India is a country of festivals, some festival or the other is celebrated here all the time. Every region has its own tradition of celebrating these festivals. In almost every region of India, different dances are performed on different festivals, which are known as folk dances. Folk dances are an important topic in the GA section of government exams, and questions from it are especially common in Railways and SSC exams. Keeping this in mind, today we are providing information about various states of India and their folk dances.
List of folk dances of different states
Andhra Pradesh- Kuchipudi, Veeranatyam, Butta Bommalu, Bhamakalpam, Dappu, Tapeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam.
Assam- Bihu, Beechhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal, Kanoi, Jhumura Hobjanai.
Bihar Jat – Jatin, Panwariya, Bidesiya, Kajari.
Gujarat- Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani Jurun, Bhavai.
Haryana- Jhumar, Phaag, Daaf, Dhamaal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Jagor.
Himachal Pradesh- Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi.
Jammu and Kashmir- Rauf, Heekat, Mandjaat, Jump Dandi dance.
Karnataka- Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karaga, Lambi.
Kerala- Kathakali (Classical), Mohiniyattam, Kuravarkali.
Maharashtra- Lavani, Dindi, Kala, Dahikala Dasavatar.
Odisha- Gotipua, Chhau, Ghumura, Ranappa, Sambalpuri dances.
West Bengal- Lathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Chhau, Santhali Dance.
Punjab- Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhamal, Dankara.
Rajasthan- Ghoomar, Gangaur, Jhulan Leela, Kalbeliya, Chari.
Tamil Nadu- Bharatanatyam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi Attam.
Goa Deckhani, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Jagor, Goanf, Tonyamel.
Madhya Pradesh Jawara, Matki, Ada, Khada dance, Phulpati, Grida dance, Salelarki, Selabhadoni, Manch.
Chhattisgarh Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Naach, Pandavani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Bharathari Charitra, Chandanani.
Jharkhand Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Fagua, Mundari dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhitka, Danga, Domchak, Ghora dance.
Arunachal Pradesh Buiya, Chhalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo Chham.
Manipur Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Khamba Thaibi, Nupa dance, Rasleela.
Meghalaya Shad Suk Minseim, Shad Nongrem, Laho.
Mizoram Chherav dance, Khullam, Chaillam, Chwanglaijwan, Jangatalam, Saralamkai/Solakia, Talangalam.
Nagaland Rengma, Bamboo Dance Changai Dance, Aaluyattu.
Tripura Hojagiri, Garia, Jhum.
Sikkim Singhi Chaam and Yak Chaam, Tamang Selo Maruni dance.
Lakshadweep Lava, Kolkali, Parichakali.
Nautanki Dance
Nautanki dance is presented through verses, couplets, Hari Geetika, Qawwali, Ghazal etc. It includes many genres like singing, acting, dancing etc. This is a very interesting dance. Nautanki folk dance performed in Uttar Pradesh, India is famous since ancient times. There are many elements involved in drama such as humor, heroism etc. The story presented in Nautanki can also be based on someone’s life. Its duration is very short and it involves singing and dancing.
Kalbelia dance
This is a state full of art and culture. There is a tribe named Kalbelia here, the dance performed by them is called Kalbelia dance.
Ghumar
Ghumar dance is a major dance performed in every festival, festival and celebration in Rajasthan. It is done by women only. The long ghagras worn by women are the special attraction of this dance.
Mohiniyattam
This dance is based on classical tradition. This dance is as captivating as its name suggests. In this dance, the expressions of eyes, hands and face are very important. In this, the dancer wears Kerala’s special white colored saree with golden brocade. This dance is basically based on Hindu mythology.
Kathakali
In Kathakali, a dance drama i.e. description of a story is presented. In this, characters from various Puranas like Mahabharata or Ramayana etc. are adapted. The costumes of this dance are very beautiful and attractive. In this, special clothes and ornaments like crown on the head etc. are used. Hand postures and facial expressions have special importance in this dance.
Pandwani
Pandwani dance is performed in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. It is a solo folk dance. In this, singing and dancing are done by the same person. In this, events mainly based on Pandavas are depicted.
Gangaur Dance
Gangaur is the most popular dance of the region in Nimar, Madhya Pradesh. Gangaur dance is performed during Navratri of Chaitra month. This festival is for the worship of Mother Gauri and Shiva. In this, the dance is performed with the chariot placed on the head.
Tamasha
This is a dramatic dance performed in Maharashtra. In most of the folk dramas, men play the lead roles but in Tamasha, only women play the main roles. This is a very successful folk dance. In this, instruments like harmonium, ghunghroo, manjira, etc. are used. The show is often presented by the Kolhati community.
Lavani
Lavani is the most popular dance of Maharashtra. The popularity of Lavani dance can be gauged from the fact that Lavani dance is also used in films. This dance is performed in special traditional attire, in which the dancer wears a 9 meter saree. In Lavani dance, there is a combination of both spirituality and makeup.
Yakshagana
Yakshagana is a traditional dance drama. Which is done in Karnataka state. This dance is performed especially in the paddy fields at night. In which aspects related to war are shown.
