Folk Dances of India

Performed for any societal celebrations in villages, for any harvests of food or any celebrations. No particular complex steps to dance. A person without any particular knowledge  on dance can also perform it

Mathuri (Koppu) – Andhra Pradesh

• Performed by the inhabitants of the Umji and Indravelli forest areas
• Traditionally performed during Krishna Janmashtami celebrations
• Themes are mainly taken from the Mahabharata
• Though both men and women perform this dance, the pace is different
• Women dance in slow rhythmic movements, while the men dance at a more vigorous pace
• The Nagara is the main instrument used

Bihu (Assam)

• One of the most colourful folk dances of India
• An integral part of the Bihu Festival celebrated to mark the advent of Spring & Assamese New Year
• Bihu ushers in sowing time which is also the season of marriages

Garba (Gujarat)

• The word “Garbo” has originated from Sanskrit word “Garbhdeep”, means an earthen pot with circular holes
• The pot is the symbol of the body and the lighting lamp inside the pot signifies the divine soul
• Linked with the worship of “Shakti” – performed during Navratri & during weddings
• Either a lamp (Garba Deep) or an image of Goddess Durga is placed in middle of concentric rings
• People dance around the centre clapping their hands to the beats of the Dhol

Dandiya Ras (Gujarat)

• Its origin has been traced to Lord Krishna, dancing with Gopis in Vrindavan
• Prominent feature → Circular movements with speed and grace, roar of the Dhol, & the colourful gorgeous costumes
• Depict scenes of Holi and leela of Krishna & Radha, during Navaratras

Daang (Gujarat)

• Hail from South Gujarat on the border of Maharashtra
• Usually performed during Holi and other festivals
• Centers around the social life, feasts, fairs, festivals, ceremonies and rituals connected to worship
• It is vigorous, as most tribal dances are, and highly rhythmic
• Interesting circular formation is created centering around the accompanists who stand in the middle of an open space

• The men hold their arms round the women’s shoulders and women clasp the men by their waists. The dance builds up gradually and acquires a fast tempo in the end
• The women climb on the shoulders of men and form a human pyramid

Siddhi Dhamal (Gujarat)

• The Siddhies migrated to India from Africa about 750 years ago.
• They settled in the coastal parts of Gujarat like Bharuch, Bhavnagar, Junagarh and Surat.

• They follow Muslim religion and dance to the beat of drum on the eve of the Urs of their Prophet Baba Gaur
• Just like their ancestors from Africa, Siddhies are master of rhythm dancing to the tune of huge drums

Jhijhia (Bihar)

• Usually performed by a group of young women dancers
• Portrays offering of prayers to Lord Indra for a good monsoon & a rich harvest

Gaur Maria (Chhattisgarh)

• Basically performed on the occasion of marriage
• Resembles a hunt-dance → imitation of the frisking & jerking movements of the animals

• However, a sense of ritual and deep sanctity underlies the perfect synchronization of the dance.

Kaksar (Chhattisgarh)

• To seek the blessings of the village deity Kaksar for a good harvest
• Performed by a group of young boys and girls dressed in their best
• Provides a platform to young people for choosing their life partners

Chholiya (Uttarakhand)

• Has elements of martial craft and is associated with the Kirji Kumbh celebrations
• Kirji Kumbh is a poisonous flower which blossoms every 12 years

• Villagers march in a procession to destroy the flower before it sheds its poison into the mountain streams

Samay or lamp dance (Goa)

• Performed with traditional metallic lamps or deepaks
• The men and women balance the samai on their heads and perform various movements

• During religious gatherings the dance is performed to the accompaniment of slow singing

Ghoomar (Rajasthan – Haryana)

• Performed by girls of border areas of Rajasthan & Haryana at various festivals like Holi, Gangaur Puja and Teej
• The girls form semi-circles and start singing and clapping
• The dancers then form a circle and the tempo of the dance is accelerated

• The movements are made by holding body weight on one foot and moving forward
• As the tempo increases towards the end, the dancers whirl around in pairs
• Accompanying songs are full of satire and humour and refer to contemporary events

Kinnauri Natti (Himachal Pradesh)

• Important amongst the dances of the Kinauris is Losar Shona Chuksam
• It takes its name from LOSAI meaning new year
• Kinnauries music echoes the sound of the breeze blowing through forests
• Dancers recreate movements of all the agricultural operations of sowing & reaping ogla (barley) and phaphar (a local grain)
• Slow movements with soft knee dips with accentuation of torso are the key step of this dance.

Paika (Jharkhand)

• Typical dance of the Munda community, representing rituals connected with preparations for war
• With chest blades, multi-colored headgear, anklets, bows, arrows, spears, swords & shields the dancers enact battle scenes
• Symbolizes the great war of the Mundas against the Britishers
• Though performed on various occasions, the Paika dance is most readily associated with the Dussehra celebrations
• The fast beat of the madal along with dhol, nagara, shehnai, & ranbheri make Paika dance performaces truly captivating

Rouff (Jammu & Kashmir)

• Most popular dance in the Kashmir Valley and is performed by the women folk
• Performed during harvesting season but the most important occasion is the month of Ramzan
• The girls wear colourful Phirans-Kashmir cloaks and Kasaba-the head gear
• The girls form two rows facing each other and putting their arms around the waist of the next dancer
• They start with rhythmic movements of the feet and weave a few patterns swaying and swinging backward

• Traditionally, no musical accompanies Rouff songs as they are sung while doing the daily chores
• The folk instruments like noot, tumbaknari, rabab etc. are used when it is performed on the stage or in some gathering

Jabro / Losor (Jammu & Kashmir)

• A community dance of the nomadic people of Tibetan origin living in Ladakh
• Jabro is performed by both men & women during Losar- the Tibetan new year celebrations- and also on other festive occasions
• Because of the extreme cold, the dancers wear heavy gowns made of sheep skin, lamb skin caps and long leather shoes
• Performers stand in two facing rows, holding each other’s hands, and dance gracefully with slow, gentle movements
• Jabro songs are sung to the accompaniment of the Damien-a stringed guitar-like instrument and flute

Veerbhadra (Karnataka)

• Veerbhadra is performed on Chaitra Purnima and Dhalo festival
• The person enacting the role of Veerbhadra is dressed in a warriors costume & wield swords as he dances

• According to legend, Veerbhadra is supposed to get possessed by a divine spirit
• The invocation of Veerbhadra is recited in Kannada even today

Dholu Kunitha (Karnataka)

• A drum dance performed by the men folk of the shepherd community known as Kurubas

• Noted for its powerful drumming & vigorous dancing which is filled with acrobatic elements

Oppana (Kerala)

• A bridal dance performed by Muslim girls of North Kerala and Lakshadweep on wedding occasions
• Brides and grooms are mentally prepared for marriage & nuptial night by their close friend through a sequence of dance and music

Purulia Chhau (Orissa, Jharkhand, WB)

• Emanating from martial practice Chhau dance of Purulia draws its themes from the two great Indian epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata
• Masks and elaborate head gears are the ornamental apparels of the Chhau dancers
• Commences with an invocation of Lord Ganesha before movements begin as per the story

• Vocal music replaced by Instrumental music and a variety of drums
• In Chhau dance, the fight between good and evil always culminates in the triumph of good over destructive evil

Badhai (Madhya Pradesh)

• Badhai is performed to thank Goddess Sheetala for safeguarding people from natural calamities & ailments and to seek her blessings on happy occasions like weddings & childbirth
• Accompanied by folk musical instruments, the performers dance gracefully to a rhythm, creating a lively and a colourful spectacle.
• Animals also take part in Badhai Nritya and in many villages, mares (female horses) are seen at such performances.

Baredi (Madhya Pradesh)

• Closely related to the cattle-farm culture of the country, especially of the Bundelkhand region
• Baredi folk songs and folk dances are presented during the fortnight commencing from Deepawali (Kartik Amawasya) to Kartik Poornima
• One of the performers sings two lines from the poem called Baredi with a rhythm & the other participants present a vigorous performance, the Baredi dance

• This dance is presented with a worship of Govardhan Parvat. It is believed that the Lord Krishna himself participate in these Baredi dances alongwith his gwal mates

Raee (Madhya Pradesh)

• Raee folk dance is Popular in Bundelkhand regions of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
• Originated during ancient times for celebrations when the armed forces returned victorious after war
• It is primarily, a female dance, where the dancers with veils on their faces, move their feet and whirl their body in rhythm to the accompanied music
• Algoza, mridanga and dhapali are the main musical instruments used in this dance.

Lavani (Maharashtra)

• Traditionally an integral part of the Tamasha folk theatre of Maharashtra, Lavani is the most popular and best-known folk-dance form of the state
• This art form is at its best when dealing with themes of bravery, pathos, love and devotion, Music, poetry, dance and drama intermingled with perfection

Dhol or Pung Cholom (Manipur)

• Performed usually on religious occasions to the accompaniment of songs and dhol (large drum)
• Usually performed during the Yaoshand festival (or the festival of colours)

• Expresses love and creativity, with an intricate interplay of dhols and fireplay
• Dhol Cholom belongs to the Manipur Sankirtana traditions

Lezim (Maharashtra)

• Have base in a Akhada (Martial Art) tradition of Maharashtra – performed by the artists on religious and social events
• Lezim Dance includes Ghuti Lezim, Ghoongroo Lezim, Dakhani Lezim and Palita Lezim
• This dance is occasionally performed in Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat also

Lewatana (Meghalaya)

• Lewatana is a folk song and dance of Hajong tribe of Meghalaya
• Lewatana is usually performed by the Hajong during the Diwali festival
• Young men and women form a group and while dancing & singing various folk songs, they compare man with nature

Cheraw or Bamboo (Mizoram)

• Also known as the Bamboo Dance, as bamboo forms an integral part of this folk form
• Two long bamboo staves are kept crosswise and horizontally, parallel to ground
• Male dancers clap the staves, resultantly producing a sharp sound setting the rhythm for the dance

• The female dancers, attired in colourful traditional costumes step in and out between bamboos with precise skills
• In addition to the musical pattern created by the clapping of bamboo staves, drums and gongs are also used for effect

Gotipua (Odissa)

• Young boys dressed up as girls sing devotional love songs of Radha-Krishna and perform Gotipua dance
• The repertoire of the dance includes vandana-prayer to God or Guru
• Gotipuas dancers compose themselves in different acrobatic yogic postures creating the images of Radha-Krishna
• Musical accompaniment is provided by Mardala-a pakhawaj, Gini-small cymbals, Harmonium, Violin and flute

Ranappa Chaddhaiya (Odissa)

• Ranappa is a martial art form of dance where the dancers walk and dance on sticks (Ranappa) with special gestures on rhythms of drums
• Ranappa is popular in the coastal areas of Ganjam district of Odisha – Basically an imitation of mock fight
• Chaddaiya is a part of the famous ‘Danda Nata’ of Odisha – Performed in the month of Chaitra, associated with the worship of Shiva

• Worshipers participate in the dance holding a ‘Danda’ (Pole) and a ‘Pasa’ (Knot) symbolic of a devout Shaivite
• They dance vigorously to the accompaniment of drums and ‘Mohri’ displaying various elements of martial practices

Bhangra (Punjab)

• Most popular folk dance of Punjab, performed by men on festive occasions & to celebrate Baisakhi or the harvest festival
• Featured dress → Bright coloured plumed turbans, traditional tehmats, kurtas and waistcoats

Giddha (Punjab)

• Women dance of Punjab at happy occasions – consists of singing, clapping, enacting the Boli as well as pure dance
• Dancers form a circle and participating in pairs, take turns to come centre stage and perform a Boli
• Towards the end of the Boli they dance vigorously in sheer abandon, while those in the circle sing and clap in unison.
• The refrain is sung 3-4 times, then the performers withdraw to be replaced by another pair and a new Boli
• Giddha is accompanied by a Dholak (drum) or Gharah (earthen pot)

Kalbelia (Rajasthan)

• Performed by the women of the nomadic Kalbelia community whose primary occupation is rearing snakes and trading in snake venom
• On festive occasions, traditional songs are sung to the plaintive notes of the ‘been’; and the dancers dressed in their traditional black swirling skirts, perform this dance

• The dance highlights the unparalleled virtuosity of the dancers often reminiscent of the graceful and supple movements of the snake

Chakri (Rajasthan)

• Chakri dance is performed by the women of the Kanjar community of Rajasthan
• The dancers whirl around in circles in colourful skirts which resembles spinning tops & thus named Chakri
• Usually performed at weddings and on festive occasions, Chakri is accompanied by the rhythm of daph, manjira and nagara

Tamang Selo (Sikkim)

• Folk dance of the Tamang community; also known as Damphu as it is performed to the accompaniment of a native musical instrument called damphu
• Usually performed during Dussehra by both men & women; depicts the colourful lifestyle of the hill people

Kavadi (Tamilnadu)

• This dance was supposed to be performed by a giant named Idumban – with a pole slung across his shoulder
• At the two ends of the pole he was supposed to carry the hills of Murugan, the popular deity of Tamil Nadu
• The carrying of Kavadi by pilgrims is symbolic of Idumban with the hillocks poised on the pole
• Accompanying the music, the devotees proceed to the shrine by singing the song “Kavadi Chindu” with quick and vigorous movements.

• Basically performed by the devotees during the ceremonial worship of Murugan the Tamil God of war.
• The Kavadi is never touched by the dancer while dancing.

Kadagam (Tamilnadu)

• Originated as a ritual dedicated to the worship of Mariamman, the Goddess of rain and health
• The ritual is performed during the month of August when the idol of Mariamman is carried in procession
• A ritual pot filled with water is adorned with beautiful decorations, several feet high, and is carried by the priest
• The colourfully attired performers carry decorated vessels vertically on their heads and dance to the tune of accompanying music
• Kadagam dance is very popular in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

Mayilattam (Tamilnadu)

• Performed in Hindu temples
• Dancers wear peacock dress

• Dances on tall woods attached to performers feet

Hojagiri (Tripura)

• Women folk dance of the Reang community of Tripura performed on Mailuma and Maiktah festivals
• Mailuma signifies the festival of new harvest & and Maiktah, worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity
• The Reangs believe that when the goddess is pleased by entertaining with dance and songs, she blesses them with bumper crops

• The theme of this dance is mostly connected with cultivation
• Standing on the pitcher, they move the metal plates in hand; & keep a bottle on the head – atop which is an oil lamp alight

Dhobia (Uttar Pradesh)

• Popular among the dhobi (washermen) community of eastern Uttar Pradesh in which only male dancers participate
• Performed on the occasion of birth, marriages and festivals like Dusshehra and Holi
• The dance is basically in the form of a dance-drama which usually begins with the recital of a couplet in praise of the almighty
• Amongst the dancers, one person wearing a royal costume enters the arena riding a dummy horse followed by other dancers
• The group of musicians also stand behind the dancers playing their instruments
• The dance begins with the music provided by drums, cymbals and ghunghroos which are tied on waist and ankles
• A traditional wind instrument, called ransingha, plays a significant role in boosting up the tempo of the dancers
• The dance is accompanied by Bhojpuri and Awadhi folk songs

Some other folk dances of India

Martial Dances of India