/Jhumar, Sawan, Teej, Been, Kissa, Saang, |
| Folk Dances of Himachal Pradesh | Nati, Channak Chham Dance, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Dangi, Dandras, Demon dance, Shaand, Shaabu |
| Folk Dances of Jammu and Kashmir | Neyopa, Bacha Nagma, Dumhal, Rauf, Hikat, Kud dance, Dogri Bhangra |
| Folk Dances of Jharkhand | Jhumair, Domkach, Jhumar, Mardana Jhumair (Nagpuri folk dance), Janani Jhumair (Nagpuri Folk dance), Lahasua, Fagua, Paika (martial dance), Chhau dance, Santhali dance, Mundari dance |
| Folk Dances of Karnataka | Bedara Vesha, Dollu Kunitha, Veeragase, Hulivesha, Kolata, Yakshgana |
| Folk Dances of Kerala | Thirayattam, Theyyam, Chakyar Koothu, Duffmuttu, Margamkali, Oppana, Padayani, Thitambu Nritham, Ottan Thullal |
| Folk Dances of Lakshadweep | Lava, Kolkali, Parichakali |
| Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh | Grida, Maanch, Matki dance, Phulpati dance, Tertali, Jawara, Aada, Khada Nach, Selalarki, Selabhadoni |
| Folk Dances of Maharashtra | Lavani, Lezim, Koli dance, Tarpha or Pavri Nach |
| Folk Dances of Manipur | Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Manipuri Raas Leela, Khamba Thoibi |
| Folk Dances of Meghalaya | Derogata, Shad suk mynsiem, Shad nongkrem, Do dru Sua, Laho, Wangala |
| Folk Dances of Mizoram | Cheraw(Bamboo dance), Sarlamkai, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, Par Lam, Tlanglam |
| Folk Dances of Nagaland | Chang Lo dance, Rangma, Bamboo Dance, Zeilang |
| Folk Dances of Odisha | Dalkhai (Western Odisha), Mayurbhanj Chau, Goti Pua, Bagha Naach, Dhap, Ghumra (Kalahandi folk dance), Karma Naach, Jhumair, Keisabadi, Laudi Khela |
| Folk Dances of Puducherry | Garadi |
| Folk Dances of Punjab | Bhangra, Giddha, Malwai Giddha, Kikkli |
| Folk Dances of Rajasthan | Dhamal, Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Kachchhi Ghodi, Tera Tali |
| Folk Dances of Sikkim | Maruni, Tamang Selo, Tashi Sabdo, Naumati, Zo-Mal-Lok |
| Folk Dances of Tamil Nadu | Parai Attam (Thappattam), Kummi, Kolattam, Karakattam (Karagam), Mayil Attam (Peacock dance), Paambhu attam (Snake Dance), Oyilattam, Puliyattam, Theru Koothu, Bommalattam |
| Folk Dances of Telangana | Perini Shivatandavam |
| Folk Dances of Tripura | Hojagiri |
| Folk Dances of Uttar Pradesh | Mayur Nritya (Peacock Dance), Rasleela, Charkula dance, Jhora, Jaita, Khyal |
| Folk Dances of Uttarakhand | Chholiya dance, Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Chappeli, Hurka Baul, Langvir Nritya |
| Folk Dances of West Bengal | Purulia Chau, Domni, Jhumair, Jatra |
Bihu: Bihu is a folk dance from Assam performed in groups with quick steps and fast hand movements with colorful costumes having red color as main theme. The dance celebrates the fertility of humans and nature.
Fig.1: Bihu Dance
Raut Nacha: This folk dance from Chattisgarh marks worship of Krishna and strongly resembles Krishna's Raas Leela. It is performed on the occasion of Dev Udhni Ekadashi.
Garba: It is usually performed by women in Gujarat in which they move in a circular pattern and clap in rhythm. It is generally performed during Navratri. This folk dance has become famous in other countries as well like USA.
Fig.2: Garba Dance
Jhumar/Jhoomar: This a folk dance from Haryana in which young girls wear jhumar on their forehead and dance in a circle. This dance is also called Gidda of Haryana.
Nati: This folk dance from Himachal Pradesh is recorded as the largest folk dance in Guinness Book of World Records.This dance is also famous in Chandigarh and jounsari community in Uttarakhand.
Fig.3: Nati Dance
Maanch: This is a very famous folk dance of Madhya Pradesh. "Maanch" means the place or stage of performance. It is performed in a way similar to operatic ballet.
Lavani: It is a folk dance of Maharashtra complemented by song. It is performed on the beats of Dholki. Lavani has helped in the evolution of Marathi folk theatre.
Fig.4: Lavani Dance
Giddha: It is a folk dance from Punjab performed by women in which they clap in rhythm and sing traditional folk songs. This dance is based on ancient ring dance of Punjab and creatively show feminine grace and elegance.
Ghoomar: This is folk dance of Rajasthan that was performed by the Bhil tribe to worship Goddess Saraswati. This dance is performed at various festivals. Govardan Kumari is known for her efforts to promote this dance and was given Padma Shri for her contribution to arts.
Rasleela: Rasleela is the most famous form of folk dance from Uttar Pradesh. It is performed during Krishna Janmashtami and Holi and among Gaudiya Vaishnavism followers in Uttar Pradesh. It is based on the stories of Lord Krishna.
Fig.5: Rasleela Dance
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