Classical and folk dances in India

Indian dance forms fall into two broad categories-

1.     Classical dance                       2.  Folk dance

There are 8 classical dance forms:-

Regions	Dance forms	Description
1. Tamil Nadu	Bharatnatyam	Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form from Tamil Nadu. Bharatha Natyam is known for its rhythmic, vigorous footwork, crisp movements, sculpturesque poses and combining the energy of its Nritta (rhythmic movements) with the emotion of its Nritya (expressive movements).
2. Uttar Pradesh	Kathak	The name Kathak is derived again from the Sanskrit word katha (story): kathaka means ‘he who tells a story, or has to do with stories’. This dance form traces its origins to the nomadic bards of ancient northern India, known as kathakas (storytellers). Its form today contains traces of temple and ritual dances, and the influence of the bhakti movement.
3. Kerala	Kathakali	Kathakali is a classical dance form which originated in Kerala. Katha in Sanskrit means story and kali in Malayalam means play. So Kathakali is a play based on a story.
4. Kerala	Mohiniyattam	The term “Mohiniyattam” comes from the words "Mohini" meaning a woman who enchants onlookers and "aattam" meaning graceful and sensuous body movements. The word "Mohiniyattam" literally means "dance of the enchantress". The dance involves the swaying of broad hips and the gentle movements of erect posture from side to side. This is reminiscent of the swinging of the palm leaves and the gently flowing rivers which abound Kerala, the land of Mohiniyattam. There are approximately 40 basic movements, known as atavukal. The costume includes white sari embroidered with bright golden brocade (known as kasavu) at the edges.
5. Andhra Pradesh	Kuchipudi	Kucipudi is non-narrative and abstract dancing. The Kucipudi costumes look similar to those of Bharatanatyam. The important characters have different make-up and the female characters wear ornaments and jewellery such as rakudi (head ornament), candravanki (arm ornament), addabhaa and kasinasara (neck ornament) and a long plait decorated with flowers and jewellery.
6. Manipur	Manipuri	The origin of Manipuri dance can be traced back to ancient times. It is associated with rituals and traditional festivals; there are legendary references to the dances of Siva and Parvati and other gods and goddesses who created the universe. The dance was performed earlier by maibas and maibis (priests and priestesses) who re-enact the theme of the creation of the world.
7. Orissa	Odissi	This dance style from the state of Orissa in Eastern India was traditionally performed as a devadasi, or temple dance, tradition. Dances were dedicated to Lord Krishna (known as Lord Jagannath in Orissa).
8. Assam	Sattriya	Sattriya is performed on stage by women and men. It is governed by strictly laid down principles in respect of mudras, footwork, aharyas (costume), music etc. It is performed with borgits (musical composition) which are usually based on classical ragas. For tradition performance, the instruments that are used are khole (drums), talas (cymbals) and the flute. Some of the recent additions are the violin and the harmonium. The dress is typical of Assam as the silk that are worn are produced in Assam, woven with meticulous designs.

Bharatanatyam

Odissi

Kathak

Kathakali

The folk dances of different states are as discussed here:-

Regions	Folk Dances	Description
Punjab	Bhangra	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.
	Giddha	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.
Bengal	Chhau dance	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.
Jharkhand	Chhau dance
Gujarat	Garba	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.
Kashmir	Dumhal	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.
	Rouff	It is also a folk dance of Kashmir. It is danced solely by women on festive occasions. Rouff displays simple footwork.
Goa	Fugdi	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.
	Dashavatara	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.
	Dekhnni	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.
	Corridinho	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.
	Dhalo	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.
Rajasthan	Ghoomar	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.
	Chakri	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.
	Fire dance	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.
Madhya Pradesh	Gaur Maria	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.
	Karma	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.
	Kaksar	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.
	Matki	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.
	Phulpati	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.
	Grida	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.
Bihar	Jumari nach	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.
	Jat-Jatin	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.
	Teej nach	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.
	Jhijhia nach	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.
	Kajari nach	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.
Sikkim	Singhi Chham	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.
Arunachal Pradesh	Aji Lamu	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.
	Ponung	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.
	Hiirii Khaniing	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.
	Popir	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.
	Chalo	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.
	Lion & Peacock dance	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.
Chhattisgarh	Chandaini – Gonda	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.
	Panthi	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.
	Raut Nacha	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.
	Saila	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.
	Soowa	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.
Haryana	Saang	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`
	Dhamal	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.
	Loor	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.
	Khoria	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.
Himachal Pradesh	Hikat	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.
Odisha	Dalkhai	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.
	Mahari	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.
	Gotipua	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.
Assam	Bihu	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.
Mizoram	Cheraw dance	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.