Folk Dances of India

Folk dances of India are celebrated worldwide, showcasing the joyful spirit of different occasions such as the start of a new season, the arrival of a baby, weddings, festivals, and gatherings. These dances are characterized by simple steps that are easy to learn and perform. In certain dances, men and women participate separately, while in others, they dance together, creating a harmonious display of unity. Singing and live music often accompany these vibrant performances. The dancers adorn themselves in exquisitely crafted costumes, enhancing the allure of their movements.

Folk dances of India will be helpful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation. GS Paper-1 Art and Culture.

Table of Content

• Folk Dances
• Features of Folk Dance
• Folk Dances of India State Wise
• Important Folk Dances of India
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Folk Dances

• Meaning: Folk dances are unique to each region, with various types practised across different areas.
• These dances are performed on numerous occasions, such as seasonal celebrations, childbirth, weddings, and numerous festivals.
• Folk dances are characterized by their simplicity, involving minimal steps or movements.
• Indian folk dances are known for their energetic and lively nature.
• Some dances are performed separately by men and women, while others involve both genders dancing together.
• Dancers often sing themselves during the performances, accompanied by musicians playing instruments.
• Each folk dance form has its own distinct costume and rhythm.
• The costumes worn for these dances are typically vibrant and adorned with elaborate jewellery and designs.

Features of Folk Dance

• Folk dances are a well-liked dance genre associated with specific people or regions.
• They serve as expressions of culture and often have ritualistic origins.
• Folk dances are passed down from one generation to another.
• They involve simple rhythms and follow specific movement patterns.
• These dances are performed to convey joy and happiness.
• Folk dances incorporate body movements, facial expressions, costumes, ornaments, and decorations.

Folk Dances of India State Wise

The important folk dances of different states are mentioned below:

State	Folk Dances
Arunachal Pradesh	Bardo Chham
Assam	Bihu, Bagurumba, Bhortal, Jhumur, Khel, Gopal, Rakhal Lila, Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Nongkrem, Ankiya Nat, Kirtania Natak, Ojapali
Bihar	Jadur, Kathaputli, Bhako, Jhijiya, Karma, Jatra, Natna, Bidesia, Senkela Chhau, Jat-Jatni Bidpada, Ramkhelia
Chhattisgarh	Raut Nacha
Gujarat	Dandiya, Bhavai, Garba, Tippani Dance, Padhar dance, Dangi Nritya, Hudo, Matukdi, Aagwa, Siddi Dhamal
Haryana	Swang, Naqqal, Ras Leela, Dhamal dance, Manjira dance, Goga dance
Himachal Pradesh	Nati, Kariyala, Bhagat, Ras Ihanld, Harnatra Haran or Harin
Jammu and Kashmir	Bhand Pathar or Bhand lashna, Rouff, Vetal Dhamali
Karnataka	Yakshagana, Bedara Vesha, Dollu Kunitha, Santa, Doddata-Bayalata, Tala Maddle or Prasang, Dasarata, Radhna, Veeragase
Kerala	Duffmuttu, Oppana, Padayani, Theyam, Kodiyattam, Margam Kali, Puli Kali, Mudiattam, Thirayattam, Chavittu Nadakam, titambhu nritam, Chakyar koothu
Madhya Pradesh	Maanch, Nacha, Phul patti, Rai Tertali, Grida
Maharashtra	Tarfa Naach, Tamasha, Lalit Bharud, Gondha, Dashavatar, Lavani, Koli dance
Meghalaya	Shad sukmysiem, Shad nongkrem, Derogata, Do dru Sua, Laho
Nagaland	Chang Lo (Sua Lua)
Odisha	Pala Jatra, Daskathia, Mayurbhanj Chhau, Mangal Ras, Sowang, Sambalpuri (dalkhai, rasarkeli), parbha
Punjab	Naqqal, Swang, Bhangra
Rajasthan	Khyal, Rasdhari, Rammat, Turra Kilangi, Gauri, Ghoomar, Nautanki, Ihamtara, Kalbelia
Andhra Pradesh	Veethi Natakam, Burrakatha, Lambadi, Koya
Tamil Nadu	Therukuttu, Veethi Natakam, Bhagwat Mela Natakam, Kurvaanji, Pagal Vasham, Kavadi Chindu
Telangana	Bathukamma
Uttar Pradesh	Bhagat, Sang-Swang, Naqqual, Mayur Nritya, Charukala
Uttrakhand	Chholiya
Goa	Fugadi, Dashavatar, Perni jagar, Musal khel, Samai nrutya, Gonph dance, Dekhni, Kunbi dance, Ghode modni, Dhalo, Tonya mel, Talgadi
West Bengal	Chhau (Purulia), Santhali

Important Folk Dances of India

The major folk dances of India are mentioned below:

Folk Dances	State (Location)	Description
Chhau	Originates from Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal	Chhau is a mask dance that vividly portrays mythological stories using energetic martial movements. It also incorporates natural themes such as serpent and peacock dances. Mayurbhanj Chhau artists do not wear masks. UNESCO recognized Chhau as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
Garba	Popular in Gujarat	Garba is a lively folk dance performed during the Navratri festival. Women dance in circular movements around a lit earthen pot called “Garbha deep,” accompanied by rhythmic clapping.
Dandiya Raas	Traditional dance form of Gujarat	Dandiya Raas is an energetic dance where performers use polished sticks called dandiyas. It represents a mock fight between the goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura.
Ghoomar or Gangore	Performed by Bhil tribe women in Rajasthan	Ghoomar or Gangore is a traditional folk dance characterized by pirouetting movements. It highlights the vibrant colors of the flowing Ghaghra (long skirt).
Kalbelia	Performed by the Kalbelia Community of Rajasthan	Kalbelia is a sensuous folk dance resembling the movements of serpents. The dance is accompanied by the popular musical instrument “Been” played by snake charmers. UNESCO recognized Kalbelia folk songs and dances as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
Charba	Traditional dance of Himachal Pradesh	Charba is a popular folk dance performed during the Dussehra festivities in Himachal Pradesh.
Bhangra/Giddha	Popular folk dance of Punjab	Bhangra is a highly energetic dance accompanied by infectious drum beats, while Giddha is the female counterpart of Bhangra. Both forms are prominent during festivities in Punjab.
Jawara	Harvest dance from the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh	Jawara is a harvest dance performed with a basket full of jawar (millet) balanced on the head. The dance is accompanied by heavy instrumental music.
Matki	Performed by women in the Malwa region	Matki is a solo dance form in which women balance multiple earthen pots on their heads. It is commonly performed during weddings and other festivities. Variants of Matki dance include Aada and Khada Nach.
Gaur Muria (Bison horn)	Ritualistic dance of the Muria tribes in Chhattisgarh	Gaur Muria imitates the movements of a bison and is performed by both men and women in group formations. The dance holds significance in the Bastar region.
Alkap	Rural dance-drama performance in Jharkhand and West Bengal	Alkap is performed by troops of dancers accompanied by lead singers known as gayens. The performance combines popular folk lore and mythological stories, including comical sketches called kap. It is associated with the Gajan festival of Shiva.
Paika	Martial folk dance of Southern Odisha	Paika is a dance form involving wooden spears and shields, showcasing the skills and agility of the dancers in infantry-like formations. It has martial arts characteristics and the word “Paika” signifies battle.
Jat-Jatin	Popular in the northern parts of Bihar	Jat-Jatin is a unique dance form representing the tender love and quarrels of a married couple. It is particularly prominent in the Mithila region.
Danda-Jatra	Oldest folk art of India, popular in Odisha	Danda Nata or Danda Jatra combines dance, drama, and music. While it mainly narrates stories about Shiva, the underlying theme revolves around social harmony and brotherhood.
Bihu	Popular dance of Assam	Bihu is a group dance performed by men and women. It involves colorful traditional dresses, group formations, rapid hand movements, and brisk footsteps.
Thang Ta	Exclusive martial dance form of Manipur	Thang Ta showcases skill, creativity, and agility through mock fight sequences with swords (Thang) and spears (Ta).
Rangma	War dance of the Nagas	Rangma involves colorful costumes, jewelry, and headgear. Dancers enact mock war formations and traditions.
Singhi Chham	Mask dance of Sikkim	Singhi Chham is performed by dancers dressed as snow lions, paying tribute to the Kanchenjunga Peak.
Kummi	Popular folk dance in Tamil Nadu and Kerala	Kummi is a circular dance performed by women, characterized by rhythmic clapping. It is traditionally performed during Pongal and other religious festivities.
Mayilattam	Peacock dance of Kerala and Tamil Nadu	Mayilattam involves young girls dressed as peacocks, complete with colorful headgears, beaks, and feathers. It is also known as the peacock dance and includes other similar dances like Kaalai Attam, Karadi Attam, Aali Attam, and Pampu Attam.
Butta Bommalu	Dance form from West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh	Butta Bommalu showcases delicate movements and non-verbal music, with dancers wearing masks resembling toy-like characters.
Kaikottikali	Temple dance of Kerala	Kaikottikali is performed by both men and women during Onam to celebrate the rich harvest. Similar forms include Airukali and Tattamakali.
Padayani	Martial dance in Southern Kerala	Padayani is performed in Bhagavati temples, featuring dancers wearing large masks called kolams. The dance presents interpretations of divine and semi-divine narratives. Popular characters include Bhairavi, Kalan, Yakshi, and Pakshi.
Kolkali-Parichakali	Martial dance in Southern Kerala and Lakshadweep	Kolkali-Parichakali involves mock weapons made of wood, such as sticks (Kol) and shields (Paricha). The performance starts slowly but gradually builds up tempo, culminating in a frenzy.
Pata Kunitha	Dance form in the Mysore region	Pata Kunitha is a religious dance performed by men using long bamboo poles decorated with colorful ribbons. It is visually captivating and popular among people of all religions. Puja Kunitha is a variant popular in the Bengaluru and Mandya districts.
Chakyar Koothu	Art form of Kerala	Chakyar Koothu is a solo performance where the artist dresses as a snake. It combines prose and poetry, usually narrated in Malayalam. Traditionally performed by the Chakyar community, it features a colorful headgear, a large black mustache, and red spots on the body.
Jhoomar	Harvest dance performed by tribal Sikhs in Punjab	Jhoomar is a circular dance with arm movements accompanied by drum beats. The costumes are similar to Bhangra attire and were brought to India by traders from Balochistan.
Karma Naach	Tribal dance during the festival of “Karma” in Eastern India, especially Chota Nagpur Plateau	Karma Naach features dancers forming a circle with arms around each other’s waist. It is performed by various tribes during the festival of Karma.

Conclusion

Folk dances hold a special place in the hearts of various cultures, serving as an essential link to their origins and nurturing a feeling of togetherness. These dances encapsulate the spirit of happiness, festivities, and cultural legacy, safeguarding the unique traditions and practices of specific areas for future generations to embrace and treasure.

Ref: Source-1

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FAQs(Frequently Asked Questions)