Regions
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Folk
Dances
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Description
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Punjab
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Bhangra
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It is a lively form of music and
dance that originated in Punjab. As many Bhangra lyrics reflect the long and
tumultuous history of Punjab.
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Giddha
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This dance is
often considered derived from the ancient dance known as the ring dance and
is just as energetic as Bhangra. At the same time it manages to creatively display feminine grace,
elegance and elasticity. It is a very colorful dance form which is now copied
in all regions of the country.
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Bengal
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Chhau dance
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It is
a genre of Indian tribal martial dance which is popular in
the states Jharkhand and West
Bengal. There are 3 sub-genres of Chhau, based
on its places of origin and development.
1. Seraikella
Chhau
3. Mayurbhanj
Chhau
2. Purulia Chhau.
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Jharkhand
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Chhau dance
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Gujarat
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Garba
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It is
a form of dance that
originated in Gujarat. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term Garbha ("womb")
and Deep. Many traditional garbas are performed around a centrally lit
lamp or a picture or statue of the Goddess Shakti. The circular and spiral
figures of Garba have similarities to other spiritual dances, such as those
of Sufi culture.
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Kashmir
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Dumhal
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It is
a dance performed in Jammu and Kashmir. Wattal tribe of Kashmir perform this
dance. Generally, this dance is performed with wearing long colorful robes,
tall conical caps. Their caps or costumes are studded with beads and shells.
Only the men folk of the Wattal are privileged to perform this dance on
specific occasions.
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Rouff
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It is also a folk dance of
Kashmir. It is danced solely by women on festive occasions. Rouff displays
simple footwork.
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Goa
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Fugdi
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This is a group dance for women,
with two major variations: as danced in a circle or by a rows of dancers.
Broadly, villages have a dance in a circle but forest settlements have it in
rows. A few fixed steps and hand gestures and hand laps are the elements. No
instrument or musical accompaniment is found with the dance, but special
fugdi songs are innumerable. The songs might be about Puranic stories, family
life, complaints, rivalries or people.
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Dashavatara
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The term Dashavatara refers to the
ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu ('Das' means ten, 'Avatar' means
incarnations). Scholars are divided into two groups as far as the origin of
the dance is concerned. One group believes it to have evolved from
"Yakshagana"; another group considers it to have emerged from
"Kuchipudi". Many actors believe that Dashavatara is originally a
dance form from Kerala, and they worship a deity of the Walaval region of
Kerala. Whatever the source maybe, the form was introduced to the Konkan region
in the 16th century.
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Dekhnni
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Dekhni represents an attractive
mixture of folk culture and Western music, danced mostly by Christian girls
in fully Indian dress. The gestures in the dance appear to have been borrowed
from the Kathak and Bharata Natyam. Dekhni in Konkani language means
"bewitching beauty". This song-cum-dance performed only by women to
the accompaniment of folk drum "Ghumat", displays a rare blend of
Indian and Western cultures. The dance enacts the life of a "Devdasi"
(literally meaning servant of God) girl whose job is to perform dance in
temples and social ceremonies like weddings.
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Corridinho
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A Portuguese folk dance and a
beautiful example of Portuguese cultural influence, this elegant dance is
highly popular among Goan elite youth. Corredinho Marcha de Fontainhas, a
song-cum-dance, is famous for its rhythmic and exquisite footwork where
normally six couples take part.
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Dhalo
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Dhalo dance- It is performed by
women folk on the moonlit night of Hindu 'Pausha' month. This dance is
performed during the week-long festivities are held at night time and the
main deities propitiated on the occasion are Mother Earth and Sylvan deity,
who are supposed to protect their house-holds. Compared to Fugdi dance, this
dance is slow. The songs are in Konkani and Marathi.
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Rajasthan
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Ghoomar
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Ghoomar-
It is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan. It was
developed by the Bhil tribe and was then adopted by other
Rajasthani communities. It is performed by women in swirling robes, and
accompanied by men and women singing together. This folk dance gets its name
from ‘ghoomna’, the pirouetting which displays the spectacular colors of the
flowing ‘ghaghara’, the long skirt of the Rajasthani women.
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Chakri
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Chakri dance is one of the famous
folk dances that are performed by the women of Rajasthan. Chakri is the
dance of the tribe called Kanjars and they seem to be spread all across the
state and wherever these Kanjars are, there we can trace the presence of the
Chakri dance as well. This is very specific to the Chakri tribe, and in
particular they seem to inhabit the areas of Kota and Baran districts of
Rajasthan.
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Fire dance
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The
Fire dance is performed by the men of the Jasnathis tribe – there are more
boys than men and these boys just jump into the charcoal covered floors and
start dancing to the music. The music starts slowly and reaches a high pitch
and so does the dance. It starts out gently but goes on to a very high pace
and it just gets so very thrilling to even see them dance like that. There is
so much practice that goes into the preparation of this dance, unlike most
folk dances that have very easy steps and no real rules to them. That in
itself is a very differentiating factor of this fire dance.
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Madhya Pradesh
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Gaur Maria
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It
is the dance form which popular for the hunting in the state of Madhya
Pradesh. It is the dance form which is performed in order to raise the spirit
of Hunting among the people of the tribe. Gaur is the word which stands for
ferocious bison in its meaning. The announcement for this dance form is made
by using the trumpet of Bamboo or by using the horn. The entry of the men in
the floor is very attractive. They enter with the music of flute and the
beats of the drums. All the men are meant to wear head dresses which are full
of cowries and with the feather of peacock all around.
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Karma
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The
Karma dance is a tribal community dance performed by the Binjahal,
Kharia, Oraon, Kisan and Kol and other tribal annually during
the karma festival. Karma is a famous autumnal festival, it starts from the
11th day of the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrab. It is
performed in the tribal dominant areas of Western
Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh. Karma meanes 'fate'.
This folk dance is performed during the worship of the god of fate which is
known as Karam Devta.
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Kaksar
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Kaksar is
a festival dance, performed by the Abhujmaria of Bastar. Prior
to the rains, the Maria cultivators in every village worship the deity for
reaping a rich harvest. To invoke the blessing of the deity, Kaksar, a
group dance, in which young boys and girls take part, is performed. Boys
put on a peculiar costume of a long white robe while girls are clad in all
their finery. The dance presents to girls and boys, an exclusive opportunity
to choose their life partners, and marriage is enthusiastically celebrated
afterwards. There is a beat and melody in this dance. The melodious
music, the tinkling of the bells combines to generate an atmosphere of spell
and attraction.
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Matki
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Matki
Dance- This dance is basically performed at the time of wedding event or at
the time of any significant function. Matki dance needs lots of practice and
even asks for colorful attires. Furthermore this dance form is done with the
help of a crop which is an earthen pot and this pot is kept on the head.
Women while performing their dance has to balance their pot so that their
dance will be considered as an auspicious dance. Additionally this solo dance
inhabits beautiful and colorful attires. Women even garnish themselves in
exclusive ornaments. This dance is also known by other names such as Khada
Nach and Aada. Women even wear veil on their face while giving performance
for this dance.
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Phulpati
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Phulpati
dance art is especially done by unmarried girls. It is a folk dance which is
celebrated by the semi-rural women living in Malwa region. In addition,
Phulpati dance is also performed by the performers at the time of Holi
season. Unmarried girls dress themselves in most beautiful and colorful
attires and wear exotic ornaments in order to perform this Phulpati
dance. Also this dance is performed in open environment so that a full
devotion and enjoyment of nature can be taken.
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Grida
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This
form includes three phases while its performance. ‘Sela’ is the first phase
that includes the relaxed and taut foot movements. The second phase named as
‘selalarki’ the dance takes a higher pace and thus the enjoyment of the dance
and occasion increases. In the final and the concluding phase known as
‘selabhadoni’ the steps in the dance gets energetic, forceful and spirited
and includes the strong actions that combine both legs and hands movements.
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Bihar
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Jumari nach
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The folk dance of Jumari is
performed especially in Mithilanchal of Bihar. This dance is similar to that
of ‘Garba performed in Gujarat.’ Only married women performs, hence it also
signifies a good omen. After the month of Ashvin in September-October, the
next one is the Kartik month and at this time, the sky becomes crystal clear,
without any traces of clouds. The full moon looks attractive and spreads its
milky rays in all directions. Such a romantic atmosphere gets the married
women to go on dancing, singing and celebrating the funs of the season.
Actually, Jumari is related to the season.
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Jat-Jatin
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Jat-jatin-is the
folk dance of Mithila and Koshi region. This folk dance conveys the message
of facing the hurdles of life with a smile. This dance performed by a man and
a woman and it reflects the sweet-sour day to day quarrel that occurs between
husband and wife.
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Teej nach
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Teej dance-Teej
is the time when women fast and dance to various songs and welcome the
monsoon season. Teej dance in Bihar is performed with colorful dandia sticks.
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Jhijhia nach
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It is one of
the most eminent dances of Bihar, Jhijhia depicts a band of young belles
adoring and offering. Rain plays crucial role in agriculture. When there is a
total drought and there is not even a single drop of water anywhere, the
lands are cracked and parched, the sky is lifeless without clouds and the
people are awaiting rains-this is the time when the village women pray
to lord Indra for rain. They sing and dance to please the Lord of Rain with
their deep devotion. Such type of dance and singing is called jhijhia. This is the
message of the most eminent folk dance of Bihar. The performers for this
ritualistic dance include a lead singer, harmonium player, bansuri player and
a drummer to play the dholak. There are two female singers popular for their
rhythmic language, sweet songs appealing music.
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Kajari nach
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Kajari Dance - The pleasant change that has come due to the
rainy season. Not only is the change in the nature, but also the mental
refreshment and relaxation that is associated with human beings well
described in these kinds of songs. Kajari songs produce a sweet sensation
body and it is sung from beginning of the shravan month with the rhythmic
note of raindrops.
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Sikkim
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Singhi Chham
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Singhi
Chham or Kanchendzonga Dance is a dance form performed
in Sikkim. In this, snow lion in the main base of dance So, people
perform dance decepting he snow lion. Kanchenjunga (Khang-Chen Dzong Pa) is
believed to resemble the legendary snow lion.
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Arunachal Pradesh
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Aji Lamu
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Aji Lamu – It is a folk dance
which had evolved in time immemorial among the tribe of the Monpa
tribe. The Monpa tribe is a tribe which is really keen towards
the art and culture. This has not been much written in the history about the
Monpa tribe but this is obvious that the tribe is very much inclined towards
the art and culture and especially the dance forms in the folk arena are
really commendable.
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Ponung
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Ponung Dance- The Adi tribe
performs the Ponung dance. The Ponung dance is accompanied by song. Both men
and women participates in the dance. It is organized in all the
major occasions in the region. The boys and girls form
in separate groups. The girls dance in a circle by holding each
other. A man generally called Miri dances and sings around the circle.
He also play musical instrument.
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Hiirii Khaniing
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Hiirii Khaniing dance- It is one
of the many folk dance forms of the state of Arunachal Pradesh which is
situated in the north eastern part of the country of India. This dance is
usually a group dance where men and women participate with equal vigor. The
best part is that the dance looks beautiful due to the colorful costumes that
are being flaunted by the tribal people from the designated region of the
state of Arunachal Pradesh. The songs used in the dance form is very
enthusiastic and very lively. The dance is very well complemented with the
loud and lively music which adds to the entertainment of the participants of
the dance as well as the audience who enjoys the dance and the music
thoroughly.
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Popir
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Popir dance- It has its origin in
that belief of the Galos. The Mopin festival is the harvest festival of the
Adi Tribes. They celebrate this festival and thank God for the
hearty harvest that they have received for the year. Since cultivation is the
main economy in north eastern India, the harvest assumes prime significance.
The year that the harvest is good will mean the whole economy is flourishing
– so good harvest is very important to the Adi Tribes.
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Chalo
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Chalo dance- It is the very famous
form of the folk dance which is being very well practiced by the Nocte tribe
who are the inhabitants of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The Nocte tribe
celebrate the three days long festival of Loku and during the festival, this
particular form of folk dance is being widely showcased by the inhabitants of
this tribe.
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Lion & Peacock dance
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Lion and peacock dance- It is a
famous form of folk dance which is practiced by the Monpa tribe of the Tawang
area in the state of Arunachal Pradesh located at the north eastern part of
the country of India. In this form of dance the people disguise
themselves with the masks of the lion and then perform an enthusiastic dance
with the rhythm of the loud music which complements the dance form in the
best possible way.
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Chhattisgarh
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Chandaini – Gonda
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Chandaini – Gonda- It is one of
the most prominent performing arts of the district of Dantewada in
Chhattisgarh. Representing the rich cultural heritage and traditional
legacies of the region, Chhattisgarh is famous for its unique performing arts
that have captured the imagination of the world.
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Panthi
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Panthi dance reflects the rich
cultural heritage and traditional legacies of the indigenous tribal groups of
the region. Representing the vibrant and dynamic cultural life of the local
inhabitants of Chhattisgarh, Panthi dance epitomizes the unique dance
styles of the state. Endowed with enriched cultural traditions, the
district of Durg boasts of a plethora of indigenous performing arts of the
region which is reflected in the beautiful dance forms, melodious songs and
expressive dance dramas.
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Raut Nacha
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Raut
Nacha- One of the most prominent folk dances of Chhattisgarh, Raut Nacha
represents the traditional folk culture of the region. Dressed in colorful
and traditional attire the performers of Raut Nacha reflect the religious
fervor of the cowherds of the region. A unique dance style of the
cowherds of Chhattisgarh, the dancers of Raut Nacha enact the scene of the
violent battle between King Khansa and the cowherds who belonged to the Yadav
community of the region. The Yadavs or the cowherds had the divine support of
Lord Krishna. Raut Nacha glorifies the age old truth of the triumph of truth
over evil.
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Saila
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Saila- The Saila
dance is performed with many variations in dancing style & pattern with
much buffoonery. Sometimes the dancers stand in forming a circle, where each
one is standing on one leg and taking help for support by holding on to the
man in front. Then they all dance together taking round and round. Sometimes,
they pair off or go round in a single or double line, occasionally, climbing
on each other`s back. The climax in the performance of Saila is the great
Snake dance.
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Soowa
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Soowa
dance- Representing the rich cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh, Soowa
dance displays the traditional and indigenous tribal culture of the region.
One of the prominent dance forms of the state, Soowa dance of the Durg
district reflects the vibrant and dynamic cultural life of the indigenous
local inhabitants of Chhattisgarh. Endowed with a rich cultural
heritage, the Durg district of Chhattisgarh boasts of a plethora of
performing arts that is reflected through the beautiful dance forms,
melodious folk songs and expressive dance dramas of the region which has
percolated to the modern era. Soowa dance is one such traditional dance of
the indigenous local inhabitants that epitomizes the glorious culture of the
numerous tribal communities of the Durg district.
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Haryana
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Saang
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Saang Dance- Itis a popular dance
form of Haryana, reflecting its culture in true sense. A group comprising in
even numbers such as ten or twelve persons performs it. The dance is mainly
reflecting religious stories and folk tales that are performed in open places
and can lasts for 5 hours. Some of the male participants dress as women to
perform the female casting in dance. The meaning of `Saang` or `Swang` is
disguise or `to impersonate`
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Dhamal
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The Dhamal dance is famous in the
Gurgaon area, which is inhabited by Ahirs. In the beginning of the dance, the
player gives the first long note, then musical instruments like Dhol, Tasha,
Nagara, pick up the beat and actually the dance begins. Some of the dancers
carry large Daphs in their hands to give music. These Daphs edged with frills
of bright colour fabric. Others carry sticks in their hand. These sticks
wrapped with tinsel and with tassels at both ends, which are called shuntis.
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Loor
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Loor dance- It is
performed by girls during the month of 'Phalguna' (pring), and is so named
because the word 'Loor' means girl in the Bangar area of Haryana. Performed
during the Holi festival, this dance marks the spring season and the sowing
of the Rabi crops. The song is generally in the form of questions and
answers.
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Khoria
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It is performed by woman only. It
is connected with the daily life of the people and with the most important
events like harvest. Singing a folk song, the girls enter dancing
place and make a ring. The simple movements acquire form and color with
the swirling off their full-gold-work skirts and colored chundries and the
gleam and jingle of heavy rustic jewellery. The graceful steps give place to
faster tempo until two or three pairs of the girls break from the ring into
the centre with crossed arms joined together swirling on the axis of their
feet. The girls in the ring clap to the beat of the drum. In final stage the
dance is around the circumference.
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Himachal Pradesh
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Hikat
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This is danced by women, and is a
modification of a game played by children. Forming pairs,
the participants extend their arms to the front gripping each other's
wrists and with the body inclined back, go round and round at the same spot.
With wide range and variety of the ethnic groups, Himachal Pradesh is blessed
with natural beauty and artistic history. People living in this natural
beauty, adorn themselves for the dance at all times of the year, in all
regions, and continue to express themselves through music and dance.
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Odisha
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Dalkhai
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This dance is quite vigorous, and
is accompanied by a set of particular musical instruments, played by men, of
which the drummers often join the dance. A dummy horse version is the Chaiti
Ghorha, danced by a community of fisher folk. The performers are all men.
Apart from dancing, the performers sing, deliver homilies of sorts, and offer
brief dramatic enactments peppered with wit and humour.
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Mahari
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Mahari Dance- It is one of the
folk dance which originated in the temples of Odisha. The devdasi (dancing
girl) were known as ‘Maharis’ and the dance performed by them came to be
known as Mahari Dance.
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Gotipua
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Gotipua Dance- It is another form
of dance in Odisha. In Oriya colloquial language Gotipua means ‘single boy’.
The dance performed by a single boy is known as Gotipua Dance.
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Assam
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Bihu
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Bihu is the most widespread
folk dance in the state and is enjoyed by all, young and old, rich and poor.
The dance is part of the Bihu festival that comes in mid-4 April, when
harvesting is done, and continues for about a month. The participants are young
men and girls, who gather in the open, in daytime. They dance together, but
there is no mixing of the sexes. The dance is supported by drums and pipes.
The most common formation is the circle or parallel rows.
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Mizoram
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Cheraw dance
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Cheraw dance is performed in Mizoram state of India. This dance includes Four people. They hold two pairs of
bamboos across one another on the ground. It is believed that Cheraw dance originated as early as in the 1st century AD. Long
bamboo starves are used for this dance, therefore many people call it 'Bamboo
Dance'. Aptly supported by two bases, the bamboos are clapped together on a
particular beat by the male dancers. The females who have a perfect sense of
timing, dance gracefully by stepping in and out of the crossed and
horizontally laid bamboo staves. The dancers move by stepping alternatively
in and out from between and across a pair of horizontal bamboos, held against
the ground by people sitting face to face on either side.
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