India is celebrated for its vibrant cultural heritage and traditions. Dance has been an integral part of life from ancient times. Moreover, India has a diverse range of folk dances across the country.
In India, dance styles are typically divided into two main categories: classical and folk dances. These forms have emerged from different regions of the country, reflecting the local traditions.
Indian folk and tribal dances are mostly straightforward. They are performed to celebrate events such as seasonal changes, childbirth, weddings, and festivals. Folk art is a collective heritage of a community or specific region. While the original creators may no longer be known, the style is maintained across generations.
Dancers often perform vocals while musicians accompany them with instruments. Each type of folk dance has its own unique costume and rhythm. Certain costumes are quite vibrant and are adorned with intricate jewels and patterns. These folk dances are performed by both genders.
In this article, we will look at the list of folk dances of all states in India. Moreover, we will also look at the classical dances of India.
Exam Relevance
This topic is important. It falls under Static General Knowledge (GK). Moreover, this section is an important one in government exams such as SSC, Railway, IB, and Banking. Questions on Indian Folk Dances and their corresponding states are frequently asked. Additionally, these questions test a candidate’s awareness of India’s diverse cultural heritage and regional identity. Mastering this topic ensures easy, scoring marks in the GK section.
List of All the Folk Dances in India
Below is the list of folk dances of all states in India.
| State | Folk Dances |
| Andhra Pradesh | KuchipudiVilasini NatyamAndhra NatyamBhamakalpamVeeranatyamDappuTappeta GulluLambadiDhimsaKolattamButta Bommalu |
| Assam | BihuBichhuaNatpujaMaharasKaligopalBagurumbaNaga danceKhel GopalTabal ChongliCanoeJhumura HobjanaiGumrag Soman |
| Bihar | Jata-JatinBakho-BakhainPanwariyaSama ChakwaBidesia |
| Gujarat | GarbaDandiya RasTippani JuriunBhavai |
| Haryana | JhumarPhagDaphDhamalLoorGuggaKhorGagor |
| Himachal Pradesh | JhoraJhaliChharhiDhamanChhapeliMahasuNatiDangi |
| Jammu and Kashmir | RaufHikatMandjasKud Dandi NachDamali |
| Karnataka | YakshaganHuttariSuggiKunithaKargaLambi |
| Kerala | Ottam ThulalMohiniattamKaikottikali. |
| Maharashtra | LavaniNakataKoliLezimGafaDahikala Dasavtar or Bohada |
| Odisha | SavariGhumaraPainkaMunariChhau |
| West Bengal | KathiGambhiraDhaliJatraBaulMarasiaMahalKeertan |
| Punjab | BhangraGiddhaDaffDhamanBhandNaqual |
| Rajasthan | GhumarChakriGanagorJhulan LeelaJhumaSuisiniGhapalKalbeliya |
| Tamil Nadu | KumiKolattamKavadi |
| Uttar Pradesh | NautankiRaslilaKajriJhoraChappeliJaita |
| Uttarakhand | GarhwaliKumayuniKajariJhoraRaslilaChappeli |
| Goa | TarangamelKoliDekhniFugdiShigmoGhodeModni, Samayi nrutyaJagarRanmaleGonphTonnya mell |
| Madhya Pradesh | JawaraMatkiAadaKhada NachPhulpatiGrida DanceSelalarkiSelabhadoniMaanch |
| Chhattisgarh | Gaur MariaPanthiRaut NachaPandwaniVedamatiKapalikBharthari CharitChandaini |
| Jharkhand | AlkapKarma MundaAgniJhumarJanani JhumarMardana JhumarPaikaPhaguaHunta DanceMundari DanceSarhulBaraoJhitkaDangaDomkachGhora Naach |
| Arunachal Pradesh | BuiyaChaloWanchoPasi KongkiPonungPopirBardo Chham |
| Manipur | Dol CholamThang TaLai HaraobaPung CholomKhamba ThaibiNupa DanceRaslilaKhubak IsheiLhou Sha |
| Meghalaya | Ka Shad Suk MynsiemNongkremLaho |
| Mizoram | Cheraw DanceKhuallamChailamSawlakinChawnglaizawnZangtalamPar LamSarlamkai/SolakiaTlanglam |
| Nagaland | RangmaBamboo DanceZeliangNsuiroliansGethinglimTemangnetinHetaleulee |
| Tripura | Hojagiri |
| Sikkim | Chu Faat DanceSikmariSinghi Chaam or the Snow Lion DanceYak ChaamDenzong GnenhaTashi Yangku DanceKhukuri NaachChutkey NaachMaruni Dance |
| Lakshadweep | LavaKolkaliParichakali |
List of All the Classical Dances of India
The Indian classical dance academy is known as Shastriya Academi. All these dances are connected to the Hindu Goddess. They are performed by very talented, trained, and skilled artists.
Below is the list of classical dances of India:
| Classical dances of India | State of Origin |
| Bharatnatyam | Tamil Nadu |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh |
| Odissi | Odisha |
| Kathakali | Kerala |
| Sattriya | Assam |
| Manipuri | Manipur |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala |
Conclusion
In conclusion, India’s folk and classical dances embody the nation’s rich cultural diversity. Each dance tells a unique story. The folk dances of all states in India celebrate local traditions and identities. By preserving these art forms, we honour our heritage. This ensures that the vibrant spirit of India continues to flourish for generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the national dance of India?
Bharatanatyam is the national dance of India.
2. Which is the oldest dance of India?
Odissi is the oldest dance of India.
3. Bihu is a folk dance of which state in India?
Bihu is a folk dance of Assam.
4. Jata-Jatin is a folk dance of which state?
Jata-Jatin is a folk dance of Bihar.
5. Rauf is a folk dance of which state?
Rauf is a dance of Jammu and Kashmir.
6. Is Tandav a folk dance?
No, Tandav is not a folk dance; it is a vigorous, powerful dance form originating from Hindu mythology as the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva.
7. Ghoomar and Chakri are folk dances of which state in India?
Ghoomar and Chakri folk dances are popular in the Indian state of Rajasthan. Other Folk dances from Rajasthan are Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Ganagor, etc.
8. Name two famous folk dances of Madhya Pradesh?
Some of the famous folk dances of Madhya Pradesh are Mataki and Jawara. Others are Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, etc.
9. Wancho and Pasi Kongki folk dance is performed in which state of India?
Some of the folk dances performed in Arunachal Pradesh are Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo Chham, etc.
10. Is Kathak a folk dance?
No. Kathak is not a folk dance. It is a classical dance.
