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 areasTraditionally 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 (Gujrat)

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 (Gujrat)

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 (Gujrat)

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 BoliGiddha 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 NaduThe carrying of Kavadi by pilgrims is symbolic of Idumban with the hillocks poised on the poleAccompanying 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 priestThe 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 anklesA traditional wind instrument, called ransingha, plays a significant role in boosting up the tempo of the dancersThe dance is accompanied by Bhojpuri and Awadhi folk songs