Different Types of Folk Dances in India

India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, and each of its states has its own set of folk dances. The various types of folk dances in India are not only an easy source of entertainment but also a way to nourish and celebrate the rich heritage of our country. This article shall consist of all kinds of folk dances from the different states of India. It provides an all-rounded cultural journey, filled with vibrant colors, rhythmic beats, and above all, fascinating stories.

State-wise Folk Dances in India

The list of Folk Dances in Indian states is given below:

Andhra Pradesh: Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi is a classical dance form hailing from Andhra Pradesh. Dance, music, and acting are blended together to explain stories related to Hindu mythology. The performers are dressed in excellent costumes and include complicated footwork along with brilliant facial expressions.

Arunachal Pradesh: Bardo Chham

Bardo Chham is a dance that shows a certain part of the Sherdukpen tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. The dance shows victory over evil, with the performers in masks and vibrant costumes of different animals and creatures.

Assam: Bihu

Bihu is a famous folk dance of Assam. It is performed during the festival of Bihu, which marks the Assamese New Year. The male and female dancers are traditionally dressed up and they dance to the rhythm of the drums and other musical instruments, depicting joy and happiness.

Bihar: Jat-Jatin

Jat-Jatin, one of the ancient folk dances of Bihar, is performed by the country folk. It represents the love and quarrels between the husband and the wife. These forms of folk dance are performed with the folk songs played on musical instruments like the dholak and harmonium.

Chhattisgarh: Chhau

Chhau, a folk dance from Chhattisgarh, combines dancing with martial arts, and the art of storytelling. The performers wear masks and colorful costumes that portray a variety of characters from mythological sources. It is performed to the beats of traditional musical instruments like dhol and shehnai.

Chhattisgarh: Panthi

Panthi is the folk dance of the Satnami community in Chhattisgarh. It is performed in admiration of the birth anniversary of Guru Ghasidas, who was the founder of the Satnami sect. The dancers display a variety of fast-paced footwork, acrobatic body movements, and devotional songs.

Goa: Dekhni

Dekhni is one of the semi-classical dance forms in Goa. It presents a mix of Indian and Western dance forms. Mostly, it is performed by women folk with the songs of pleased happenings and different musical instruments, like ghumot and violin. The move depicts one girl with her ever longing love for her beloved.

Gujarat: Garba 

Garba is an Indian folk dance of Gujarat which is used in the festivals of Navratri. The group puts itself in the circle and then universally moves the members, clapping in circles and twirls to the rhythm of Garba songs. It is a celebration of feminine energy and reverence for Goddess Durga.

Haryana: Ghoomar

In Haryana, women perform this dance during a festival and special occasions and they wear colorful ghagras (long skirts) and circle around swinging and humming to folk songs and musical instruments like Dhol and Harmonium.

Himachal Pradesh: Nati

Nati, the folk dance form of Himachal Pradesh, is performed during festivals and joyous celebrations. In this dance, some of the dancers combine in circles and move uniformly holding the others' hands. Traditional folk songs and musical instruments like dhol and shehnai are used to accompany the dance.

Jammu and Kashmir: Rouf

Rouf, one of the major traditional folk dances of Jammu and Kashmir, is performed by women during festivals and marriage ceremonies. Participants, standing in normally two rows, sway to the rhythm provided by the folk songs. It shows joyous feelings of cheer through graceful movements and synchronized footsteps.

Karnataka: Dollu Kunitha

Dollu Kunitha is a drum dance performed by the Kurubas of the state of Karnataka. The dancers have very large drums that are hung around their waist and they beat these drums rhythmically with sticks to very energetic dancing.

Kerala: Theyyam

Theyyam is a highly ritualistic form of dance in Kerala that is performed to respect the deities and the spirits of the ancestors. The performers are dressed in vivid costumes, ghastly makeup, and headgear so as to represent a group of gods and mythological characters. The entire dance is performed to the tune of traditional musical instruments like the chenda and veena.

Madhya Pradesh: Matki Dance

Matki Dance is a folk dance performed by women during weddings and festive occasions in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The women carry earthen pots on their heads and dance in an intricate and beautiful manner with the help of some folk songs and musical instruments such as the dhol and harmonium.

Maharashtra: The Lavani

Lavani is yet another very popular folk dance of Maharashtra and is known for its powerful rhythm and vibrant energy. Women perform Lavani to the beats of traditional musical instruments such as the Dholki and Tabla. 

Manipur: Thang Ta

Thang Ta is a form of martial dance of Manipur, involving the performance of dance and combat skills both. Besides the use of swords and shields, the performers also present acrobatic and agility skills while performing the dance. 

Meghalaya: Wangala Dance

Wangala Dance is a folk dance by the Garo tribe in Meghalaya, specifically performed during the Wangala Festival in harvest. Dancers, both men and women, wear traditional attire and move in a combined manner to the tune of drums and bamboo flutes.

Mizoram: Cheraw

Cheraw is a traditional folk dance of Mizoram. Dancers perform intricate steps between bamboo poles clapped together to produce rhythmic sounds. The dance requires a great deal of skill and coordination, accompanied by traditional Mizo music.

Nagaland: Chang Lo

Chang Lo is one of the traditional dances by the Chang tribe of Nagaland. It is usually performed during festive occasions whereby the participants wear their traditional costumes and display perfect coordination while moving to the beats of drums and bamboo pipes. 

Odisha: Ghumura

Ghumura is a very popular form of folk dance in Odisha, performed by tribal communities on festive occasions like festivals and religious functions. The dancers perform in beautiful colored costumes with vigorous movements to the beats of a very unique instrument known as Ghumura drum.

Punjab: Bhangra

Bhangra is a non-stop, high-spirited folk dance from Punjab used in all types of festivals and celebrations. Both men and women, in their traditional dresses, perform their vigorous movements to the rhythm of the instrument dhol, along with the rest of the other group of instruments for it.

Rajasthan: Kalbelia

This is an ancient folk dance of Rajasthan. The performance is carried out by the Kalbelia community, who at one time were known as snake charmers. The women wear black-colored skirts, along with detailed embroidery. The movements resemble the graceful movements of a snake. 

Sikkim: Singhi Chham

"Singhi Chham," another popular folk dance form of Sikkim, is performed by the Bhutias. The dance is accompanied by heavy ornamental costumes of the dancers resembling the mythical snow lions and is followed by energetic movements of the body to the pounding rhythm of damphu and cymbals. 

Tamil Nadu: Karakattam

Karakattam is a folk dance of Tamil Nadu performed on occasions like festivals and religious functions. Dancers balance pots full of water on their heads, dancing with intricate steps to the rhythmic beats of traditional musical instruments like thavil and nadaswaram. 

Telangana: Perini Shivatandavam

This Folk Dance roughly means "Dance of Warriors." This dance has generally been performed by men showcasing their power and courage to different beats of drums and other instruments. This dance form of art duly refers to Lord Shiva, and the warriors would perform this dance before Lord Shiva before setting on a war.

Tripura: Hojagiri

This dance is performed by the Reang community in the state of Tripura, and roughly resembles the dances of the warrior sects. The balancing acts are prevalent with earthen pots on their heads and intricate body movements to the tune of traditional musical instruments, like the 'khamb' and 'sumui'. 

Uttar Pradesh: Raslila

Raslila is an ancient folk dance of Uttar Pradesh, which characterizes the life and love of Lord Krishna and Radha. Graceful movements, facial expressions, devotional songs, and playing instruments like the flute and the tabla are involved. 

Uttarakhand: Chholiya

Chholiya is a traditional folk dance of Uttarakhand performed during weddings and other festivals. Dancers have traditional dresses and dance with high energy in synchronization with the beats of Dhol and other musical instruments. The theme is supposed to be the dance to ward-off the evil spirits and bring good luck. 

West Bengal: Baul

Baul is a typical style of dance in West Bengal. In this dance, the male and female dancers move gracefully to the beat of traditional music played with instruments such as the ektara and khamak. The dance represents the hailing expression for spiritual journey and one's search for divine love.

Indian folk dances for Kids

It is not only a question of entertainment, but folk dances convey very serious messages and values to children. They teach them their culture and make them feel proud about the same. Some of the messages that folk dances convey to children are: 

1. Cultural Identity: Folk dances contribute to the development of a sense of cultural heritage in children, and they grow up appreciating the customs and traditions of their region. They learn more stories about the region through folk dance and can, therefore increase their identity, feeling of belongingness.

2. Community and Unity: The bulk of folk dances are done in groups, hence portraying the message of community and working together. The children learn to cooperate, work together, move uniformly, and rejoice as a team.

3. Respect to Traditions: Most of the folk dances involve rituals and customs practiced since a long time ago and passed on through generations. While learning these dances, children develop respect for their traditions.

Conclusion

The different types of folk dances in India form a very integral and vibrant part of our heritage. Each state has its own different style of expression, which reflects their various traditions and beliefs. If children get an opportunity to participate and learn about these dances, it would help them join themselves to their roots and appreciate their cultural identity even more. It will be through the efforts of the parents, the community, and cultural organizations that such beautiful traditions are passed onto future generations.

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