Tricks to Remember Important Folk Dances for Competitive Exams: A Complete Easy Guide With 100 MCQs

Table of Contents

Introduction

In this guide, I will share simple and effective tricks to remember important folk dances for competitive exams. These are my personally created memory techniques, designed using short and easy stories so you can understand and recall them quickly. For each state, I will provide a unique code along with a story to make your learning smooth and interesting. Here, the “code” means the first letter of each folk dance name, which is used to build the story.

Each word in the story starts with the same letter as a folk dance, helping you connect and recall the names easily during exams. Instead of memorizing randomly, this method lets you learn in a fun and logical way. Folk dances are commonly asked in the General Awareness section, with around 2–3 questions expected, so this topic is quite important. Even though India has diverse cultures and many unique dance names, these story-based codes, along with regular revision, will help you remember them quickly and with confidence.

Tricks to Remember Important Folk Dances (States)

Folk Dances of Andhra Pradesh

Code: D, V, B, L,K, T, D, T, B ,G, V.

Story: Deepu Visits Big Lovely Krishna Temple. During the trip, Brave Girls Visit.

1. Dhimsa

Community/Tribe: Porja Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Itukula Panduga (hunting festival) and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Social harmony and celebrating community bonding.
Costumes and Props: Women wear traditional tribal jewelry and colorful sarees; dancers form a chain by holding hands.
Music/Instruments: Mori, Kiridi, Tudumu, Dappu, and Jodukommulu.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Tribal / Social.
Important Facts: It is the official “Welcome Dance” of the Araku Valley. There are 8 different versions of Dhimsa.

2. Veeranatyam (Dance of the Brave)

Community/Tribe: Veeramusti community.
Occasion/Festival: Performed in Shiva temples (Draksharamam is famous).
Theme/Purpose: Religious; dedicated to Lord Shiva (specifically the form of Veerabhadra).
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry a Khadgam (sword), trident, and wear vibrant red robes.
Music/Instruments: The Veerabhadra Pallem (a massive, rhythmically struck plate-like drum).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritualistic.
Important Facts: It involves high-energy movements and sometimes self-piercing with spears to show devotion.

3. Butta Bommalu (Basket Puppets)

Community/Tribe: Artisans of the Tanuku region (West Godavari).
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs, temple festivals, and public celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment and storytelling (Ramayana and Mahabharata).
Costumes and Props: Hollow puppets made of bamboo and papier-mâché (8–10 feet tall) worn over the head.
Music/Instruments: Dappu.
Gender Participation: Both (mostly men wearing the puppet structures).
Type: Social / Entertainment.
Important Facts: Dancers move in a swaying motion; it is a non-verbal dance-drama.

4. Lambadi (Banjara Dance)

Community/Tribe: Lambadi/Banjara (Nomadic tribes).
Occasion/Festival: Holi, Deepavali, and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrates daily life, sowing, and harvesting.
Costumes and Props: Embroidered skirts (Ghaghra) with mirror-work and heavy ivory bangles.
Music/Instruments: Dappu and rhythmic hand-clapping.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: The movements mimic household and farming tasks like grinding grain or reaping.

5. Kolattam (Stick Dance)

Community/Tribe: General rural folk.
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs and religious festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Devotion and celebration.
Costumes and Props: Simple traditional wear; each dancer carries two sticks (Kolas).
Music/Instruments: Mridangam and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Ritual.
Important Facts: Often called the “Andhra Dandiya.” Pinnal Kolattam is a variation where ropes are braided while dancing.

6. Tappeta Gullu

Community/Tribe: Yadava (Shepherd) community.
Occasion/Festival: Festivals dedicated to the Rain Goddess (Gangaramma).
Theme/Purpose: To appease the Rain God for a good harvest.
Costumes and Props: Small drums (Tappeta) are tied around the dancers’ chests.
Music/Instruments: Rhythm is produced by striking the drums on the chest.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Folk.
Important Facts: Popular in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram; involves difficult acrobatic feats.

7. Dappu Dance

Community/Tribe: Scheduled Caste communities.
Occasion/Festival: Marriages, village festivals, and local processions.
Theme/Purpose: General celebration and announcement of events.
Costumes and Props: Bright turbans and colorful dhotis.
Music/Instruments: The Dappu (a tambourine-like percussion instrument).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: Known for its thunderous sound and highly synchronized leg movements.

8. Tholu Bommalata (Shadow Puppetry)

Community/Tribe: Wandering folk troupes.
Occasion/Festival: Night-long performances in villages.
Theme/Purpose: Narration of epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Costumes and Props: Translucent leather puppets painted with natural dyes.
Music/Instruments: Harmonium and Maddala.
Gender Participation: Both (as puppeteers and singers).
Type: Folk Theater / Ritual.
Important Facts: One of the oldest forms of shadow puppetry in India.

9. Bhamakalapam

Community/Tribe: Developed as a bridge between folk and classical (Kuchipudi).
Occasion/Festival: Temple festivals and cultural gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; focuses on Satyabhama’s love for Lord Krishna.
Costumes and Props: Elaborate classical jewelry and silk sarees.
Music/Instruments: Mridangam, Flute, and Violin.
Gender Participation: Both (traditionally men played female roles).
Type: Dance-Drama.
Important Facts: Created by Siddhendra Yogi; a mandatory part of Kuchipudi training.

10. Garagalu

Community/Tribe: Devotees of the Mother Goddess (Shakti).
Occasion/Festival: Navratri and village “Jataras.”
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic worship of local deities.
Costumes and Props: A decorated vessel (vessel/pot) balanced on the head.
Music/Instruments: Dappu and pipes.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual.
Important Facts: Similar to Karagattam of Tamil Nadu; requires immense skill to balance the pot without using hands.

11. Vilasini Natyam

Community/Tribe: Traditionally performed by Devadasis (Kalavantulu).
Occasion/Festival: Temple rituals and courtly performances.
Theme/Purpose: Spiritual and devotional.
Costumes and Props: Traditional temple jewelry and sarees.
Music/Instruments: Nattuvangam and Mridangam.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritual / Courtly.
Important Facts: It is a combination of temple (Agama Nartanam) and courtly (Kacheri Aatam) traditions.

12. Chindu Bhagavatam

Community/Tribe: Chindu community.
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs (Jataras).
Theme/Purpose: Performance of mythological stories.
Costumes and Props: Heavy makeup and vibrant wings or back-decorations.
Music/Instruments: Cymbals, Harmonium, and Dholak.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Folk Theater.
Important Facts: Predominantly found in the border regions of Andhra and Telangana; very high energy.

Folk Dances of Arunachal Pradesh

Code: B,P,A,P,C,W,R,B,L,P,H,D.

Story: Brave People Always Protect Culture. Wise Royals Bring Love, Peace, Happiness Daily.

1. Bardo Chham (Mask Dance)

Community/Tribe: Sherdukpen and Monpa.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during local festivals to drive away evil spirits.
Theme/Purpose: Victory of Good over Evil.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear colorful masks representing 12 animals (zodiac signs).
Music/Instruments: Large drums and cymbals.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Mythological.
Important Facts: It is based on the belief that 12 evils appear throughout the year to plague mankind.

2. Ponung

Community/Tribe: Adi Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Solung Festival.
Theme/Purpose: To pray for a prosperous harvest and community welfare.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Adi skirts; the leader (Miri) carries a Yoksa (ritual sword).
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic chanting led by the Miri.
Gender Participation: Primarily Women.
Type: Agricultural / Seasonal.
Important Facts: Dancers form a large circle and move in a synchronized rhythm; it is the most iconic dance of the Adi people.

3. Aji Lamu

Community/Tribe: Monpa Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and major social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative dance-drama depicting historical or mythological tales.
Costumes and Props: Ornate masks and traditional Tibetan-style silk costumes.
Music/Instruments: Tibetan drums and cymbals.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social / Theatrical.
Important Facts: Often involves a comedic element and characters representing a King and his Queens.

4. Popir

Community/Tribe: Adi Tribe (Galo subgroup).
Occasion/Festival: Mopin Festival (Goddess of Agriculture).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the onset of spring and seeking blessings.
Costumes and Props: Pure white traditional dresses with beaded necklaces.
Music/Instruments: Folk songs sung in a chorus.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: During this dance, participants apply rice powder (Ite) to each other’s faces.

5. Chalo

Community/Tribe: Nocte Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Loku Festival (Harvest).
Theme/Purpose: Welcoming the New Year and celebrating the harvest.
Costumes and Props: Traditional shawls and intricate tribal beadwork.
Music/Instruments: Indigenous drums and metallic gongs.
Gender Participation: Both Men and Women.
Type: Seasonal / Agricultural.
Important Facts: Usually performed in October/November; emphasizes communal unity.

6. Wancho Dance

Community/Tribe: Wancho Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Oriya Festival.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of victory, bravery, and tribal strength.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry Daus (swords) and wear feathered headgear.
Music/Instruments: Heavy drums and rhythmic war cries/chants.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Social.
Important Facts: Reflects the historical warrior culture of the Wancho tribe in the Tirap district.

7. Rikhampada

Community/Tribe: Nyishi (Nishing) Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Nyokum Yullo (Major tribal festival).
Theme/Purpose: Gratitude to the gods and celebrating community love.
Costumes and Props: Men wear Hornbill beak caps; women wear white robes and heavy jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Indigenous drums and flutes.
Gender Participation: Both Men and Women.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: This is considered the most graceful and popular dance among the Nyishi community.

8. Buiya

Community/Tribe: Digaru Mishmi Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings, naming ceremonies, and joyful social occasions.
Theme/Purpose: General celebration and entertainment.
Costumes and Props: Colorful hand-woven textiles and silver ornaments.
Music/Instruments: Gongs and drums.
Gender Participation: Both Men and Women.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: Characterized by a straight-line formation and hopping steps.

9. Lion and Peacock Dance

Community/Tribe: Monpa Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Festive gatherings and public events.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment through mimicry of animal movements.
Costumes and Props: Skilled dancers wear elaborate suits mimicking a Lion and a Peacock.
Music/Instruments: Traditional percussion instruments.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Mimicry / Social.
Important Facts: Requires two dancers for the lion suit to coordinate its head and tail movements.

10. Pasi Kongki

Community/Tribe: Adi Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative dance portraying the history and trade of the Adi people.
Costumes and Props: Ceremonial Adi warrior dress.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic tapping and narrative singing.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Historical / Narrative.
Important Facts: Often tells stories of how ancestors navigated difficult terrains for trade.

11. Hurkani

Community/Tribe: Apatani Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Myoko Festival.
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic worship for prosperity and peace.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Apatani hand-loomed attire.
Music/Instruments: Chanting and rhythmic clapping.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual.
Important Facts: Performed only by specific clans during the Myoko festival in March.

12. Daminda

Community/Tribe: Apatani Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Dree Festival (Agricultural festival).
Theme/Purpose: Praying for a pest-free crop and healthy grain.
Costumes and Props: Vibrant Apatani jewelry and hand-woven wraps.
Music/Instruments: Folk songs sung in chorus.
Gender Participation: Primarily Women.
Type: Agricultural / Seasonal.
Important Facts: It marks the most critical point of the farming season for the Apatani valley dwellers.

Folk Dances of Assam

Code: B, B, B, J, O, A, D, K, S, D

Story: Brave Boys Bring Joy On Auspicious Days. Kind Students Dance.

1. Bihu Dance

Community/Tribe: All Assamese communities.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the three Bihu festivals (Bohag Bihu is the most popular).
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of the New Year, spring, and the fertility of nature.
Costumes and Props: Women wear Muga Silk Mekhela Chador; men wear Dhoti, Gamocha, and Seleng.
Music/Instruments: Dhol (drum), Pepa (buffalo horn pipe), Gogona (jew’s harp), and Taal (cymbals).
Gender Participation: Both (Young men and women).
Type: Seasonal / Agricultural.
Important Facts: It is the most famous dance of Assam. Characterized by rapid hand movements and rhythmic hip swaying. It recently set a Guinness World Record for the largest folk dance performance.

2. Bagurumba

Community/Tribe: Bodo Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Bwisagu festival (Bodo New Year).
Theme/Purpose: Dedicated to nature and the environment.
Costumes and Props: Women wear the Dokhona (traditional Bodo dress) and a colorful scarf (Jwmgra).
Music/Instruments: Kham (drum), Sifung (flute), and Jotha (cymbals).
Gender Participation: Primarily Women.
Type: Social / Nature-based.
Important Facts: Often called the “Butterfly Dance” because the dancers’ movements with their scarves resemble the fluttering of butterflies.

3. Bhortal Dance

Community/Tribe: Developed by Narahari Burha Bhakat (Sankardev tradition).
Occasion/Festival: Major festivals and anniversaries of Saints.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional and spiritual celebration.
Costumes and Props: Traditional white Dhoti and Gamocha.
Music/Instruments: Bhortal (Large cymbals).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Devotional.
Important Facts: Originated in the Barpeta district. It is known for its very fast pace and the synchronized clashing of large cymbals.

4. Jhumur Dance

Community/Tribe: “Tea Tribes” (Adivasi community in tea gardens).
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the autumn season and tea garden festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Reflection of the joys and sorrows of daily life in tea plantations.
Costumes and Props: Women wear white sarees with red borders and hold each other’s waists.
Music/Instruments: Madal (drum) and Flute.
Gender Participation: Both (but primarily women in the formation).
Type: Social / Occupational.
Important Facts: It is a vital part of the identity of the tea garden workers who migrated to Assam from central India.

5. Ojapali

Community/Tribe: Non-tribal Assamese (Saktism and Vaishnavism).
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Manasa Puja and village gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Storytelling (Mythological tales from the Ramayana or Mahabharata).
Costumes and Props: Long white tunics and silver jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Small cymbals (Khutitaal).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Folk Theater / Ritual.
Important Facts: Led by an Oja (leader) and supported by Palis (assistants). It is one of the oldest folk art forms of Assam.

6. Ali-Ai-Ligang (Mising Dance)

Community/Tribe: Mising (Miri) Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Ali-Ai-Ligang festival (Seed-sowing festival).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the start of the Ahu paddy cultivation.
Costumes and Props: Women wear the Ege (Mising dress) and ornate bead necklaces.
Music/Instruments: Drum (Dungadung) and Flute.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Agricultural / Seasonal.
Important Facts: The name stands for Ali (Root/Seed), Ai (Fruit), and Ligang (Sowing). The dance involves rhythmic hip movements representing the sowing of seeds.

7. Deori Bihu

Community/Tribe: Deori Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Spring festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Religious and social celebration.
Costumes and Props: Distinctive Deori tribal textiles.
Music/Instruments: Traditional drums and flutes.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Tribal.
Important Facts: It is performed with a more restricted and ritualistic style compared to the general Bihu dance.

8. Kherai Dance

Community/Tribe: Bodo Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Kherai Puja.
Theme/Purpose: Worship of the supreme deity Bathou (Lord Shiva).
Costumes and Props: Traditional Bodo attire.
Music/Instruments: Kham (drum) and Sifung (flute).
Gender Participation: Both (centered around a Shamaness called Deodhani).
Type: Ritualistic / Religious.
Important Facts: It is a highly spiritual dance where the Deodhani enters a trance state to communicate with the gods.

9. Satriya (Folk-Classical)

Community/Tribe: Developed by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev.
Occasion/Festival: Daily rituals in Sattras (monasteries).
Theme/Purpose: Devotion to Lord Krishna/Vishnu.
Costumes and Props: Silk Dhoti/Mekhela and traditional Assamese jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Khol (drum), Cymbals, and Flute.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Classical.
Important Facts: Though it is one of the 8 Classical Dances of India, its roots are deeply embedded in Assamese folk drama and traditions.

10. Dhuliya and Bhariya

Community/Tribe: Professional folk groups.
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment, acrobatics, and social satire.
Costumes and Props: Clowns (Bhariyas) wear rags or funny costumes; Drummers (Dhuliyas) wear traditional gear.
Music/Instruments: Various types of Dhol (drums).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Entertainment / Folk Theater.
Important Facts: This form is famous for its physical comedy and acrobatic stunts while playing the drum.

Folk Dances of Bihar

Code: J, B, J, K, P, K, J, D, J, S.

Story: Joyful Boys Join Kind People. Kind Judges Dance Joyfully, Smiling.

1. Jat-Jatin

Community/Tribe: Rural communities of Mithila and Kosi regions.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the monsoon season (typically on moonlit nights).
Theme/Purpose: Depicts the story of the love and domestic quarrels of a legendary couple, Jata and Jatin.
Costumes and Props: Traditional rural attire; dancers often wear masks or specific makeup to distinguish roles.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Harmonium.
Gender Participation: Both (mostly performed by pairs).
Type: Social / Narrative.
Important Facts: It is one of the most popular folk dances of North Bihar; it reflects the complexities of human relationships and social conditions like droughts.

2. Bideshiya

Community/Tribe: Created by Bhikhari Thakur (The “Shakespeare of Bhojpuri”).
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings and village fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Social issues, specifically the pain of women whose husbands migrate to cities for work.
Costumes and Props: Simple dhotis and sarees; involves heavy theatrical makeup.
Music/Instruments: Dholak, Sarangi, and Harmonium.
Gender Participation: Men (traditionally, men play the female roles).
Type: Folk Theater / Social.
Important Facts: It is more of a dance-drama; it played a massive role in social reform and awareness in the 20th century.

3. Jhijhiya

Community/Tribe: Women of Bihar.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Navratri (Dussehra).
Theme/Purpose: A prayer to Goddess Durga to protect the community from “evil eyes” and bring rain.
Costumes and Props: Women balance clay lanterns (earthen pots) with holes and burning lamps on their heads.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: The dance requires extreme balance. If the lamp goes out, it is considered an ill omen.

4. Kajari

Community/Tribe: General rural population.
Occasion/Festival: Sawan (Monsoon season).
Theme/Purpose: Expressing joy for the rains and the longing for a beloved.
Costumes and Props: Colorful sarees and traditional ornaments.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Jhala.
Gender Participation: Primarily Women.
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: It is often accompanied by “Kajari” folk songs; it is a celebration of the feminine spirit and nature.

5. Paika Dance

Community/Tribe: Warrior communities (Munda and other tribes in border areas).
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and religious processions.
Theme/Purpose: Martial arts display and showing physical prowess/bravery.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry Shields and Swords and wear colorful turbans.
Music/Instruments: Nagada (drum) and Shehnai.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Folk.
Important Facts: “Paika” refers to foot soldiers; the dance is a highly energetic display of mock battle.

6. Karma Dance

Community/Tribe: Tribal groups like Oraon, Munda, and Santhal.
Occasion/Festival: Karma Festival (Bhadrapada month).
Theme/Purpose: Worship of the “Karma” tree to seek good fortune and destiny.
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal wear with feathers and bead jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Thumak (drum) and Flute.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Agricultural.
Important Facts: Dancers move in a circle around a branch of the Karma tree planted in the center.

7. Jumari (Jhumeri)

Community/Tribe: Married women of Mithila.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Kartik month (autumn harvest).
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of nature and marital bliss.
Costumes and Props: Traditional jewelry and bright sarees.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and rhythmic clapping.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: It bears a resemblance to the Garba of Gujarat, focusing on circular movements.

8. Domkach

Community/Tribe: General family members (Mithila and Bhojpur).
Occasion/Festival: Performed at the groom’s house after the Baraat (wedding procession) leaves.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment and protection of the house from thieves.
Costumes and Props: Dancers often dress in funny costumes or cross-dress.
Music/Instruments: Spoon-clapping, Dholak, and singing.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Ritual.
Important Facts: Since only women are left at home during the wedding, they perform this to stay awake and ward off intruders with humor and noise.

9. Jharni Dance

Community/Tribe: Julaha (weaver) community.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Muharram.
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic mourning and sorrow.
Costumes and Props: Simple attire; dancers carry split bamboo sticks.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic sound made by striking the bamboo sticks.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: It is a unique form of mourning where the rhythm of the sticks expresses the grief of the community.

10. Sohar Dance

Community/Tribe: All communities.
Occasion/Festival: Performed upon the birth of a child.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the new addition to the family.
Costumes and Props: Traditional festive wear.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Harmonium.
Gender Participation: Both (often involves family members and eunuchs).
Type: Social / Ritual.
Important Facts: “Sohar” is actually a genre of folk songs that are sung specifically to bless the newborn and the mother.

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