States and their folk dances: The topic “States and their Folk Dances” is an interesting and sensitive subject, which reveals the diversity and richness of Indian culture. Every state in India has its own unique traditions, culture and folk music as well as special folk dances. These dances reflect local cultural elements, history, and traditions, representing the role of the state, society, and lifestyle. In this article, we will discuss about the different states of India and their major folk dances, their specialty, importance, and cultural introduction.
States and their folk dances
Folk dance is a medium in which local culture, tradition, and emotions are expressed. This dance is an important part of Indian cultural heritage and appears in different forms in different states and regions. Folk dances often take the form of dance accompanied by songs and are performed on social, religious, or other joyous occasions. Local clothes, jewellery, and ornamentation are used in these dances, which reveal the local culture.
Dance Styles in India: Classical and Folk Dance
There are two main forms of dance styles in India –
classical dance: Classical dance is an excellent and unique dance style, which uses music, rhythm, and ragas. This dance form is mostly performed by great artists and gurus, who have manifested their great talent after years of meditation and practice. Emotions are expressed through plot and acting and many emotions and stories are presented in dance. Classical dance expresses 8 basic emotions, known as “Navaras”, which include:
- makeup (love)
- humor (humor)
- compassion (sorrow)
- raudra (anger)
- veer (bravery)
- terrible (fear)
- disgusting (disgusting)
- amazing (wonder)
Folk dance: Folk dance is an important part of Indian rural culture, dancing with local songs, rhythms, and traditions. It is presented by an individual or group during social and cultural functions. Folk dance is available in many forms and styles, like Garba, Bhangra, Lavani, Bihu, Gidda, Chau and Bhaunra etc. These dances are mostly performed collectively by people and are accompanied by songs.
Both these major dance styles symbolize the heritage, diversity, and richness of Indian culture. Both classical and folk dance hold their special important place and enliven the priceless wealth of Indian culture.
List of Indian state and folk dances
| Indian state and folk dances | |
State | Folk dance |
Andhra Pradesh | Kuchipudi, Vilasini Natyam, Andhra Natyam, Bhamkalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappetta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam and Butta Bommalu. |
Assam | Bihu, Bichua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal, Tabal Chongli, Dongi and Jhumura Hobjanai. |
Bihar | Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama Chakwa and Bidesiya. |
Gujarat | Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani Jurin and Bhavai. |
Haryana | Jhumar, Phaag, Daff, Dhamaal, Loor, Gugga, Khor and Gagor. |
Himachal Pradesh | Jhora, Jhali, Chhadhi, Dhaman, Chapeli, Mahasu, Nati and Dangi. |
Jammu and Kashmir | Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Naach and Damali. |
Karnataka | Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga and Lambi. |
Kerala | Kathakali (Classical), Ottam Thullal, Mohiniyattam and Kaikottikali. |
Maharashtra | Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Legim, Gafa, Dahikala Dashavatar and Bohra. |
Orissa | Odissi (Classical), Saavari, Ghumara, Panka, Munari and Chhau. |
West Bengal | Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal and Kirtan. |
Punjab | Bhangra, Gidda, Duff, Dhaman and Bhand. |
Rajasthan | Ghoomar, Chakri, Gangor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal and Kalbeliya. |
Tamil Nadu | Bharatanatyam, Kumi, Kolattam and Kavadi. |
Uttar Pradesh | Nautanki, Raasleela, Kajri, Jhora, Chhapeli and Jaita. |
Uttarakhand | Garhwali, Kumauni, Kajri, Jhora, Raslila and Chapeli. |
Goa | Tarangmel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi Nritya, Jagar, Ranmale, Gonch and Tonya Mel. |
Madhya Pradesh | Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada dance, Phulpati, Grida dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni and Manch. |
Chhattisgarh | Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Naach, Pandavani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Bharathari Charit and Chandaini. |
Jharkhand | Alkaap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Fagua, Hunta dance, Mundari dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhitka, Danga, Domkach and Ghora dance. |
Arunachal Pradesh | Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponang, Popir and Bardo Cham. |
Manipur | Dol Cholom, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Khamba Thaibi, Nupa Dance, Rasleela, Khubak Ishi and Lu Sha. |
Meghalaya | Ka Shad Suk Myinsim, Nongkrem and Laho. |
Mizoram | Cheraw dances, Khullam, Chaillam, Savalkin, Chavanglaijon, Jangatalam, Par Lam, Saralamkai/Solkia and Langlam. |
Nagaland | Rangama, Bamboo Dance, Zeliang, Suirolians, Gethingalim, Temanngnetin and Hetleuli. |
Tripura | Hojagiri |
Sikkim | Chu Phat Dance, Sikmari, Singhi Cham or Snow Lion Dance, Yak Cham, Denzong Ganenha, Tashi Yangku Dance, Khukuri Dance, Chutni Dance and Maruni Dance. |
Lakshadweep | Lava, Kolkali and Parichkali |
classical dance style
India has a rich heritage of classical dance forms and it can be traced back to the ancient Sanskrit text called Natya Shastra. These dance styles are deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of the country. They are characterized by intricate footwork, graceful gait, expressive gestures, and elaborate costumes.
Kathakali: A traditional dance-drama of Kerala, Kathakali involves elaborate make-up, costumes and facial expressions. It combines dance, music and drama to depict mythological stories.
odyssey: Hailing from the state of Odisha, Odissi is characterized by fluid movements, complex postures and expressive facial expressions. It is deeply rooted in the stories and mythology of the region.
Kathak: Developed in Northern India, Kathak is known for its graceful movements, fast spins and rhythmic footwork. It blends elements of storytelling, music and rhythmic patterns.
Bharatnatyam: Originating in the state of Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam is known for its precise footwork, intricate hand gestures and elaborate facial expressions. It is a dance form that symbolizes both storytelling and devotion.
folk dance style
Folk dances in India are a reflection of vibrant cultural diversity and regional traditions. These are performed on various occasions and celebrations and are characterized by energetic activities, colorful costumes and infectious music.
Here are some popular folk dance styles from different states of India:
Ghoomar: Popular in Rajasthan, Ghoomar is a beautiful dance performed by women. It involves spinning movements, twirling of the skirt and complex hand movements.
Bihu: Bihu, native to the state of Assam, is performed during the Bihu festival. It is characterized by fast-paced activities, vibrant costumes and energetic music.
Garba: Hailing from the state of Gujarat, Garba is performed during the Navratri festival. It involves circular formations, graceful hand movements and rhythmic footwork.
Bhangra: Originating in Punjab, Bhangra is a lively and energetic dance performed during harvest festivals. It involves vigorous activities, vibrant costumes and tunes of traditional Punjabi music.
Dance styles associated with different states of India
Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu): Bharatanatyam is a classical dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. It is known for its intricate footwork, expressive hand gestures (mudras) and complex facial expressions. This dance form tells stories from Hindu mythology and is performed with Carnatic music.
Kathakali (Kerala): Kathakali is a traditional dance-drama form of Kerala. It combines dance, music and acting to depict mythological stories. Performers wear elaborate makeup, costumes and headgear. Kathakali involves complex facial expressions and bold physical movements.
Kathak (Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan): Kathak is a classical dance form popular in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. It involves fast footwork, spins and graceful movements. Kathak is known for its storytelling aspect and also incorporates Hindustani classical music.
Mohiniyattam (Kerala): Mohiniyattam is a classical dance form of Kerala, performed mainly by women. It is known for its graceful gait, subtle facial expressions and attractive costumes. Mohiniyattam incorporates elements of dance, music and mime.
Sattriya (Assam): Sattriya is a classical dance of Assam, traditionally performed by male monks in monasteries (satras). It combines elements of dance, drama and music to depict stories from Hindu mythology. Satriya involves rhythmic footwork, graceful hand movements and facial expressions.
Manipuri (Manipur): Manipuri is a classical dance of Manipur. It is characterized by gentle, graceful gait and complex footwork. Manipuri dance is often performed in circular patterns and contains elements of storytelling, devotion, and regional folk traditions.
Bhangra (Punjab): Bhangra is a popular folk dance of Punjab, known for its energetic and lively movements. It is performed during harvest festivals and celebrations. Bhangra involves vibrant costumes, vigorous footwork and rhythmic clapping.
Chhau (West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand): Chhau is a traditional dance form found in the eastern states of West Bengal, Odisha and Jharkhand. It involves martial arts movements, acrobatics and storytelling. Chhau is performed with elaborate masks and costumes.
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