Folk dances are created by individuals to depict the lifestyles of people in a specific country or region. These dances are not all ethnic dances, they are not ceremonial dances or dances based on rituals. Folk dances facilitate the exploration of India’s diverse cultural terrain. The traditions of Tribal and Folk dances of India vary by state or region and are based on local mythology and folklore. It’s a unique blend of composite art. Folk dances, unlike classical dances, are spontaneous and performed by locals with no formal instruction and they are restricted to a small group of people or a single venue. The knowledge is passed down from generation to generation. Indian folk and tribal dances are a result of various socioeconomic conditions and long-standing traditions.
What is Folk Dance?
India is characterized by a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and traditions, making its cultural landscape highly distinctive. One prominent aspect of this diversity is reflected in the realm of dance, with Classical and Folk Dance standing out as two major and distinct dance forms in the country. The primary differentiator between Classical and Folk Dances lies in their origins. Classical dances, with a history deeply rooted in the Natya Shastra, encompass eight distinct forms, each with its unique elements. In contrast, Folk Dances in India emerge from local traditions, shaped by the specific state, ethnicity, or geographical region, resulting in a vibrant array of over 30 different folk dances across the country.
Folk Dances Of India
The folk dances of India reflect the diversified culture and customs of the country. There are numerous types of folk dances that are practised in various parts of the country. The folk dances of India are vibrant and full of life.
- Folk dances of India are of great significance, particularly in rural areas because they mostly express the daily work and rituals of the village community.
- Most of the folk dances in the country have unique costumes and they vary according to the local tradition of that particular state.
- The tribal folk dances of India are inspired by the tribal folklore which is either sung by the dancers or the onlookers.
- These dances are usually performed during ceremonies such as Weddings, births, coronations, entering a new house or town, welcoming a guest, religious processions, harvest time, and so on.
- Some dances are performed by men and women individually while men and women dance together in other performances.
List of Folk Dances Of India (State-wise)
Get a quick overview of all Folk Dances of Indian States along with the Classical dances in the combined list below:
| State | Folk Dance |
| Himachal Pradesh | Kinnauri, Thoda, Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Dangi, Chamba, Thali, Jhainta, Daf, Stick dance |
| Uttarakhand | Chappeli,Gadhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila etc |
| Punjab | Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand, Naqual |
| Haryana | Jhumar, Phag Dance, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor |
| Uttar Pradesh | Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita |
| Rajasthan | Ghoomar, Suisini, kalbeliya, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Panihari, Ginad etc |
| Gujarat | Garba, Dandiya Ras, Bhavai, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai |
| Maharashtra | Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada, Tamasha, Mauni, Powara, Gouricha |
| Madhya Pradesh | Tertali, Maanch, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni, Jawara etc |
| Chhattisgarh | Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Chandaini, Bharthari Charit, Goudi, Karma, Jhumar, Dagla, Pali, Tapali, Navrani, Diwari, Mundari, Jhumar |
| Jharkhand | Karma Munda, Karma, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua, Chhanu, Sarahul, Jat-Jatin, Karma, Danga, Bidesia, Sohrai, Hunta Dance, Mundari Dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhitka, Danga, Domkach, Ghora Naach |
| Bihar | Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama-Chakwa, Bidesia, Jatra |
| West Bengal | Purulia Chhau, Alkap, Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan,Santhali Dance, Mundari dance, Gambhira, Gajan, Chaibari Nritya |
| Sikkim | Chu Faat, Yak Chaam Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi Yangku, Khukuri Naach, Chutkey Naach, Maruni Dance |
| Meghalaya | Laho, Baala, Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem |
| Assam | Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal, Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai etc |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Chham, Mask dance (Mukhauta Nritya), War dance, Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo |
| Nagaland | Chong, Khaiva, Lim, Nuralim, Bamboo Dance, Temangnetin, Hetaleulee. Rangma, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim |
| Manipur | Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat, Dol Cholam, Khamba Thaibi, Nupa Dance, Raslila, Khubak Ishei, Lhou Sha |
| Mizoram | Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, Par Lam, Sarlamkai/ Solakia, Tlanglam, Khanatm, Pakhupila, Cherokan |
| Tripura | Hozagiri |
| Odisha | Ghumara, Ranappa,Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari, Chhau, Chadya Dandanata |
| Andhra Pradesh | Ghantamardala, Ottam Thedal, Mohiniattam, Kummi, Siddhi, Madhuri, Chhadi. Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Butta Bommalu |
| Karnataka | Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi |
| Goa | Fugdi, Dhalo, Kunbi, Dhangar, Mandi, Jhagor, Khol, Dakni, Tarangamel, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale, amayi nrutya, Tonnya mell |
| Telangana | Perini Shivatandavam, Keisabadi |
| Kerala | Ottam Thulal, Kaikottikali, Tappatikali, Kali Auttam |
| Tamil Nadu | Karagam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi |