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.

Folk Dances of Chhattisgarh

Code: P, R, P, S, K, G, G, S, K, C.

Story: Proud Royals Protect Sacred Kingdoms. Good Girls Sing Kind Chants.

1. Panthi Dance

Community/Tribe: Satnami Community.
Occasion/Festival: Performed on Guru Ghasidas Jayanti (Maghi Purnima).
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; spreading the messages and philosophies of Guru Ghasidas.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear simple white dhotis and “Ghungroos.”
Music/Instruments: Mridang and Manjira (cymbals).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: Known for its incredible speed and human pyramids. It reflects the spirit of sacrifice and devotion.

2. Raut Nacha

Community/Tribe: Yadav/Ahir (cowherd) community.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Diwali (specifically on Dev Uthani Ekadashi).
Theme/Purpose: Worship of Lord Krishna; represents the battle between Krishna and King Kansa.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear bright, embellished jackets and carry decorated sticks and shields.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and flute.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social / Religious.
Important Facts: It is very similar to the “Ras Leela” of North India. The dancers often recite “Dohas” (couplets) during the performance.

3. Pandavani

Community/Tribe: Various tribal and rural communities.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings and festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling of the Mahabharata (the story of Pandavas).
Costumes and Props: The lead performer holds a Tambura (stringed instrument) decorated with peacock feathers.
Music/Instruments: Tambura and Kartal.
Gender Participation: Both (Famous styles include Vedmati and Kapalik).
Type: Folk Theater / Narrative.
Important Facts: Teejan Bai is the most famous world-renowned performer of this art form. The Tambura is used as a prop to represent a mace, a bow, or a sword.

4. Suwa (Sua) / Parrot Dance

Community/Tribe: Tribal women (Gond, Baiga, etc.).
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Diwali.
Theme/Purpose: Symbolic; women express their feelings to their beloveds through a “parrot” messenger.
Costumes and Props: Women dance in a circle around a basket containing a wooden parrot.
Music/Instruments: Rhythm is created by clapping; no external musical instruments are usually used.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Symbolic.
Important Facts: Dancers mimic the movement of a parrot (Suwa) by bending and swaying.

5. Karma Dance

Community/Tribe: Gond, Baiga, and Oraon tribes.
Occasion/Festival: Karma Festival (autumn).
Theme/Purpose: Worship of the Karma tree; prayer for a good destiny.
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal jewelry and peacock feathers.
Music/Instruments: Thumki, Payri, and Chhalla.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Agricultural.
Important Facts: It marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of spring. It is a common dance across Central India (Bihar, Jharkhand, MP, CG).

6. Gendi (Stilt Dance)

Community/Tribe: Gond Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the rainy season and festivals like Hareli.
Theme/Purpose: To navigate flooded areas or muddy terrain (historically) and for entertainment.
Costumes and Props: Two bamboo stilts (Gendi) on which the dancers balance.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and drums.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social / Skill-based.
Important Facts: Requires immense balance and physical coordination; it is a highlight of Chhattisgarh’s rural sports and culture.

7. Gaur Maria Dance

Community/Tribe: Bison Horn Maria (a sub-tribe of Gond) in Bastar.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and major tribal festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Depicting the thrill of a hunt and the bravery of the tribe.
Costumes and Props: Men wear a spectacular headgear made of Bison horns decorated with cowrie shells.
Music/Instruments: Large drums and brass bells.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Tribal.
Important Facts: Considered one of the most colorful and powerful tribal dances in India.

8. Saila Dance

Community/Tribe: Tribal youth of the Bastar region.
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest season.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of a successful harvest.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry sticks and sometimes wear small bells (ghungroos) on their feet.
Music/Instruments: Mandar (drum).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: It involves a “snake-like” movement where dancers hold each other’s sticks and move in a zigzag pattern.

9. Kaksar Dance

Community/Tribe: Abujhmaria Tribe (Bastar).
Occasion/Festival: Performed before the harvest season to pray for a good crop.
Theme/Purpose: Religious; to seek blessings from the deity Kaksar.
Costumes and Props: Men wear bells at their waists to create a rhythmic sound while dancing.
Music/Instruments: Mandar and cymbals.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: It is also a “courtship dance” where young boys and girls have the opportunity to choose life partners.

10. Cherchera Dance

Community/Tribe: Rural agricultural communities.
Occasion/Festival: Cherchera Festival (Full moon day of Paush month).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the joy of a full granary.
Costumes and Props: Festive tribal wear.
Music/Instruments: Traditional drums and folk songs.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Seasonal / Harvest.
Important Facts: During this festival, people go house to house asking for grains as a “charity” (Daan), accompanied by this dance.

Folk Dances of Goa

Code: F, D, D, G, G, L, M, K, M, S, V.

Story: Fishermen Dance During Goa Gatherings, Ladies Move with Lamps, Kunbi Music Shows Vibrance.

1. Fugdi

Community/Tribe: Women of various communities (Hindu and Christian).
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Ganesh Chaturthi, Vratas, and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Social joy and relaxation from domestic chores.
Costumes and Props: Traditional sarees tucked in a specific way; no props used.
Music/Instruments: No instruments; the rhythm is created by the “Foo” sound blown through the mouth.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: It is a high-energy dance where women form circles or pairs, increasing speed until they are spinning rapidly.

2. Dhalo

Community/Tribe: Rural women.
Occasion/Festival: Performed in the month of Pausha (winter).
Theme/Purpose: Prayers for the protection of families and a good harvest.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Goan sarees and floral hair ornaments.
Music/Instruments: Folk songs sung by the women themselves.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: It is much slower and more graceful than Fugdi. It is performed in the “Mand” (open courtyard of the village).

3. Dekhni

Community/Tribe: Christian community.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Storytelling; usually depicts a girl who wants to cross a river to reach a wedding.
Costumes and Props: Women wear traditional sarees and ornaments; sometimes carry small brass lamps.
Music/Instruments: Ghumat (clay pot drum). It is set to a specific song: “Hanv Saiba Poltodi Vetam”.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Entertainment.
Important Facts: It beautifully blends Western rhythms with Indian folk melodies.

4. Goff

Community/Tribe: Peasants and farmers (Canacona region).
Occasion/Festival: Shigmo Festival (Harvest season).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating a successful harvest.
Costumes and Props: Colorful cords/ropes hanging from a central point.
Music/Instruments: Ghumat and Shamel (drums).
Gender Participation: Both (mostly men).
Type: Seasonal / Agricultural.
Important Facts: Also known as the “Weaving Dance”. Dancers braid and then unbraid the colorful ropes in perfect synchronization through their movements.

5. Ghode Modni (Horse Dance)

Community/Tribe: Warrior communities (Kshatriyas).
Occasion/Festival: Shigmo Festival.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the victory of Goan warriors over invaders (specifically the Ranes).
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear a wooden/cardboard horse around their waists and carry swords.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Tasha (drums).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Historical.
Important Facts: It is a “horse-like” dance that involves jumping and mock-fighting movements.

6. Lamp Dance (Divlyanchi Nach)

Community/Tribe: Rural communities during Shigmo.
Occasion/Festival: Shigmo Festival.
Theme/Purpose: Devotion and display of physical skill.
Costumes and Props: Dancers balance heavy brass lamps (with burning wicks) on their heads.
Music/Instruments: Ghumat and traditional folk instruments.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Skill-based.
Important Facts: Requires extreme focus and balance to move the body while keeping the lit lamps perfectly still on the head.

7. Mando

Community/Tribe: Goan Catholics.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and social parties.
Theme/Purpose: Themes of romance, love, and political resistance.
Costumes and Props: Women wear the Banoo (traditional dress); men wear formal suits.
Music/Instruments: Violin, Guitar, and Ghumat.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Ballroom-style.
Important Facts: It is the most sophisticated Goan folk dance, reflecting a deep Portuguese influence in its music and posture.

8. Kunbi Dance

Community/Tribe: Kunbi Tribe (the earliest settlers of Goa).
Occasion/Festival: Social and cultural events.
Theme/Purpose: Preservation of tribal identity and celebration.
Costumes and Props: Simple red/checked sarees tied short; minimal jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Ghumat.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Tribal.
Important Facts: The dance is noted for its simplicity and lack of religious overtones; it is purely social.

9. Mussal Khel

Community/Tribe: Christian Kshatriyas of Chandor.
Occasion/Festival: Performed on the second day of the Carnival/Shigmo.
Theme/Purpose: Commemorates the victory of the Hindu King Harihara over the Cholas.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry Mussels (heavy wooden pestles used for pounding rice).
Music/Instruments: Traditional chants and drums.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Ritual.
Important Facts: It is a rare example of a Hindu victory dance being preserved by the Christian community in Goa.

10. Shigmo (Sigmo)

Community/Tribe: All Goan communities.
Occasion/Festival: The arrival of spring (Phalgun month).
Theme/Purpose: Welcoming spring and celebrating the harvest.
Costumes and Props: Vibrant, colorful costumes and large floats.
Music/Instruments: Dhol, Tasha, and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Seasonal / Carnival.
Important Facts: While Shigmo is a festival, the “Shigmo Dance” refers to the collective street performances and parades that define the event.

11. Veerbhadra

Community/Tribe: Specific local communities in Ponda and Sanquelim.
Occasion/Festival: Temple festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative of Lord Shiva’s anger and the creation of Veerabhadra.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear majestic crowns and carry swords.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Tasha.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: This dance shows a cultural link between the Shaivite traditions of Goa and neighboring Karnataka.

Folk Dances of Gujarat

Code: G, D, T, S, H, B, P, D, M, G.

Story: Garba Dancers Twirl in Streets, Holding Bright Props, Dandiya Moves Glow.

1. Garba

Community/Tribe: All Gujarati communities.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the nine nights of Navratri.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; dedicated to the worship of Goddess Amba (Shakti).
Costumes and Props: Women wear Chaniya Choli (vibrant embroidered skirts) and silver jewelry. Dancers revolve around a Garbha Deep (a clay lamp in a perforated pot).
Music/Instruments: Dhol, Harmonium, and rhythmic clapping.
Gender Participation: Primarily Women (though men now participate in modern versions).
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: The word “Garba” comes from the Sanskrit word Garbha (womb). It is UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage.

2. Dandiya Raas

Community/Tribe: All communities.
Occasion/Festival: Navratri and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Represents a mock fight between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura.
Costumes and Props: Men wear Kedia and Dhoti; women wear Chaniya Choli. Dancers carry polished wooden sticks (Dandiyas).
Music/Instruments: Dhol, Cymbals, and Shehnai.
Gender Participation: Both (performed in pairs).
Type: Social / Religious.
Important Facts: It originated as a form of “Krishna Leela” but evolved into the energetic stick dance seen today.

3. Tippani Dance

Community/Tribe: Koli and Bhil communities (laborers of Chorwad region).
Occasion/Festival: Festivals and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Occupational; originated from the work of tamping the ground to level it.
Costumes and Props: Dancers use a Tippani (a long wooden stick with a square wooden block at the bottom).
Music/Instruments: Zanz, Manjira, and Thali.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Occupational / Social.
Important Facts: The rhythmic beating of the floor with the Tippani creates the primary sound and tempo for the dance.

4. Siddi Dhamal

Community/Tribe: Siddi Community (of East African origin).
Occasion/Festival: Festivals and shrines (Urs).
Theme/Purpose: Religious and celebratory; preserving African heritage in India.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear feathers and shells; they use a Dhamal (small drum).
Music/Instruments: Mushira (large drum) and small percussions.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Tribal / Religious.
Important Facts: Famous for the “Coconut Act,” where dancers toss coconuts high in the air and break them on their heads without looking.

5. Hudo

Community/Tribe: Bharwad Tribe (Shepherd community).
Occasion/Festival: Tarnetar Fair.
Theme/Purpose: Courtship and social interaction.
Costumes and Props: Extremely colorful umbrellas decorated with embroidery and mirrors.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Flute.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Tribal.
Important Facts: The dance is known for its “clapping” motion (Hudo) and is a major attraction at the world-famous Tarnetar Mela.

6. Bhavai

Community/Tribe: Professional folk artists (Targala/Bhavaiya community).
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings and village squares.
Theme/Purpose: Social satire and entertainment.
Costumes and Props: Dancers balance 7 to 9 brass pitchers on their heads.
Music/Instruments: Bhungal (long brass pipe), Pakhavaj, and Jhanjh.
Gender Participation: Men (traditionally play female roles).
Type: Folk Theater.
Important Facts: It is a high-skill performance involving dancing on broken glass or the edges of a sword while balancing pots.

7. Padhar Dance

Community/Tribe: Padhar Community (near Bhal region/Nal Sarovar).
Occasion/Festival: Festivals and village fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Depicts the life of a fisherman.
Costumes and Props: Small cymbals (Manjira) and sticks.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Manjira.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social / Occupational.
Important Facts: The highlight of the dance is when the dancers sit on the floor and mimic the rocking and rowing motion of a boat.

8. Dangi Nritya

Community/Tribe: Tribes of the Dang district.
Occasion/Festival: Holi and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of forest life and nature.
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal jewelry and simple attire.
Music/Instruments: Thali and Manjira.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Tribal / Social.
Important Facts: Dancers form a human chain and move in serpentine (snake-like) patterns, often creating human pyramids.

9. Mer Raas

Community/Tribe: Mer Community (Saurashtra region).
Occasion/Festival: Festivals and fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Display of martial strength and valor.
Costumes and Props: Traditional heavy dhotis and thick sticks.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Shehnai.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Social.
Important Facts: Unlike the gentle Dandiya, Mer Raas is very aggressive and physically demanding, featuring high leaps and fast footwork.

10. Garbi

Community/Tribe: Men of the Hindu community.
Occasion/Festival: Navratri.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; specifically dedicated to Lord Krishna.
Costumes and Props: Kedia and colorful turbans.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and rhythmic chanting.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: While Garba is primarily for women, Garbi is the male-exclusive counterpart, usually performed with more vigorous and fast-paced movements.

Folk Dances of Haryana

Code: D, P, L, G, K, S, J, D, C, G

Story: Desi People Love Group Khel, Singing Jat Dances in Courtyard Grounds.

1. Dhamaal Dance

Community/Tribe: Ahir and Jat communities.
Occasion/Festival: Performed on moonlit nights in the spring/harvest season.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of a successful harvest.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry large Daphs (tambourines) decorated with colorful tassels.
Music/Instruments: Daph, Dholak, and Sarangi.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: This dance is said to date back to the time of the Mahabharata. It is noted for its rhythmic movements and vibrant energy.

2. Phag Dance

Community/Tribe: Farmers and rural folk.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the month of Phalgun (around Holi).
Theme/Purpose: Welcoming spring and celebrating the harvest.
Costumes and Props: Men wear colorful turbans; women wear traditional “Lehenga” and “Odhni.”
Music/Instruments: Tasha, Nagada, and Dholak.
Gender Participation: Both (performed together).
Type: Seasonal.
Important Facts: It is a high-spirited dance where participants often splash colors on each other, mimicking the spirit of Holi.

3. Loor Dance

Community/Tribe: Girls of the Bangar region.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Holi festival.
Theme/Purpose: It takes the form of a question-and-answer dialogue through song.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Haryanvi attire.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic clapping and folk singing.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: The word “Loor” means girl in the local dialect. The dance often depicts social issues or marriage-related humor.

4. Gugga Dance

Community/Tribe: Devotees of Gugga Pir (Snake God).
Occasion/Festival: Gugga Naumi (in the month of Bhadrapada).
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic; to seek protection from snakes and general prosperity.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry a long pole called “Chhari” decorated with fans and peacock feathers.
Music/Instruments: Deru (small wooden drum) and Thali.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: Dancers move in a procession, often self-flagellating with iron chains in a trance-like state of devotion.

5. Khoria Dance

Community/Tribe: Women of rural Haryana.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during weddings (specifically when the groom leaves with the Baraat).
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment and warding off the “evil eye” from the house.
Costumes and Props: Heavy gold jewelry and vibrant ghaghras.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and folk singing.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: Since only women stay behind during the wedding, they perform this to stay awake and celebrate among themselves with humor and mimicry.

6. Saang (Swang)

Community/Tribe: Professional folk theater groups.
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs and social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Storytelling, satire, and moral education.
Costumes and Props: Elaborate theatrical costumes; involves cross-dressing.
Music/Instruments: Harmonium, Dholak, and Sarangi.
Gender Participation: Men (traditionally play female roles).
Type: Folk Theater.
Important Facts: Pandit Lakhmi Chand is considered the “Shakespeare of Haryana” for his contributions to Saang culture.

7. Jhummar Dance

Community/Tribe: Married women.
Occasion/Festival: Festivals and social celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of marital bliss and ornamentation.
Costumes and Props: Named after the Jhummar (forehead ornament) worn by women.
Music/Instruments: Thali and Dholak.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: Often called the “Gidda of Haryana” due to its resemblance to the Punjabi folk dance.

8. Daph Dance

Community/Tribe: Rural farmers.
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest season.
Theme/Purpose: Expressing joy over a good crop yield.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry the Daph (large hand-drum).
Music/Instruments: Daph and Beas.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Seasonal / Agricultural.
Important Facts: The rhythm of the dance is dictated entirely by the beating of the Daph.

9. Chhati Dance

Community/Tribe: All communities.
Occasion/Festival: Performed on the sixth day after the birth of a male child.
Theme/Purpose: To celebrate the new arrival and pray for the child’s long life.
Costumes and Props: Traditional festive wear.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and singing.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: Customarily, boiled wheat and chana (Bakli) are distributed among the participants.

10. Ghoomar Dance

Community/Tribe: Women of southern Haryana (bordering Rajasthan).
Occasion/Festival: Festivals and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Social celebration and grace.
Costumes and Props: Wide-flaring colorful skirts.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Manjira.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: While inspired by Rajasthan, the Haryanvi version has distinct footwork and local folk songs.

Folk Dances of Himachal Pradesh

Code: N, C, K, D, J, C, C, R, S, L.

Story: Nature Covered Kullu Dancers Join Cold Celebrations, Rhythmic Steps in Lines.

1. Nati

Community/Tribe: Various local communities (Kullu, Shimla, Lahaul-Spiti).
Occasion/Festival: Performed during all major festivals, weddings, and local fairs.
Theme/Purpose: General celebration and community bonding.
Costumes and Props: Men wear “Chola” (long coat) and “Sultan” (pajamas) with a distinctive Kullu Cap; women wear colorful “Reide” (headgear) and heavy silver jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Dhol, Nagara, Shehnai, and Karnal (long brass trumpet).
Gender Participation: Both (Men and Women).
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: It is listed in the Guinness World Record as the largest folk dance in terms of participants. Each region has its own version, like Kulluvi Nati or Kinnauri Nati.

2. Chham Dance (Devil Dance)

Community/Tribe: Buddhist Monks (Lamas) in monasteries.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Losar (Tibetan New Year) and local Monastic festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Destruction of evil spirits and the victory of good.
Costumes and Props: Elaborate masks depicting deities or demons and heavy silk robes.
Music/Instruments: Cymbals, long brass horns (Dungchen), and drums.
Gender Participation: Men (Monks).
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: It is intended to meditate on the nature of the mind and ward off negative energy for the coming year.

3. Kayang Mala

Community/Tribe: Kinnauri community.
Occasion/Festival: Festivals and social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Social harmony; the dancers form a “garland.”
Costumes and Props: Traditional Kinnauri woolen attire and silver ornaments.
Music/Instruments: Traditional drums and flutes.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: Dancers weave their arms together to form a garland-like pattern, symbolizing unity.

4. Dandras

Community/Tribe: Gaddi Tribe (Shepherds).
Occasion/Festival: Local fairs and community gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of the nomadic lifestyle and religious devotion.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry sticks and wear the “Dora” (long rope tied around the waist).
Music/Instruments: Nagara and Dhol.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Tribal / Social.
Important Facts: It is a high-energy stick dance where the tempo increases significantly toward the end.

5. Jhora Dance

Community/Tribe: People of the Mahasu region.
Occasion/Festival: Fairs and spring festivals.
Theme/Purpose: To celebrate the arrival of the spring season.
Costumes and Props: Traditional hill attire.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Thali.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Seasonal.
Important Facts: It is performed in a circle where participants link hands and move rhythmically.

6. Cholamba Dance

Community/Tribe: Local hill tribes of Ropa Valley.
Occasion/Festival: Performed after the killing of a bear.
Theme/Purpose: Commemorative; to honor the animal’s spirit or celebrate the kill.
Costumes and Props: Dancers may wear animal skins or masks.
Music/Instruments: Indigenous drums and horns.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Hunting.
Important Facts: One of the unique “hunting-themed” dances of the Himalayan region.

7. Chhanak Chham

Community/Tribe: Buddhist communities of Lahaul and Spiti.
Occasion/Festival: Once every three years during the Chakhar Festival.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; dedicated to Lord Buddha.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear headgear made of feathers and masks.
Music/Instruments: Traditional monastic percussion.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual.
Important Facts: Known for its slow, dignified movements that represent a meditative state.

8. Rakshasa Dance (Demon Dance)

Community/Tribe: Kinnauri community.
Occasion/Festival: Ritualistic festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Representing the demons that once inhabited the mountains.
Costumes and Props: Masks representing demons.
Music/Instruments: Drums and cymbals.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Mythological.
Important Facts: It illustrates the ancient mythological battles fought in the mountain regions.

9. Shunto

Community/Tribe: Buddhist tribes of the higher Himalayas.
Occasion/Festival: Social events and festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Praise of Lord Buddha and the local gods.
Costumes and Props: Traditional woolen gowns.
Music/Instruments: Folk singing and rhythmic clapping.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Religious / Social.
Important Facts: It is more focused on the vocal chanting and slow rhythmic steps than complex movements.

10. Losar Shona Chuksam

Community/Tribe: Kinnauri community.
Occasion/Festival: Losar (Tibetan New Year).
Theme/Purpose: To welcome the New Year with joy and hope.
Costumes and Props: Ornate Kinnauri caps and traditional jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Folk instruments like the Dhol and Nagara.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Seasonal / New Year.
Important Facts: It combines the local Kinnauri traditions with Tibetan cultural influences.

Folk Dances of Jharkhand

Code: C, P, S, K, S, J, M, B, D, F.

Story: Chhau Performers Sing, Kicking Steps, Joining Madal Beats, Dancing in Forests.

1. Chhau Dance (Seraikella Style)

Community/Tribe: Indigenous communities of Seraikella.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Chaitra Parva (Spring festival).
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and nature.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear highly artistic masks made of papier-mâché and stylized costumes.
Music/Instruments: Nagada, Dhol, and Shehnai.
Gender Participation: Traditionally Men.
Type: Ritual / Martial / Dance-Drama.
Important Facts: The Seraikella Chhau is one of the three main styles of Chhau (alongside Purulia and Mayurbhanj). It was inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2010.

2. Paika Dance

Community/Tribe: Munda and other tribal communities.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings, religious processions, and welcoming guests.
Theme/Purpose: A martial dance depicting the preparation for war and physical bravery.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear colorful turbans and carry a Shield and Sword.
Music/Instruments: Nagada, Dhak, and Shehnai.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Folk.
Important Facts: “Paika” refers to foot soldiers. It is a highly energetic display of mock combat and agility.

3. Santhali Dance

Community/Tribe: Santhal Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Sohrai (harvest) and Sarhul festivals.
Theme/Purpose: To celebrate the beauty of nature and social harmony.
Costumes and Props: Women wear traditional Santhali sarees (checkered) and flowers in their hair; men wear dhotis.
Music/Instruments: Madal (clapper drum) and Flute.
Gender Participation: Both (Men and Women).
Type: Social / Tribal.
Important Facts: Dancers form an interconnected chain and move in a graceful, rhythmic swinging motion. It is one of the most organized and synchronized tribal dances in India.

4. Karma Dance

Community/Tribe: Oraon, Munda, and Baiga tribes.
Occasion/Festival: Karma Festival (month of Bhadrapada).
Theme/Purpose: Worship of the “Karma” tree; praying for good luck and prosperity.
Costumes and Props: Dancers use branches of the Karma tree.
Music/Instruments: Madal and Dhol.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Agricultural.
Important Facts: It marks the transition from the rainy season to the harvest season. The dance is symbolic of human dependence on nature.

5. Sarhul Dance

Community/Tribe: Oraon and Munda tribes.
Occasion/Festival: Sarhul Festival (Spring).
Theme/Purpose: Worship of the Sal Tree; celebrating the new flowers of the forest.
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal wear decorated with Sal flowers.
Music/Instruments: Nagada and Madal.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Seasonal.
Important Facts: Sarhul is the most important tribal festival in Jharkhand, marking the tribal New Year.

6. Jhumair (Jhumur)

Community/Tribe: Sadan (non-tribal local) and tribal communities.
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest season and fairs.
Theme/Purpose: General celebration, joy, and storytelling of daily life.
Costumes and Props: Traditional festive attire.
Music/Instruments: Madal, Dhol, and Bansi (flute).
Gender Participation: Both (often categorized as Mardana Jhumair and Janani Jhumair).
Type: Social.
Important Facts: It is characterized by rhythmic footwork and a “swinging” body movement. The songs accompanying the dance are often based on the love of Radha and Krishna.

7. Mundari Dance

Community/Tribe: Munda Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and major community gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Social celebration and preservation of Munda identity.
Costumes and Props: Traditional silver jewelry and woven textiles.
Music/Instruments: Madal and Nagada.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Tribal.
Important Facts: The dance involves intricate footwork where participants move in circular or semi-circular formations.

8. Barao Dance

Community/Tribe: Oraon Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the spring season.
Theme/Purpose: General joy and celebration of the changing seasons.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Oraon attire.
Music/Instruments: Madal and rhythmic clapping.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Seasonal.
Important Facts: Characterized by fast leg movements and high energy.

9. Domkach

Community/Tribe: Various tribal and non-tribal communities.
Occasion/Festival: Performed in the house of the groom during weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment and warding off evil while the men are away with the Baraat.
Costumes and Props: Dancers often use comedic props or masks.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and folk singing.
Gender Participation: Primarily Women.
Type: Social / Ritual.
Important Facts: It is a spirited, humorous dance filled with satire and playfulness.

10. Fagua Dance

Community/Tribe: Various local communities.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Holi (Fagua) festival.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the colors of spring and mythological victory of good over evil.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry traditional drums and splash colors.
Music/Instruments: Nagada and Dhol.
Gender Participation: Both (primarily men).
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: It is often accompanied by “Fagua” folk songs, which are high-pitched and energetic.

Folk Dances of Karnataka

Code: Y, D, H, K, B, G, S, V, K, P, L

Story: Yakshagana Dancers Honor Karnataka, Beating Gongs, Showing Vibrant Kamsale Performances Live.

1. Yakshagana

Community/Tribe: Professional artist troupes (Melas).
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the winter months (November to May) in temple courtyards.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas.
Costumes and Props: Massive headgears (Kirita), heavy makeup, and elaborate costumes.
Music/Instruments: Chande (drum), Maddale, and Cymbals. Led by a Bhagavatha (singer/narrator).
Gender Participation: Traditionally Men (who also play female roles).
Type: Dance-Drama / Folk Theater.
Important Facts: It is one of the most sophisticated folk forms in India, combining dance, music, dialogue, and costume.

2. Dollu Kunitha

Community/Tribe: Kuruba community (Shepherds).
Occasion/Festival: Performed during festivals like Maha Shivaratri and village fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; dedicated to Beereshwara (a form of Lord Shiva).
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear simple dhotis and carry a Dollu (a large, decorated drum) tied to their waists.
Music/Instruments: The rhythmic beating of the Dollu and Talam (cymbals).
Gender Participation: Primarily Men.
Type: Ritual / Percussive.
Important Facts: Known for its thunderous sound and high-speed synchronized circular movements.

3. Hulivesha (Tiger Dance)

Community/Tribe: Coastal Karnataka youth (Tuluva community).
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Dasara and Krishna Janmashtami.
Theme/Purpose: Worship of Goddess Durga, whose vahana (vehicle) is a tiger.
Costumes and Props: Dancers have their entire bodies painted like tigers/leopards and wear masks.
Music/Instruments: Tashe and Akka drums.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: Dancers perform acrobatic stunts like flipping and picking up coins with their mouths.

4. Kamsale

Community/Tribe: Devotees of Lord Mahadeshwara (Kuruba/Lingayat).
Occasion/Festival: Pilgrimages and festivals at the Male Mahadeshwara Hills.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; praising the glory of the deity.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry Kamsale (brass cymbals, where one is a plate and the other is a cup).
Music/Instruments: The sound is produced by the rhythmic clashing of the Kamsale.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Devotional.
Important Facts: It is a unique blend of rhythmic music and martial-like movements using cymbals.

5. Bhoota Kola

Community/Tribe: Coastal Tuluva community.
Occasion/Festival: Annual village festivals (Kolas).
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic spirit worship; communicating with local deities (Bhootas).
Costumes and Props: Massive “Ani” (bamboo structure) on the back, heavy makeup, and palm leaf ornaments.
Music/Instruments: Temere and Pipari (traditional wind instruments).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Shamanistic.
Important Facts: The performer is believed to be possessed by the spirit during the dance to provide solutions to village problems.

6. Goravara Kunitha

Community/Tribe: Goravas (devotees of Lord Mailara Linga).
Occasion/Festival: Religious gatherings and fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional worship of Mailara Linga.
Costumes and Props: Cap made of bear fur, black wool blanket (Kumbli), and carrying a Damaru and Flute.
Music/Instruments: Damaru (small drum) and Flute.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual.
Important Facts: The black costume and fur cap symbolize the “Vahana” (vehicle) of the lord.

7. Suggi Kunitha

Community/Tribe: Halakki Vokkaliga community.
Occasion/Festival: During the Suggi (Harvest) festival.
Theme/Purpose: Gratitude for a successful crop.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear turbans decorated with colorful bird feathers and flowers.
Music/Instruments: Gummate (clay pot drum).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Seasonal / Agricultural.
Important Facts: It is characterized by graceful jumps and circular patterns.

8. Veeragase

Community/Tribe: Lingayat community.
Occasion/Festival: Dasara and Shravana month.
Theme/Purpose: Religious; depicting the story of Veerabhadra (Shiva’s form) destroying Daksha’s sacrifice.
Costumes and Props: Vibrant red dresses, headgear, and wooden plaques with images of deities.
Music/Instruments: Sambala and Dimmu (drums).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritualistic.
Important Facts: One of the most aggressive and high-energy folk dances of Karnataka.

9. Karaga Kunitha

Community/Tribe: Thigala community.
Occasion/Festival: Bangalore Karaga (Chaitra Purnima).
Theme/Purpose: Honoring Goddess Draupadi.
Costumes and Props: The lead dancer balances a metal pot (Karaga) decorated with flowers on their head.
Music/Instruments: Thavil and Nadaswaram.
Gender Participation: Men (the lead dancer is a male priest dressed in feminine attire).
Type: Ritual.
Important Facts: The Karaga must be balanced without being touched by hands throughout the long procession.

10. Puja Kunitha

Community/Tribe: General rural communities of Mandya/Mysore.
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs and deity processions.
Theme/Purpose: Worship of local deities.
Costumes and Props: Dancers balance a bamboo frame (decorated with colorful clothes and flowers) on their heads.
Music/Instruments: Pambai and drums.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual.
Important Facts: The visual appeal comes from the colorful, towering structure balanced perfectly while the dancer moves.

11. Lambani Dance

Community/Tribe: Lambani/Banjara Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Holi, Diwali, and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration and community bonding.
Costumes and Props: Skirts with heavy mirror-work, embroidery, and ivory bangles.
Music/Instruments: Dappu and rhythmic hand-clapping.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Tribal / Social.
Important Facts: Very similar to the Lambadi dance of Andhra Pradesh; it highlights the unique nomadic heritage of the community.

Folk Dances of Kerala

Code: T, M, T, O, P, P, M, K, K, C, V

Story: Temple Music Tells Old Performances, People Move in Kathakali, Kalaripayattu Creates Vibrance.

1. Theyyam

Community/Tribe: Primarily performed by the Vannan, Malayan, and other marginalized communities.
Occasion/Festival: Performed in “Kavu” (Sacred Groves) between December and May.
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic worship of ancestral spirits and local deities.
Costumes and Props: Huge, elaborate headgears (Mudi), vibrant red costumes, and intricate face painting.
Music/Instruments: Chenda, Elathalam (cymbals), and Kurumkuzhal.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritualistic / Shamanistic.
Important Facts: Known as the “Dance of the Gods,” the performer is believed to be possessed by the deity during the ritual. There are over 400 types of Theyyam.

2. Mudiyettu

Community/Tribe: Marar and Kurupu communities.
Occasion/Festival: Annual festival of Bhadrakali temples.
Theme/Purpose: Mythological battle between Goddess Kali and the demon Darika.
Costumes and Props: Traditional temple-style costumes with heavy wooden crowns.
Music/Instruments: Chenda and Elathalam.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual Theater.
Important Facts: Inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

3. Thiruvathirakali (Kaikottikali)

Community/Tribe: All Hindu women of Kerala.
Occasion/Festival: Onam and Thiruvathira (Dhanu month).
Theme/Purpose: To attain everlasting marital bliss and pray for the long life of husbands.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Kerala Set Mundu (Kasavu saree) and jasmine flowers.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic clapping (Kaikotti) and singing.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: Performed in a circular formation around a Nilavilakku (brass lamp).

4. Oppana

Community/Tribe: Mappila (Muslim) community.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during weddings (Nikah).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the bride and making her the center of attention.
Costumes and Props: Bride is heavily ornamented; dancers wear traditional Muslim attire.
Music/Instruments: Harmonium, Ganjira, and rhythmic hand-clapping.
Gender Participation: Primarily Women (Men have a separate version).
Type: Social / Wedding.
Important Facts: Popular in the Malabar region; involves teasing songs and rhythmic movements around the bride.

5. Padayani

Community/Tribe: Nair and Kaniyar communities.
Occasion/Festival: Performed in Bhagavati temples (Pathanamthitta region).
Theme/Purpose: To appease the Goddess after the killing of Darika.
Costumes and Props: Huge masks (Kolams) made of areca nut palm leaves.
Music/Instruments: Thappu (percussion) and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritualistic.
Important Facts: “Padayani” literally means “Rows of Army.” The Bhairavi Kolam is the most famous part.

6. Pulikali (Tiger Dance)

Community/Tribe: General public in Thrissur and Palakkad.
Occasion/Festival: Performed on the fourth day of Onam.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment and celebration of the harvest.
Costumes and Props: Bodies painted like tigers/leopards; dancers wear masks and artificial tails.
Music/Instruments: Udukku and Thakil.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social / Folk Art.
Important Facts: Known for “Pot-bellied” dancers whose stomachs jiggle like a tiger’s face when they move.

7. Margamkali

Community/Tribe: Saint Thomas Christians (Knanya community).
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and church festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Narrates the life and missionary work of Saint Thomas in Kerala.
Costumes and Props: Simple white dhotis with gold borders; dancers circle a lamp (Ramban Pattu).
Music/Instruments: No instruments; only singing in a specific ancient rhythm.
Gender Participation: Primarily Women.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: “Margam” means path (specifically the path to salvation).

8. Kummattikali

Community/Tribe: General folk in Palakkad and Thrissur.
Occasion/Festival: Onam season.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment through mimicry of mythological characters.
Costumes and Props: Masks made of saprophytic wood and bodies covered with “Kummatti Pullu” (grass).
Music/Instruments: Onavillu (a bow-like string instrument).
Gender Participation: Men and Boys.
Type: Masked Folk Dance.
Important Facts: Dancers represent characters like Narada, Krishna, and old women (Thalla).

9. Kolkali

Community/Tribe: Both Hindu and Muslim communities of Malabar.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and village celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Display of coordination and rhythm.
Costumes and Props: Small wooden sticks (Kols) about a foot long.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic striking of sticks and singing.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social / Group.
Important Facts: Influenced by Kalaripayattu (martial arts); the speed increases rapidly as the dance progresses.

10. Chakyar Koothu

Community/Tribe: Chakyar community (temple caste).
Occasion/Festival: Performed in “Koothambalams” (temple theaters).
Theme/Purpose: Solo narration of epics with a focus on Social Satire.
Costumes and Props: A unique headgear and sandalwood paste smeared on the body.
Music/Instruments: Mizhavu (large copper drum) and Ilathalam.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Performance Art.
Important Facts: The performer has the immunity to mock even kings or the audience members during the play.

11. Velakali

Community/Tribe: Nair community.
Occasion/Festival: Temple festivals (Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Trivandrum).
Theme/Purpose: Martial dance depicting the battle between Pandavas and Kauravas.
Costumes and Props: Swords and colorful shields; traditional warrior headgear.
Music/Instruments: Panchavadyam and Maddalam.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Ritual.
Important Facts: It is performed in front of giant wooden statues representing the Pandavas.

Folk Dances of Madhya Pradesh

Code: M, K, J, T, G, M, P, B, R, S, G

Story: Mandari Korku Join Tribal Gatherings, Madal Plays, Bhil Rhythms Show Grace.

1. Matki Dance

Community/Tribe: Rural women of the Malwa region.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and birthdays.
Theme/Purpose: Social celebration and display of balance.
Costumes and Props: Traditional sarees and jewelry; dancers balance clay pots (Matki) on their heads.
Music/Instruments: Primarily the Dhol.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: The dance starts with a single woman (the leader) and others join in as the rhythm picks up. It is the signature dance of Malwa.

2. Karma Dance

Community/Tribe: Gond and Baiga tribes.
Occasion/Festival: Karma Festival (August/September).
Theme/Purpose: Worship of the Karma tree; prayer for a good harvest and destiny.
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal ornaments and peacock feathers.
Music/Instruments: Thumki, Payri, and Chhalla.
Gender Participation: Both (Men and Women).
Type: Ritual / Agricultural.
Important Facts: It is considered the oldest tribal dance in Madhya Pradesh. Dancers move in a circle around a branch of the Karma tree.

3. Jawara Dance

Community/Tribe: Peasant community of the Bundelkhand region.
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest celebration (Navratri).
Theme/Purpose: Gratitude for a successful harvest and prosperity.
Costumes and Props: Women balance baskets full of Jawara (barley) on their heads.
Music/Instruments: Dholak, Nagada, and Timki.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Seasonal / Harvest.
Important Facts: The heavy baskets of barley require immense skill to balance while performing quick, rhythmic movements.

4. Tertali

Community/Tribe: Kamar Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings and festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Costumes and Props: Dancers tie 13 Manjiras (cymbals) to different parts of their bodies.
Music/Instruments: Manjira and Ektara.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: Dancers perform while sitting on the floor, striking the cymbals tied to their limbs with hand-held cymbals in a rhythmic sequence.

5. Grida (Girdha) Dance

Community/Tribe: Rural communities of the state.
Occasion/Festival: Performed when the Rabi crops (winter crops) start to bloom.
Theme/Purpose: Joy and celebration of the upcoming harvest.
Costumes and Props: Traditional festive attire.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Seasonal / Agricultural.
Important Facts: The dance has three stages: Sela (slow), Selalarki (medium), and Selabhadoni (fast).

6. Maanch

Community/Tribe: Local artists of the Malwa region.
Occasion/Festival: Holi and summer months.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling of folk legends and social satires.
Costumes and Props: Theatrical costumes; performed on an elevated wooden stage (Maanch).
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Sarangi.
Gender Participation: Men (traditionally play all roles).
Type: Folk Theater.
Important Facts: It is considered the State Theater of Madhya Pradesh. The dialogues are usually in poetic form.

7. Phulpati Dance

Community/Tribe: Unmarried girls of the Malwa region.
Occasion/Festival: Dashain (Dussehra).
Theme/Purpose: Prayer for nature’s blessings and social celebration.
Costumes and Props: Colorful sarees and floral decorations.
Music/Instruments: Dholak.
Gender Participation: Women (Unmarried).
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: This dance is specifically meant for young girls to showcase their grace and celebrate the harvest season.

8. Bhagoria Dance

Community/Tribe: Bhil and Bhilala tribes.
Occasion/Festival: Bhagoria Haat (Market festival before Holi).
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of life and youth; historically a courtship ritual.
Costumes and Props: Vibrant tribal jewelry and colorful turbans.
Music/Instruments: Large drums and flutes.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Tribal.
Important Facts: It is a high-energy dance where young men and women interact during the Bhagoria festival, often choosing life partners.

9. Rai Dance

Community/Tribe: People of the Bundelkhand region.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and joy-filled festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment and social prestige.
Costumes and Props: The lead dancer (Bedia) wears anklets and elaborate jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Nagada.
Gender Participation: Both (centered around the female dancer).
Type: Social.
Important Facts: It is the most popular dance of Bundelkhand. The “Bedia” community is traditionally associated with this art form.

10. Saila Dance

Community/Tribe: Tribes of the Gond and Baiga communities.
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest season.
Theme/Purpose: To celebrate the yield and promote community brotherhood.
Costumes and Props: Each dancer carries a stick.
Music/Instruments: Mandar (drum).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social / Stick Dance.
Important Facts: Dancers move in a circle, striking their sticks against the sticks of the person next to them.

11. Gaur Maria Dance

Community/Tribe: Maria tribes (though more famous in Bastar, CG, it is also performed in MP’s border regions).
Occasion/Festival: Major tribal gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Depicting the spirit of the hunt.
Costumes and Props: Headgear made of Bison horns and feathers.
Music/Instruments: Brass bells and drums.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Tribal / Ritual.
Important Facts: Known for its primitive energy and the distinctive horn headgear that represents the tribe’s connection to the wild.

Folk Dances of Maharashtra

Code: L, D, K, L, P, T, D, K, V, T, D

Story: Lavani Dancers Kick, Lezim Players Twirl, Dhol Keeps Vibrant Tempo Daily.

1. Lavani

Name: Lavani
Community/Tribe: Mahar and Kolhati communities.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings and “Tamasha” folk theater.
Theme/Purpose: Themes of love, politics, social satire, and romance.
Costumes and Props: Women wear 9-yard sarees (Nauvari) and heavy Ghungroos (anklets).
Music/Instruments: Dholki (the lead drum), Manjira, and Harmonium.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Entertainment.
Important Facts: Derived from the word Lavanya (beauty). It is the most famous folk dance of Maharashtra.

2. Dhangari Gaja

Name: Dhangari Gaja
Community/Tribe: Dhangar (Shepherds) of Solapur.
Occasion/Festival: Performed to please their deity Biruba.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; celebrating the birth of their God and the nature around them.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear traditional dhotis, turbans (Pheta), and colorful handkerchiefs.
Music/Instruments: Dhol (drums) and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Tribal.
Important Facts: The rhythm reflects the rugged life of shepherds in the hills of Maharashtra.

3. Koli Dance

Name: Koli
Community/Tribe: Koli (Fishermen) community.
Occasion/Festival: Narali Purnima (Coconut Festival) and social events.
Theme/Purpose: Depicts the life of fishermen—rowing boats and catching fish.
Costumes and Props: Men wear short dhotis and caps; women wear short sarees and carry oars or fish baskets.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and rhythmic singing.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Occupational / Social.
Important Facts: Known for its lively, wave-like movements mimicking the sea.

4. Lezim

Name: Lezim
Community/Tribe: Rural youth and students.
Occasion/Festival: Ganesh Chaturthi processions and school drills.
Theme/Purpose: Physical fitness and celebration.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry a Lezim (a wooden stick with jangling metal discs).
Music/Instruments: Dhol, Tasha, and the sound of the Lezim itself.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Physical / Social.
Important Facts: It is more of a rhythmic exercise than a dance; it is an essential part of Maharashtra’s cultural identity during festivals.

5. Povada

Name: Povada
Community/Tribe: Shahirs (Folk singers/poets).
Occasion/Festival: Commemoration of historical events.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative ballad praising the bravery of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Costumes and Props: Shahirs wear traditional Angarkhas and turbans.
Music/Instruments: Duff (tambourine) and Tuntuni.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Heroic / Narrative.
Important Facts: It is a high-pitched storytelling dance-song that instills a sense of pride and history.

6. Tamasha

Name: Tamasha
Community/Tribe: Kolhati and Mahar communities.
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs (Jatras).
Theme/Purpose: Folk theater combining dance, music, and comedy.
Costumes and Props: Colorful sarees for dancers; varied props for the play.
Music/Instruments: Dholki, Manjira, and Harmonium.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Folk Theater.
Important Facts: It starts with a prayer called Gana and includes the Gaulan (stories of Krishna) and Lavani.

7. Dindi

Name: Dindi
Community/Tribe: Varkari sect (Devotees of Lord Vitthal).
Occasion/Festival: Ashadhi Ekadashi (Pandharpur Wari).
Theme/Purpose: Devotional ecstasy and spiritual journey.
Costumes and Props: Simple white attire; carrying saffron flags (Jaripatka).
Music/Instruments: Veena, Taal (cymbals), and Mridangam.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: Dancers move in small steps, forming a “Dindi” (procession) towards the holy city of Pandharpur.

8. Kala Dance

Name: Kala
Community/Tribe: Rural devotees.
Occasion/Festival: Gokulashtami (Janmashtami).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the playful life of Lord Krishna.
Costumes and Props: Dancers form human pyramids to break the “Dahi Handi” (curd pot).
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Tasha.
Gender Participation: Primarily Men.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: It symbolizes the distribution of divine grace (Kala) among the community.

9. Vasudev

Name: Vasudev
Community/Tribe: Vasudev community (early morning mendicants).
Occasion/Festival: Daily morning rituals in villages.
Theme/Purpose: Religious preaching and seeking alms.
Costumes and Props: Peacock feather caps and long white robes.
Music/Instruments: Chipli (clappers) and Manjira.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: The Vasudev is a traditional figure who travels from house to house singing devotional songs at dawn.

10. Tarpa Dance

Name: Tarpa
Community/Tribe: Warli Tribe (Thane and Nashik).
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest season (winter months).
Theme/Purpose: Social celebration and togetherness.
Costumes and Props: Tribal drapes; the lead musician plays the Tarpa (a wind instrument made from dried gourd).
Music/Instruments: The Tarpa instrument.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Tribal / Seasonal.
Important Facts: Dancers hold hands and form a circle or spiral around the Tarpa player; the dance continues all night.

11. Dashavatara

Name: Dashavatara
Community/Tribe: Konkan region folk artists.
Occasion/Festival: Temple festivals in South Konkan.
Theme/Purpose: Depicts the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu.
Costumes and Props: Wooden masks and heavy theatrical costumes.
Music/Instruments: Pakhawaj and Harmonium.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Dance-Drama / Ritual.
Important Facts: It is one of the most popular forms of folk theater in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra.

Folk Dances of Manipur

Code: L, P, T, D, L, S, M, N, T, M, R.

Story: Lai Performers Tell Divine Love Stories, Moving Nicely Through Musical Rhythms.

1. Lai Haraoba

Name: Lai Haraoba
Community/Tribe: Meitei community.
Occasion/Festival: Annual festival dedicated to the local deities (Umang Lai).
Theme/Purpose: Re-enacting the creation of the universe and the evolution of life.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Phanek (wrap-around skirt) and Enaphi (shawl).
Music/Instruments: Pena (traditional string instrument) and Langden (drum).
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritualistic / Religious.
Important Facts: It is considered the foundation of all Manipuri dance forms. “Lai Haraoba” literally means “Merry-making of the Gods.”

2. Pung Cholom (Drum Dance)

Name: Pung Cholom
Community/Tribe: Meitei community (Vaishnavite tradition).
Occasion/Festival: Holi (Yaoshang), weddings, and religious festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Expressing spiritual ecstasy and rhythm.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear white dhotis and turbans; they carry a Pung (Manipuri drum).
Music/Instruments: The rhythm is produced by the Pung itself.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Percussive.
Important Facts: Dancers perform incredible acrobatic feats—jumps and spins—while playing the drum. It is a precursor to the classical Manipuri dance.

3. Thang-Ta (Martial Dance)

Name: Thang-Ta
Community/Tribe: Meitei community.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural festivals and martial displays.
Theme/Purpose: Display of defense, offense, and physical discipline.
Costumes and Props: Thang (Sword) and Ta (Spear).
Music/Instruments: Traditional drums and rhythmic shouts.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Martial Art / Folk.
Important Facts: It is the “Art of the Sword and Spear.” It reflects the warrior history of the Manipur kingdom.

4. Dhol Cholom

Name: Dhol Cholom
Community/Tribe: General public.
Occasion/Festival: Yaoshang (Manipur’s Holi).
Theme/Purpose: Joyous celebration and welcoming of spring.
Costumes and Props: Colorful turbans and dhotis; carrying a Dhol (large drum).
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: Characterized by its high-pitched drum beats and very fast, energetic movements.

5. Luivat Pheizak Dance

Name: Luivat Pheizak
Community/Tribe: Tangkhul Naga Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Depicts the different stages of farming—sowing, reaping, and winnowing.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Tangkhul shawls and tribal ornaments.
Music/Instruments: Traditional tribal drums.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Agricultural / Seasonal.
Important Facts: One of the most popular Naga folk dances in Manipur, celebrating the dignity of labor.

6. Shim Laam (Fly Dance)

Name: Shim Laam
Community/Tribe: Zeliangrong Naga Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Major tribal festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Mimics the flight and movements of a fly/insect.
Costumes and Props: Vibrant tribal attire with heavy beadwork.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic chanting and drums.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Mimicry / Social.
Important Facts: Dancers move with their arms spread out like wings, depicting the relationship between humans and nature.

7. Maibi Dance

Name: Maibi
Community/Tribe: Maibis (Priestesses of the Meitei community).
Occasion/Festival: During the Lai Haraoba festival.
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic; to please the forest deities and spirits.
Costumes and Props: Pure white traditional attire.
Music/Instruments: Pena and Langden.
Gender Participation: Women (Priestesses).
Type: Ritual / Shamanistic.
Important Facts: The Maibi is believed to be a medium between the gods and humans; the dance represents the building of a house and the weaving of cloth.

8. Nupa Pala (Cymbal Dance)

Name: Nupa Pala
Community/Tribe: Men of the Vaishnavite faith.
Occasion/Festival: Religious gatherings and Ras Leela performances.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional singing and rhythmic movement.
Costumes and Props: White dhotis and a distinctive Manipuri turban.
Music/Instruments: Kartal (large cymbals).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Devotional.
Important Facts: It acts as a prologue to the Ras Leela and is known for its graceful, synchronized movements.

9. Thabal Chongba

Name: Thabal Chongba
Community/Tribe: Youth of Manipur.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the five days of Yaoshang (Holi).
Theme/Purpose: Social interaction and joy.
Costumes and Props: Traditional ethnic wear.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and singing.
Gender Participation: Both (Boys and Girls).
Type: Social / Moonlit Dance.
Important Facts: The name means “Dancing by Moonlight.” Dancers hold hands in a circle and perform a simple rhythmic jump/step.

10. Mao Naga Dance

Name: Mao Naga
Community/Tribe: Mao Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Saleni (Harvest festival).
Theme/Purpose: Prayer for a bountiful harvest and protection of the crops.
Costumes and Props: Elaborate tribal headgear and spears.
Music/Instruments: Traditional Naga drums.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Tribal / Agricultural.
Important Facts: Noted for its powerful, rhythmic stamps and the use of traditional warrior chants.

11. Ras Leela (Folk-Classical)

Name: Manipuri Ras Leela
Community/Tribe: Meitei community.
Occasion/Festival: Janmashtami, Holi, and Kartik Purnima.
Theme/Purpose: Depicts the divine love between Radha and Krishna.
Costumes and Props: The iconic Potloi (stiff cylindrical skirt) and thin veils.
Music/Instruments: Pung, Flute, and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Both (primarily women).
Type: Classical / Devotional.
Important Facts: Though it is one of the 8 Classical Dances of India, its local variations (Maha Ras, Basanta Ras) are deeply embedded in the folk consciousness of Manipur.

Folk Dances of Meghalaya

Code: S, N, W, L, B, S, D, D, S, C.

Story: Sunny North Winds Lift Bamboo Songs, Drums Dance, Spirits Celebrate.

1. Shad Suk Mynsiem

Community/Tribe: Khasi Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed in April (Spring).
Theme/Purpose: Thanksgiving to nature and the creator for a good harvest.
Costumes and Props: Women wear the Dhara (silk dress) and silver crowns; men wear traditional waistcoats and carry silver quivers with arrows.
Music/Instruments: Tangmuri (pipes), drums, and cymbals.
Gender Participation: Both (Unmarried men and women).
Type: Ritual / Seasonal.
Important Facts: Also known as the “Dance of Peaceful Hearts.” The women dance in the inner circle with small steps, while men dance in the outer circle as protectors.

2. Nongkrem Dance (Shad Nongkrem)

Community/Tribe: Khasi Tribe (Hima Khyrim).
Occasion/Festival: Nongkrem Festival (Autumn).
Theme/Purpose: To appease the Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for prosperity and a bountiful harvest.
Costumes and Props: Men carry a silver sword and a white yak-hair whisk (Symphiah).
Music/Instruments: Tangmuri and drums.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritualistic / Religious.
Important Facts: It is performed at Smit, the cultural headquarters of the Khyrim Syiemship. It is considered one of the most important Khasi festivals.

3. Wangala Dance (100 Drums Dance)

Community/Tribe: Garo Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest festival (September to December).
Theme/Purpose: Honoring Saljong, the Sun God of fertility.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear feathered headgear (Do’katchi).
Music/Instruments: Nagra (long oval drums).
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Harvest / Social.
Important Facts: Known as the “100 Drums Festival” because a hundred drummers perform in unison. It involves rhythmic movements mimicking birds and animals.

4. Laho Dance

Community/Tribe: Jaintia (Pnar) Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Behdienkhlam Festival.
Theme/Purpose: Social entertainment and community bonding.
Costumes and Props: Colorful tribal silk attire and heavy gold/silver jewelry.
Music/Instruments: No musical instruments; a “Cheerleader” (man with a gifted voice) recites humorous couplets.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: Two men dance on either side of a woman, linking arms to move in a rhythmic pattern.

5. Behdienkhlam Dance

Community/Tribe: Jaintia Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Behdienkhlam (in July).
Theme/Purpose: To drive away the “Plague” or evil spirits and pray for a good harvest.
Costumes and Props: Tall, colorful decorated structures called Rots.
Music/Instruments: Drums and pipes.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: The highlight is when men dance in a muddy pool called “Aitnar” and fight over a large wooden log to bring it to the center.

6. Shad Thoh Kiat

Community/Tribe: Khasi Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the extraction of rice beer (Kiat).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the brewing process and social joy.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Khasi attire.
Music/Instruments: Local percussion.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Occupational / Social.
Important Facts: It highlights the cultural importance of the local beverage in Khasi social rituals.

7. Doregata Dance

Community/Tribe: Garo Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: A competition of skill where women try to knock off the turbans of men.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Garo drapes.
Music/Instruments: Drums and folk singing.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Competitive.
Important Facts: It is a humorous dance where women use their heads to strike the turbans off men’s heads while dancing.

8. Do’drua Dance

Community/Tribe: Garo Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Mimics the movement of a bird (specifically a woodcock).
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal wear.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic drum beats.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Mimicry / Nature-based.
Important Facts: This dance shows the deep connection the Garo people have with the fauna of the Garo Hills.

9. Shad Mastieh

Community/Tribe: Khasi Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during victory celebrations or honoring elders.
Theme/Purpose: Martial pride and honoring the courage of men.
Costumes and Props: Men carry a sword and a shield.
Music/Instruments: Tangmuri and drums.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Ceremonial.
Important Facts: Dancers face each other, crossing swords in a mock battle, symbolizing the defense of their land and people.

10. Chambil Mesara (Pomelo Dance)

Community/Tribe: Garo Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Social events and talent displays.
Theme/Purpose: Display of physical agility and balance.
Costumes and Props: A Pomelo (fruit) tied to a string around the waist.
Music/Instruments: Fast-paced drums.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Skill-based / Entertainment.
Important Facts: The dancer must spin the fruit around their waist using only hip movements without letting it touch their body or hands.

Folk Dances of Mizoram

Code: C, K, C, S, P, S, T, Z, C, H.

Story: Cheraw Kids Clap Sticks, Performing Steps Together, Zigzag Crossing Happily.

1. Cheraw Dance (Bamboo Dance)

Name: Cheraw
Community/Tribe: Mizo community.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Chapchar Kut and other major celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Originally performed to ensure a safe passage for the soul of a deceased mother; now a symbol of joy.
Costumes and Props: Women wear Puanchei (colorful wrap); the main props are long bamboo staves.
Music/Instruments: The rhythmic “clapping” of bamboo staves provides the beat; accompanied by gongs and drums.
Gender Participation: Both (Men tap the bamboos, women dance between them).
Type: Social / Skill-based.
Important Facts: It is the most famous dance of Mizoram. It requires great precision to avoid getting feet caught in the moving bamboos.

2. Khuallam (Dance of the Guests)

Name: Khuallam
Community/Tribe: Performed by those aspiring to attain the title of “Thangchhuah.”
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Khuavanglam festival.
Theme/Purpose: Welcoming guests or strangers to a community feast.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear a hand-woven Mizo cloth known as Puandum.
Music/Instruments: Traditional gongs and drums.
Gender Participation: Primarily Men.
Type: Social / Ceremonial.
Important Facts: The dance is characterized by the swaying of the traditional cloth wrapped around the shoulders.

3. Chailam

Name: Chailam
Community/Tribe: Mizo community.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Chapchar Kut.
Theme/Purpose: Community bonding and celebration of the successful clearing of forests for Jhum.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Mizo festive attire.
Music/Instruments: Drums and Mithun (Gayal) horns.
Gender Participation: Both (Men and women stand in a circle alternately).
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: Dancers hold each other by the waist and shoulders, moving in a circular pattern while singing “Chai” songs.

4. Sarlamkai (Solakia)

Name: Sarlamkai
Community/Tribe: Mara and Lai tribes.
Occasion/Festival: Historically performed after a successful hunt or victory in war.
Theme/Purpose: A victory dance to celebrate the defeat of enemies or wild animals.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry shields and swords or spears.
Music/Instruments: Gongs and drums.
Gender Participation: Both (mostly men in the lead).
Type: Martial / Victory.
Important Facts: It is known as Solakia among some subgroups. The movements are powerful and rhythmic, reflecting warrior pride.

5. Par Lam (Flower Dance)

Name: Par Lam
Community/Tribe: Mizo women.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural festivals and spring celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the blooming of flowers and the beauty of nature.
Costumes and Props: Women wear colorful dresses and tuck flowers into their hair.
Music/Instruments: Local folk songs and light percussion.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Aesthetic.
Important Facts: It is a graceful dance where the hand movements mimic the opening of flower petals.

6. Sawlakia

Name: Sawlakia
Community/Tribe: People of the Southern Mizo hills (Lakhers).
Occasion/Festival: Victory celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: To celebrate a triumph in battle or a great hunting feat.
Costumes and Props: Traditional warrior gear and colorful headgears.
Music/Instruments: Large drums and brass gongs.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Heroic.
Important Facts: Very similar to Sarlamkai, emphasizing the physical prowess of the dancers.

7. Tlanglam

Name: Tlanglam
Community/Tribe: Throughout Mizoram.
Occasion/Festival: All major social and cultural gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Purely for entertainment and showcasing community spirit.
Costumes and Props: Festive Mizo attire.
Music/Instruments: Modernized Mizo music or traditional drums.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: It is one of the most common dances seen in modern Mizo cultural shows and television.

8. Zangtalam

Name: Zangtalam
Community/Tribe: Paite community.
Occasion/Festival: Community gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Social joy and storytelling through movement.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Paite shawls.
Music/Instruments: Dancers sing as they perform; limited percussion.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: The dance is unique because the participants sing their own musical accompaniment while performing simple, rhythmic steps.

9. Chawnglaizawn

Name: Chawnglaizawn
Community/Tribe: Pawi (Lai) community.
Occasion/Festival: Performed on two occasions: when a wife dies, or when a husband brings home a successful kill from a hunt.
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic; to honor the deceased or celebrate bravery.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Pawi tribal shawls.
Music/Instruments: Large drums.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: It is a unique dance that serves both somber and celebratory purposes depending on the context.

10. Hlado

Name: Hlado
Community/Tribe: Mizo hunters.
Occasion/Festival: Performed after a successful hunt.
Theme/Purpose: Chanting the “Hlado” (victory song) and acting out the hunt.
Costumes and Props: Weapons and animal trophies.
Music/Instruments: Chanting and rhythmic clapping.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Occupational / Heroic.
Important Facts: This is more of a ritualistic performance where the hunter narrates his bravery through stylized movements.

Folk Dances of Nagaland

Code: M, A, B, K, A, M, K, Z, M, B, C

Story: Morung Artists Beat Kettledrums, Angami Men Kick, Zeliang Moves Bring Cheer.

1. Modse Dance

Community/Tribe: Ao Naga Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Moatsu Festival (sowing festival).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the completion of the sowing season and seeking a good harvest.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Ao Naga shawls and bead jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Indigenous drums and rhythmic chanting.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Agricultural / Seasonal.
Important Facts: It is characterized by graceful and synchronized movements, representing the community’s collective hope for prosperity.

2. Agurshikukula (War Dance)

Community/Tribe: Sumi (Sema) Naga Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Major tribal festivals and victory celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Depicts the preparation for war and the bravery of the Sumi warriors.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry Shields and Spears; they wear vibrant warrior headgear.
Music/Instruments: Deep drum beats and high-pitched war cries.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Heroic.
Important Facts: The movements are vigorous, involving high leaps and mock-fighting sequences to demonstrate physical prowess.

3. Butterfly Dance

Community/Tribe: Chakhesang Naga Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings and cultural events.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the beauty of nature and the freedom of the soul.
Costumes and Props: Colorful shawls that represent the wings of a butterfly.
Music/Instruments: Folk songs sung in chorus.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Nature-based.
Important Facts: The choreography mimics the fluttering and gliding movements of butterflies.

4. Khamba Lim

Community/Tribe: Zeliang Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest season.
Theme/Purpose: To celebrate the successful harvest and the joy of abundance.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Zeliang attire with hornbill feathers.
Music/Instruments: Traditional drums and gongs.
Gender Participation: Both (performed in two groups—men and women).
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: One of the most popular dances of the Zeliang tribe, emphasizing synchronization and formation.

5. Aaluyattu

Community/Tribe: Yimkhiung Naga Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Metemneo Festival (after the harvest of millet).
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic; prayers for the souls of the deceased and the health of the living.
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal jewelry and woven wraps.
Music/Instruments: Drums and folk singing.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Agricultural.
Important Facts: It is a somber yet rhythmic dance performed during one of the tribe’s most sacred festivals.

6. Monyu Asho

Community/Tribe: Phom Naga Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Phom Monyu Festival (welcoming summer).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the arrival of the new season and the end of the winter.
Costumes and Props: Distinctive Phom tribal shawls and ornaments.
Music/Instruments: Log drums and percussion.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Seasonal.
Important Facts: The dance is noted for its fast footwork and the communal spirit it fosters among the village youth.

7. Kukuyipheto

Community/Tribe: Chakhesang Naga Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Tsukhenyie Festival.
Theme/Purpose: To honor the successful warriors and successful hunters of the tribe.
Costumes and Props: Elaborate headgear and spears.
Music/Instruments: Chanting and traditional drums.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Ceremonial.
Important Facts: It is a slow, dignified dance compared to other Naga war dances, focusing on steady, powerful steps.

8. Zeliang Dance

Community/Tribe: Zeliang Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Various social festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of community life and social harmony.
Costumes and Props: Hornbill feathers worn in the headgear and vibrant waist wraps.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic clapping and singing.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: The Zeliang dancers are famous across India for their incredible synchronization and the “bird-like” movements of their arms.

9. Melon Phita

Community/Tribe: Sangtam Naga Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Amongmong Festival.
Theme/Purpose: To celebrate the harvest and pray for the health of the community.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Sangtam beadwork and shawls.
Music/Instruments: Folk instruments like the flute and drum.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Agricultural / Ritual.
Important Facts: It involves intricate circular formations and is central to the Sangtam people’s identity.

10. Bamboo Dance (Naga Style)

Community/Tribe: Various tribes (particularly the Kuki and Zeliang).
Occasion/Festival: Cultural festivals like the Hornbill Festival.
Theme/Purpose: Display of agility and rhythmic skill.
Costumes and Props: Horizontal and vertical bamboo staves.
Music/Instruments: The clashing of bamboo staves provides the rhythm.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Skill-based / Social.
Important Facts: While the Mizoram version (Cheraw) is more famous, the Naga version features unique tribal chants and slightly different hopping patterns.

11. Chang Lo (Sua Lua)

Community/Tribe: Chang Naga Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Poanglem Festival.
Theme/Purpose: To celebrate the victory over enemies in the olden days.
Costumes and Props: Full warrior regalia and colorful Naga shawls.
Music/Instruments: Drums and traditional folk songs.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Victory / Social.
Important Facts: It is unique because it features men and women dancing together in pairs to celebrate the community’s survival and triumph.

Folk Dances of Odisha

Code: C, S, G, G, R, P, B, K, K, P.

Story: Chhau Steps Grace Jagannath Grounds, Rhythmic Performers Beat Khol, Kirtan Plays.

1. Chhau Dance (Mayurbhanj Style)

Community/Tribe: Indigenous communities of the Mayurbhanj district.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Chaitra Parva (Spring) festival.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and themes of nature/war.
Costumes and Props: Unlike other Chhau styles, the Mayurbhanj style does not use masks. Dancers wear stylized costumes and carry swords or shields.
Music/Instruments: Mahuri (wind instrument), Nagada, and Dhol.
Gender Participation: Traditionally Men.
Type: Martial / Dance-Drama.
Important Facts: It is famous for its physical vigor and technical complexity, blending folk movements with martial arts (Parikhanda).

2. Sambalpuri Dance (Dalkhai)

Community/Tribe: Tribes of Western Odisha (Binjhal, Kuda, Mirdha).
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Dussehra, Bhaijiuntia, and Phagun Puni.
Theme/Purpose: Expressing the love of Radha and Krishna; also depicts nature and daily life.
Costumes and Props: Women wear the iconic Sambalpuri Saree and carry “Dalkhai” (a branch of the tree).
Music/Instruments: Dhol, Nishan, Tasa, and Mahuri.
Gender Participation: Primarily Women.
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: It is the most popular folk dance of Odisha. The lyrics often start with the word “Dalkhai Bo,” addressing a female friend.

3. Ghumura Dance

Community/Tribe: Kalahandi region communities.
Occasion/Festival: Nuakhai and Dussehra.
Theme/Purpose: Historically a war dance; now used for social celebration and storytelling.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear colorful turbans and tie a Ghumura (a pitcher-shaped drum) around their waists.
Music/Instruments: The rhythm is created by the Ghumura itself.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Social.
Important Facts: The Ghumura drum is unique because it is made of clay and covered with the skin of a monitor lizard (traditionally).

4. Gotipua Dance

Community/Tribe: Young boys (pre-pubescent).
Occasion/Festival: Temple festivals and cultural gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; praising Lord Jagannath and Krishna.
Costumes and Props: Boys dress as girls in traditional sarees and jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Mardala (drum), Gini (cymbals), and Harmonium.
Gender Participation: Boys only.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: It is the precursor to the classical Odissi dance. It is famous for Bandha (acrobatic) poses that require extreme flexibility.

5. Ranapa Dance

Community/Tribe: Cowherd (Ahir/Gopal) community of Ganjam district.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Dola Yatra (Holi).
Theme/Purpose: Depicting the childhood stories of Lord Krishna.
Costumes and Props: Dancers perform while standing on Ranapa (Stilts).
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Mahuri.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Skill-based / Social.
Important Facts: It requires immense balance; “Ranapa” literally means a “stilt.” Dancers move at great speed and perform jumps while high off the ground.

6. Paika Dance

Community/Tribe: Paika (warrior) community.
Occasion/Festival: Social events and martial displays.
Theme/Purpose: Mock-combat; commemorating the bravery of the peasant-militia of Odisha.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry Shields and Swords and wear traditional turbans.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Nagada.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Heroic.
Important Facts: It reflects the history of the Paika Rebellion against the British. The word “Paika” is derived from ‘Padatika’ (infantry).

7. Bagha Nacha (Tiger Dance)

Community/Tribe: Local artists of Ganjam and Subarnapur.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the month of Chaitra.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment and ritualistic; often linked to the worship of Goddess Durga.
Costumes and Props: Dancers have their bare bodies painted with yellow and black stripes like a tiger. They wear a mask and a tail.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Mahuri.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Mimicry / Folk.
Important Facts: The dancer mimics the movements of a tiger—crouching, leaping, and pouncing—to the rhythm of the drums.

8. Karma Dance

Community/Tribe: Tribal communities like Oraon, Munda, and Gond.
Occasion/Festival: Karma Festival (Autumn).
Theme/Purpose: Worship of the God of Destiny (Karam) for prosperity.
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal jewelry and peacock feathers.
Music/Instruments: Mandar (drum) and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Tribal.
Important Facts: It is performed around a branch of the Karma tree planted in the village center.

9. Keisabadi

Community/Tribe: Men of the Sambalpur region.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Based on the love stories of Radha and Krishna.
Costumes and Props: Each dancer carries a stick (about 2 feet long).
Music/Instruments: Dhol and rhythmic striking of sticks.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social / Stick Dance.
Important Facts: Dancers sing and strike their sticks against their neighbor’s sticks in a highly coordinated rhythm.

10. Pala and Dasakathia

Community/Tribe: Professional folk troupes.
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs and social functions.
Theme/Purpose: Storytelling through song, satire, and verse.
Costumes and Props: The lead singer carries a whisk (Chamara); in Dasakathia, they use two wooden clappers.
Music/Instruments: Mridangam/Dhol and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Narrative / Folk Theater.
Important Facts: These are ballad-style performances that combine local history with mythology. Dasakathia is particularly popular in Ganjam.

Folk Dances of Punjab

Code: B, G, J, M, K, G, S, L, J, T, D.

Story: Bhangra Groups Jump with Moves, Kicking Ground, Singing Loud, Joyful Tunes with Dhol.

1. Bhangra

Name: Bhangra
Community/Tribe: Farmers and the general public.
Occasion/Festival: Originally performed during Baisakhi (harvest festival); now at all celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating a successful harvest and the joy of life.
Costumes and Props: Vibrant Vardi (Kurta, Chadar, and Vest) and a large Pagri (turban) with a Turla (fan-like tip).
Music/Instruments: Dhol (double-headed drum), Chimta, and Algoze.
Gender Participation: Traditionally Men.
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: It is arguably the most famous Indian folk dance globally. It involves vigorous kicks, leaps, and body bends to the “Bhangra rhythm.”

2. Gidda

Name: Gidda
Community/Tribe: Women of Punjab.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings, Teeyan (monsoon festival), and harvest.
Theme/Purpose: Social interaction; expressing feminine grace, wit, and daily life experiences.
Costumes and Props: Colorful Salwar Kameez or Sharara and heavy silver jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic hand-clapping and the Dholak.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: It is often accompanied by Bolis (short folk couplets) that touch upon topics like family, mother-in-law rivalries, and love.

3. Jhumar

Name: Jhumar
Community/Tribe: People of the Sandalbar region (now mostly in Pakistan, but widely practiced in Indian Punjab).
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and social festivities.
Theme/Purpose: A dance of “ecstasy” or “spinning.”
Costumes and Props: Traditional Punjabi dhotis and turbans.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and slow, rhythmic singing.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: Unlike Bhangra, Jhumar is much slower and more graceful. Dancers move in a circle around a single drummer, mimicking the swaying of corn or trees.

4. Malwai Gidda

Name: Malwai Gidda
Community/Tribe: Men of the Malwa region.
Occasion/Festival: Festivals and village fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Social gathering and display of local musical talent.
Costumes and Props: Traditional white attire; dancers use a variety of instruments like Chimta, Kato, and Sapp.
Music/Instruments: Chimta (fire tongs with bells), Tumbi, and Dholak.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: Unlike the women’s Gidda, this version focuses heavily on the use of traditional folk instruments and high-pitched Bolis.

5. Kikli

Name: Kikli
Community/Tribe: Young girls.
Occasion/Festival: General social play and festivals like Teeyan.
Theme/Purpose: Playfulness and physical fun.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Phulkari dupattas.
Music/Instruments: Singing folk songs in a specific fast-paced rhythm.
Gender Participation: Women (Girls).
Type: Social / Game-dance.
Important Facts: Two girls cross their arms, hold each other’s hands firmly, and spin rapidly in circles with their feet touching.

6. Gatka

Name: Gatka
Community/Tribe: Sikh community (Nihangs).
Occasion/Festival: Hola Mohalla, Gurpurabs, and religious processions.
Theme/Purpose: Martial defense and spiritual discipline.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Sikh warrior attire (Bana) and wooden sticks (Gatka) or swords and shields.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Nagara.
Gender Participation: Primarily Men (though women increasingly participate).
Type: Martial Art / Folk.
Important Facts: While a martial art, it is performed with rhythmic grace during festivals, showcasing incredible speed and coordination.

7. Sammi

Name: Sammi
Community/Tribe: Tribal women of the Sandalbar region (Baazigars, Rai, etc.).
Occasion/Festival: Social celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Legend of the princess Sammi who pined for her lover.
Costumes and Props: Brightly colored kurtas and flowing skirts (Lehngas).
Music/Instruments: No instruments; dancers create rhythm by clapping and hitting their sides.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Tribal / Narrative.
Important Facts: It has a distinct circular movement and a very somber, soulful vocal accompaniment compared to the energetic Gidda.

8. Luddi

Name: Luddi
Community/Tribe: General public.
Occasion/Festival: Victory celebrations or successful completions of tasks.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of victory and peace.
Costumes and Props: Loose shirts and turbans.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and clapping.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social / Victory.
Important Facts: The dance is characterized by one hand placed at the back and the other in front, mimicking the movement of a snake or a graceful wave.

9. Jago

Name: Jago
Community/Tribe: Relatives of the bride or groom.
Occasion/Festival: The night before a wedding.
Theme/Purpose: To “wake up” the neighbors and invite them to the wedding festivities.
Costumes and Props: Women carry a decorated copper pot (Ghaggar) with lit oil lamps on their heads.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and loud, festive singing.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: It is a noisy, joyous procession where people sing satirical and funny Bolis directed at family members.

10. Teeyan

Name: Teeyan
Community/Tribe: Married and unmarried women.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Monsoon (Sawan) month.
Theme/Purpose: Welcoming the rains and celebrating a woman’s return to her paternal home.
Costumes and Props: Best festive wear and swings (Pippal-Pheng).
Music/Instruments: Gidda songs and Dholak.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: Teeyan is a festival that centers entirely around female bonding and the Gidda dance.

11. Dhola

Name: Dhola
Community/Tribe: Nomadic tribes and rural folk.
Occasion/Festival: Community gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling of legends and romance.
Costumes and Props: Traditional rural attire.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and flute.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Narrative.
Important Facts: Similar to the Bhavai or Maanch, it is a dance-song form that relies heavily on the vocal narration of the performer.

Folk Dances of Rajasthan

Code: G, K, B, K, T, G, F, C, K, C, W.

Story: Ghoomar Queens Balance Kalash, Twirling Gracefully, Folk Colors Keep Culture Warm.

1. Ghoomar

Community/Tribe: Originally by the Bhil tribe; later adopted by the Rajput royalty.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings, Holi, and Gangaur.
Theme/Purpose: A dance of grace and femininity; welcoming a new bride or celebrating womanhood.
Costumes and Props: Women wear the Ghaghra (a long, flaring skirt) and a veil (Odhni).
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Manjira.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Royal.
Important Facts: It is the State Dance of Rajasthan. The beauty lies in the rhythmic spinning (Ghoomna) which showcases the wide flare of the skirt.

2. Kalbelia

Community/Tribe: Kalbelia (Snake Charmer) tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Joyous social occasions.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of the tribe’s nomadic identity and connection with snakes.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear flowing black skirts with intricate silver embroidery and mirror work.
Music/Instruments: Pungi (woodwind) and Khanjari.
Gender Participation: Women (Men play the instruments).
Type: Tribal / UNESCO Heritage.
Important Facts: Inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The movements are incredibly fluid, mimicking the slithering of a cobra.

3. Bhavai

Community/Tribe: Jat, Bhil, Raigar, and Meena communities.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural fairs and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Display of extreme physical skill and balance.
Costumes and Props: Dancers balance 7 to 9 brass pitchers on their heads.
Music/Instruments: Pakhawaj, Dholak, and Jhanjhar.
Gender Participation: Primarily Women.
Type: Skill-based / Professional Folk.
Important Facts: While balancing the pots, dancers perform risky feats like dancing on the edges of a sword, on broken glass, or on the rim of a brass plate.

4. Kachhi Ghodi

Community/Tribe: Communities of the Shekhawati region.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and social festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Depicting the stories of local bandits and heroic warriors.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear a dummy horse around their waists and carry swords.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Tasha.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Narrative.
Important Facts: The name translates to “Dummy Mare.” Dancers perform mock-fights and intricate footwork that mimics the trotting of a horse.

5. Terah Taali

Community/Tribe: Kamad community.
Occasion/Festival: Dedicated to the folk deity Baba Ramdev.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; a ritual to please the saint.
Costumes and Props: Dancers tie 13 Manjiras (cymbals) to their bodies (mostly legs and arms).
Music/Instruments: Manjira and Ektara.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: Dancers perform while sitting on the floor. They strike the tied cymbals with hand-held ones in a fast, rhythmic sequence, often holding a sword between their teeth.

6. Gair Dance

Community/Tribe: Bhil community.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Holi.
Theme/Purpose: Social celebration and community bonding.
Costumes and Props: Men wear long, pleated tunics and carry wooden sticks.
Music/Instruments: Large drums, Dholak, and Flute.
Gender Participation: Both (mostly men).
Type: Tribal / Seasonal.
Important Facts: Dancers move in a large circle, striking their sticks together. There are variations like Dandi Gair and Geendad (popular in Shekhawati).

7. Fire Dance (Agni Nritya)

Community/Tribe: Jasnathis of Bikaner and Churu.
Occasion/Festival: Large religious gatherings and melas.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; showing the power of faith over fire.
Costumes and Props: Large bed of burning coals and embers.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Nagada.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Thrill.
Important Facts: Dancers perform atop a pit of live embers, kicking the coals and even taking them into their mouths, yet they remain miraculously unburnt.

8. Chari Dance

Community/Tribe: Gujjar community of Kishangarh and Ajmer.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and the birth of a son.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the ritual of collecting water.
Costumes and Props: Dancers balance a brass pot (Chari) with a lit cotton seed fire on their heads.
Music/Instruments: Dholak, Bankia, and Nagada.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Ritual.
Important Facts: It requires great poise to keep the fire lit and the pot balanced while performing complex footwork.

9. Kathputli (Puppet Dance)

Community/Tribe: Bhatt community.
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs and evening entertainment.
Theme/Purpose: Storytelling; often depicting the life of legendary hero Amar Singh Rathore.
Costumes and Props: Wood and cloth puppets controlled by strings.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and a unique whistle used by the puppeteer.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Puppetry / Folk Theater.
Important Facts: Rajasthan is the birthplace of Indian puppetry. The puppeteer uses the whistle to give the puppets a “voice” while narrating history.

10. Chang (Dhamal) Dance

Community/Tribe: Rural folk of Shekhawati.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the month of Phalgun (Holi).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the end of winter and the joy of Holi.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry a Chang (a large, flat tambourine).
Music/Instruments: The rhythm is created by the Chang and Dholak.
Gender Participation: Men (some dress in female attire).
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: It is a rhythmic, fast-paced dance where the sound of the Chang dominates the atmosphere.

11. Walar Dance

Community/Tribe: Garasia Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Festivals like Gangaur and Holi.
Theme/Purpose: Social celebration.
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal wear; no musical instruments are used.
Music/Instruments: Only rhythmic hand-clapping and singing.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Tribal.
Important Facts: It is unique because it is performed without any background music. Dancers move in two semi-circles with extreme grace and synchronization.

Folk Dances of Sikkim

Code: C, S, Y, M, M, T, R, Z, K, D, G.

Story: Calm Sikkim Youth Meet Monks, Turning Rhythms, Zestful Kinds Dance Gently.

1. Chu Faat Dance

Community/Tribe: Lepcha Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Pang Lhabsol.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; honoring Mount Kanchenjunga and its four associate peaks (Chu: snowy range, Faat: worship).
Costumes and Props: Traditional Lepcha attire; dancers carry butter lamps and bamboo leaves.
Music/Instruments: Traditional drums and flutes.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: It is one of the oldest folk dances of Sikkim, where the five peaks are represented through specific formations.

2. Singhi Chham (Snow Lion Dance)

Community/Tribe: Bhutia community.
Occasion/Festival: Major cultural festivals and Pang Lhabsol.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the Snow Lion, a cultural symbol of the state and a guardian of the peaks.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear elaborate lion costumes made of white fur with blue manes.
Music/Instruments: Traditional drums and cymbals.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Masked Dance / Ritual.
Important Facts: Two dancers usually fit into one lion costume to mimic the movements of the mythical beast. It symbolizes strength and purity.

3. Yak Chham

Community/Tribe: Bhutia community.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural fairs and festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Honoring the Yak, which is vital for the survival of people in high altitudes.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear a Yak-shaped costume; the lead dancer usually acts as the herdsman.
Music/Instruments: Traditional Buddhist monastic instruments.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Occupational / Folk.
Important Facts: It depicts the relationship between the mountain people and their livestock, showing how the Yak helps in carrying loads and providing milk.

4. Maruni Dance

Community/Tribe: Nepali community.
Occasion/Festival: Tihar (Diwali) and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the victory of good over evil.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear colorful traditional Nepali dresses and heavy ornaments.
Music/Instruments: Madal (drum) is the soul of this dance.
Gender Participation: Both (traditionally men dressed as women).
Type: Social / Religious.
Important Facts: It is one of the oldest and most popular dances of the Nepali diaspora. A “Dhatuwar” (clown/jester) often accompanies the dancers to provide humor.

5. Mask Dance (Enchey Chaam)

Community/Tribe: Buddhist Monks (Lamas).
Occasion/Festival: Performed at monasteries like Enchey and Rumtek.
Theme/Purpose: Warding off evil spirits and bringing peace to the community.
Costumes and Props: Magnificent wooden masks and brocade silk robes.
Music/Instruments: Long horns (Dungchen), cymbals, and drums.
Gender Participation: Men (Monks).
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: The movements are slow and meditative, intended to represent the destruction of the ego and negative forces.

6. Tamang Selo

Community/Tribe: Tamang community.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Expressing joy, sorrow, and the philosophy of life.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Tamang dress and a Damphu (hand drum).
Music/Instruments: Damphu and Tungna.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Tribal.
Important Facts: It is also known as the “Damphu Dance.” The songs are often witty and performed in a question-and-answer format.

7. Rechungma Dance

Community/Tribe: Bhutia community.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings to welcome honored guests.
Theme/Purpose: Expressing gratitude and seeking blessings from the deities.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Bhutia silk attire (Bakhu).
Music/Instruments: Folk singing and rhythmic clapping.
Gender Participation: Primarily Women.
Type: Social / Devotional.
Important Facts: It is characterized by slow, graceful hand movements and steady footwork.

8. Zo-Mal-Lok

Community/Tribe: Lepcha Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Harvest season.
Theme/Purpose: To ease the physical labor of sowing and harvesting crops.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Lepcha work clothes.
Music/Instruments: Traditional Lepcha flutes and drums.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Agricultural.
Important Facts: Dancers mimic the actions of planting and harvesting rice, turning hard manual labor into a rhythmic community celebration.

9. Khukuri Dance

Community/Tribe: Gorkha/Nepali community.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural festivals and martial displays.
Theme/Purpose: Display of bravery, strength, and the warrior spirit.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry the Khukuri (traditional curved knife).
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic drums and martial chants.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Heroic.
Important Facts: It showcases the skill and pride of the Gorkha soldiers, featuring fast-paced movements and mock-combat.

10. Denyong-Neh-Na-Na

Community/Tribe: Bhutia community.
Occasion/Festival: Social events.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the natural beauty of the high-altitude valleys and peaks of Sikkim.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Bhutia attire.
Music/Instruments: Folk songs and traditional instruments.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Aesthetic.
Important Facts: It is a group dance where participants link hands and move in circular patterns, singing about the landscape.

11. Gha To Kito

Community/Tribe: Bhutia community.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural programs.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative song and dance about the history and customs of the Bhutia people.
Costumes and Props: Ethnic Bhutia costumes.
Music/Instruments: Traditional percussion.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Narrative / Social.
Important Facts: It is a lively performance that combines storytelling with rhythmic steps to preserve the community’s oral history.

Folk Dances of Tamil Nadu

Code: K, K, O, T, K, P, M, S, P, V, B

Story: Kummi Kids On Temple Grounds, Karagattam Performers Move Smoothly, People Vibrate with Beats.

1. Karagattam

Community/Tribe: Rural agricultural communities.
Occasion/Festival: Temple festivals, primarily dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman.
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic; praying for rain and protection against diseases.
Costumes and Props: Dancers balance a decorated metal pot (Karagam) on their heads. The pot is topped with a cone of flowers and a paper parrot.
Music/Instruments: Naiyandi Melam and Thavil.
Gender Participation: Both (mostly women).
Type: Ritual / Skill-based.
Important Facts: Dancers must perform complex steps and acrobatic feats (like picking up a coin with their eyelids) without letting the pot fall or using their hands.

2. Kavadi Aattam

Community/Tribe: Devotees of Lord Murugan.
Occasion/Festival: Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; “Kavadi” means a burden, representing the devotee’s offering to the God.
Costumes and Props: A wooden pole decorated with peacock feathers and flowers (Kavadi).
Music/Instruments: Pambai, Udukkai, and Thavil.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: It is often performed as part of a pilgrimage. The dance involves balancing the Kavadi on the shoulders, head, or hips while moving in a trance-like state.

3. Oyilattam

Name: Oyilattam (Dance of Grace).
Community/Tribe: Rural folk of Madurai and southern districts.
Occasion/Festival: Harvest festivals and temple functions.
Theme/Purpose: Storytelling; often depicting scenes from the Ramayana or local legends.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear colorful dhotis and turbans; they hold colorful handkerchiefs in their hands.
Music/Instruments: Thavil and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Traditionally Men.
Type: Narrative / Social.
Important Facts: The beauty of the dance lies in the synchronized waving of the handkerchiefs and rhythmic footwork.

4. Thappattam (Parai Aattam)

Community/Tribe: Dalit and other marginalized communities.
Occasion/Festival: Funerals, weddings, and social protests.
Theme/Purpose: Historically for announcements and rituals; now a symbol of social identity.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry the Parai (a flat, circular skin drum).
Music/Instruments: The rhythm is created by the Parai drum itself using two sticks.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Percussive / Social.
Important Facts: The Parai is one of the oldest percussion instruments in India. The dance is high-energy and characterized by rapid, powerful drumming.

5. Kummi

Community/Tribe: Rural women.
Occasion/Festival: Pongal, family functions, and harvest season.
Theme/Purpose: Social celebration and togetherness.
Costumes and Props: Traditional sarees or Pavadai Thavani.
Music/Instruments: No instruments; the rhythm is created by clapping hands.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: Dancers form a circle and sing folk songs while clapping in unison. It is one of the simplest yet most popular folk forms.

6. Poikkal Kuthirai Aattam (False Leg Horse Dance)

Community/Tribe: Professional folk artists.
Occasion/Festival: Festivals and fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment and narrative storytelling.
Costumes and Props: Dancers “wear” a dummy horse made of jute, cardboard, and paper. They use wooden stilts inside the horse.
Music/Instruments: Naiyandi Melam.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Skill-based / Folk Theater.
Important Facts: Dancers must mimic the trot and gallop of a horse while balancing on wooden blocks, often performing for hours.

7. Mayil Aattam (Peacock Dance)

Community/Tribe: Professional artists.
Occasion/Festival: Temple festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; honoring Lord Murugan (whose vehicle is a peacock).
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear a peacock costume with an adjustable beak and a tail that can open like a fan.
Music/Instruments: Naiyandi Melam.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Mimicry / Ritual.
Important Facts: The dancer mimics the graceful movements of a peacock—strutting, preening, and spreading its feathers.

8. Silambattam

Community/Tribe: General public / Martial artists.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural festivals and competitions.
Theme/Purpose: Self-defense and display of martial prowess.
Costumes and Props: Dancers use a bamboo staff (Silambam).
Music/Instruments: Udukkai and Thavil.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Martial Art / Folk.
Important Facts: While a martial art, it is performed rhythmically to music. It originated in the Sangam era and is one of the oldest weapons-based martial arts.

9. Puliyattam (Tiger Dance)

Community/Tribe: Local youth groups.
Occasion/Festival: Temple festivals and village fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment through mimicry.
Costumes and Props: Bodies are painted with yellow and black stripes; they wear masks and tails.
Music/Instruments: Fast-paced drums (Thappu).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Mimicry / Social.
Important Facts: Dancers mimic the pouncing and predatory movements of a tiger, often involving acrobatic flips and leaps.

10. Villupattu (Bow Song)

Community/Tribe: Professional folk troupes.
Occasion/Festival: Temple festivals (Kodai festivals).
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling of folk heroes and deities.
Costumes and Props: A large musical bow decorated with bells.
Music/Instruments: The bow, Udukkai, and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Narrative / Folk Theater.
Important Facts: The lead singer strikes the bowstring with sticks while narrating a story, and the group responds in a musical dialogue.

11. Bommalattam (Puppetry)

Community/Tribe: Professional puppeteers.
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs and temple festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Storytelling of epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Costumes and Props: Large wooden puppets manipulated by strings and rods.
Music/Instruments: Harmonium, Dholak, and singing.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Puppetry.
Important Facts: Tamil Nadu’s puppets are among the heaviest in India, and the puppeteers are known for their skillful manipulation of complex string movements.

Folk Dances of Telangana

Code: P, B, B, D, L, G, C, O, T, K

Story: People Bring Bathukamma, Dancing in Lines, Girls Celebrate on Temple Grounds Kindly.

1. Perini Shivatandavam

Community/Tribe: Historically performed by warriors; revived by professional dancers.
Occasion/Festival: Religious festivals and cultural events.
Theme/Purpose: A “Dance of Warriors” meant to invoke Lord Shiva before leaving for the battlefield.
Costumes and Props: Traditional dhotis and ornaments.
Music/Instruments: Powerful percussion including the Mridangam and bells.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Martial.
Important Facts: This dance reached its peak during the Kakatiya dynasty. It was almost lost but was revived in modern times using evidence from the sculptures at the Ramappa Temple.

2. Bathukamma Dance

Community/Tribe: Hindu women of Telangana.
Occasion/Festival: Bathukamma Festival (during Navratri).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating nature and womanhood; “Bathukamma” means ‘Mother Goddess come alive.’
Costumes and Props: Women wear traditional sarees; the centerpiece is the Bathukamma—a beautiful floral mound made of seasonal flowers like Thangedu and Gunugu.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic clapping and folk songs (Bathukamma Paatalu).
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: Dancers move in a circle around the floral mounds, singing songs that depict the life of a woman and the beauty of the state.

3. Bonalu (Potharaju Dance)

Community/Tribe: Devotees of Goddess Mahakali.
Occasion/Festival: Bonalu Festival (Ashada month).
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic; to ward off evil and protect the community from diseases.
Costumes and Props: The Potharaju (the Goddess’s brother) has his body smeared with turmeric/vermilion, wears a small dhoti, and carries a heavy whip.
Music/Instruments: Loud, rhythmic Teenmaar beats on the Dappu.
Gender Participation: Men (as Potharaju) and Women (carrying Bonum).
Type: Ritualistic.
Important Facts: The Potharaju dances ahead of the procession, cracking his whip to the frenetic beat of the drums to “purify” the path for the Goddess.

4. Dappu Dance

Community/Tribe: Primarily the Dalit community.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings, village fairs, and social processions.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration and social expression.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear colorful turbans and carry the Dappu (a circular handheld drum made of goat skin).
Music/Instruments: The Dappu itself.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Percussive / Social.
Important Facts: It is one of the most energetic folk forms. Dancers perform synchronized footwork and leaps while maintaining a complex rhythm on their drums.

5. Lambadi Dance

Community/Tribe: Lambadi/Banjara Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Holi, Diwali, and harvest festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of nomadic life and gratitude for a good crop.
Costumes and Props: Elaborate skirts with mirror-work, heavy silver jewelry, and ivory bangles.
Music/Instruments: Dappu and folk singing.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Tribal / Social.
Important Facts: The dance movements involve daily tasks like reaping, sowing, and fetching water, performed with a unique rhythmic grace.

6. Gussadi Dance

Community/Tribe: Raj Gond Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Dandari Festival (following Diwali).
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; celebrating the tribal way of life and honoring deities.
Costumes and Props: Headgear made of peacock feathers (Malpur), artificial mustaches, and bodies smeared with ash.
Music/Instruments: Gumela (drum), Dappu, and Flute.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Tribal / Ritual.
Important Facts: The dancers (Gussadis) travel from village to village during the festival season, living a strict disciplined life while they wear the sacred peacock headgear.

7. Chindu Bhagavatam

Community/Tribe: Chindu community.
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs and theatrical performances.
Theme/Purpose: Narrating stories from the Puranas and Epics.
Costumes and Props: Elaborate theatrical makeup and colorful costumes.
Music/Instruments: Harmonium and Maddela.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Folk Theater / Dance-Drama.
Important Facts: “Chindu” means ‘leap.’ It is a vibrant form of street theater where performers use dance and song to convey moral and social messages.

8. Oggu Katha

Community/Tribe: Kuruma and Golla (Shepherd) communities.
Occasion/Festival: Religious festivals dedicated to Mallanna (Lord Shiva).
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling; praising the local folk deities.
Costumes and Props: The lead narrator carries an Oggu (a small drum shaped like a damaru).
Music/Instruments: Oggu drum, bells, and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Narrative / Folk Performance.
Important Facts: The performers are master storytellers who combine song, dance, and drama to narrate the “Mallanna Katha.”

9. Thapeta Gullu

Community/Tribe: Yadava and shepherd communities.
Occasion/Festival: Local village fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; dedicated to local gods.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear a small drum (Thapeta) on their chests.
Music/Instruments: The sound is produced by striking the chest-mounted drum.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Percussive / Ritual.
Important Facts: It requires immense physical stamina as the dancers move in circles, performing acrobatics while continuously drumming.

10. Kolatam

Community/Tribe: Rural folk.
Occasion/Festival: Festivals and social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Social harmony and rhythmic coordination.
Costumes and Props: Each dancer carries two wooden sticks.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic striking of sticks and singing.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Stick Dance.
Important Facts: Similar to the Dandiya of Gujarat, it involves complex circular patterns where dancers strike their sticks against those of their partners.

Folk Dances of Tripura

Code: H, G, L, B, H, W, C, W, S, G

Story: Hills Give Life, Bamboo Huts Welcome, Children Wave Steps Gently.

1. Hojagiri Dance

Community/Tribe: Reang (Bru) Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Hojagiri Festival (Laxmi Puja).
Theme/Purpose: Worship of Goddess Mailuma (Laxmi) for a bountiful harvest.
Costumes and Props: Dancers balance earthen pitchers on their heads and bottles topped with lighted lamps on the pitchers. They also stand on a brass plate.
Music/Instruments: Khamb (drum) and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Women and young girls.
Type: Ritual / Skill-based.
Important Facts: It is world-renowned for its display of balance. While the upper body remains almost still to balance the props, the lower body performs intricate rhythmic movements.

2. Garia Dance

Community/Tribe: Tripuri and Jamatia tribes.
Occasion/Festival: Garia Puja (April, marking the beginning of the New Year).
Theme/Purpose: To please Lord Garia for peace, wealth, and children.
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal attire; participants carry a symbolic bamboo pole.
Music/Instruments: Khamb, Flute, and Sarinda.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Agricultural.
Important Facts: The dance is an integral part of a week-long festival. Dancers go from house to house in the village, performing and collecting offerings.

3. Lebang Boomani Dance

Community/Tribe: Tripuri community.
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest season (monsoon).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the catching of “Lebang” (colorful insects) that visit the fields.
Costumes and Props: Men carry small bamboo sticks to produce a clicking sound.
Music/Instruments: Khamb and bamboo clappers.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Harvest / Social.
Important Facts: The clicking sound of the bamboo sticks mimics the sound used to lure the insects out of their hiding spots so the women can catch them.

4. Bizu Dance

Community/Tribe: Chakma Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Bizu Festival (Chaitra Sankranti/New Year).
Theme/Purpose: Bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new one.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Chakma hand-woven dresses.
Music/Instruments: Bajantana (traditional flute) and drums.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: It is a high-energy dance characterized by rhythmic swaying and the use of unique local musical instruments.

5. Hai-Hak Dance

Community/Tribe: Halam community.
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest festival.
Theme/Purpose: Offering gratitude to Goddess Laxmi after the gathering of the harvest.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Halam tribal ornaments and woven wraps.
Music/Instruments: Drums and flutes.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Agricultural.
Important Facts: The dance is a social gathering where the community reflects on the hard work put into the Jhum fields.

6. Wangala Dance (Tripura Version)

Community/Tribe: Garo Tribe (settled in Tripura).
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest.
Theme/Purpose: Honoring the Sun God for fertility and crops.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Garo dresses and headgear.
Music/Instruments: Long drums and brass gongs.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Harvest / Ritual.
Important Facts: Similar to the Meghalaya version, it is the most important festival for the Garo people, featuring rhythmic movements that mimic the behavior of animals.

7. Cheraw Dance (Tripura Style)

Community/Tribe: Darlong and Lushai communities.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings and festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of joy and community bonding.
Costumes and Props: Horizontal and vertical bamboo staves.
Music/Instruments: The rhythmic clashing of bamboos.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Skill-based.
Important Facts: While famously associated with Mizoram, the Lushai and Darlong tribes of Tripura also perform this bamboo dance with great skill.

8. Welcome Dance

Community/Tribe: Lusai (Mizo) and other Kukichin tribes.
Occasion/Festival: Welcoming guests or dignitaries.
Theme/Purpose: Hospitality and showing respect to visitors.
Costumes and Props: Traditional colorful shawls and headgear.
Music/Instruments: Folk songs and drums.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Ceremonial.
Important Facts: It is a graceful and slow-paced dance intended to make the guests feel at home.

9. Sangrai Dance

Community/Tribe: Mog Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Sangrai Festival (Buddhist New Year).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the New Year and seeking blessings.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Mog attire.
Music/Instruments: Local flutes and drums.
Gender Participation: Both (mostly the younger generation).
Type: Religious / Social.
Important Facts: It involves a ritual where people carry pitchers of water to wash the images of Buddha, followed by the dance.

10. Gajan Dance

Community/Tribe: Rural Bengali and tribal communities.
Occasion/Festival: Charak/Gajan Festival (mid-April).
Theme/Purpose: Dedicated to Lord Shiva; seeking his blessings for a good rain and harvest.
Costumes and Props: Dancers dress as Shiva, Parvati, or other mythological characters.
Music/Instruments: Dhak and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Folk Theater.
Important Facts: It often involves intense physical penance and theatrical storytelling of the life of Shiva.

Folk Dances of Uttar Pradesh

Code: R, C, K, N, R, N, D, D, K, J, P

Story: Raas Celebrations with Krishna, Nights Resound, Dancers Dance, Kanha Joyfully Performs.

1. Raslila

Community/Tribe: Brajwasi community (Mathura/Vrindavan).
Occasion/Festival: Janmashtami and Holi.
Theme/Purpose: Depicting the divine love stories of Radha and Krishna.
Costumes and Props: Elaborate traditional silk attire; the lead performers wear crowns and jewelry representing deities.
Music/Instruments: Flute, Dholak, and Manjira.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Dance-Drama / Devotional.
Important Facts: It is deeply rooted in the Bhakti movement. The performance usually combines dialogue, song, and stylized dance movements.

2. Charkula Dance

Community/Tribe: Women of the Braj region.
Occasion/Festival: Performed on the third day after Holi (Dooj).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the birth of Radha; also symbolizes victory and joy.
Costumes and Props: Dancers balance a multi-tiered wooden pyramid (Charkula) with 108 lit oil lamps on their heads.
Music/Instruments: Rasia songs (folk songs of Braj) and Dholak.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritual / Skill-based.
Important Facts: Dancers must maintain perfect balance while performing swift turns. The heavy wooden structure represents the wheel of a chariot.

3. Khyal

Community/Tribe: Local folk troupes across the state.
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs and social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling of historical heroes, myths, and social issues.
Costumes and Props: Highly theatrical costumes and makeup.
Music/Instruments: Nagada (lead instrument) and Harmonium.
Gender Participation: Men (traditionally play female roles).
Type: Folk Theater.
Important Facts: “Khyal” translates to “imagination.” Each region has its own style, such as the Agra Khyal and Hathras Khyal.

4. Nautanki

Community/Tribe: Professional artist troupes.
Occasion/Festival: Social events and festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Secular entertainment; stories range from romance (Laila-Majnu) to contemporary social satire.
Costumes and Props: Bright, shimmering costumes and stage props.
Music/Instruments: Nagada and Dholak.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Folk Theater / Musical.
Important Facts: It is one of the most popular forms of entertainment in North India. It relies heavily on witty dialogues and high-pitched singing.

5. Rai Dance

Community/Tribe: People of the Bundelkhand region.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and the birth of a child.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration and social prestige.
Costumes and Props: Traditional festive attire; the lead dancer is known as the “Bedia.”
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Nagada.
Gender Participation: Primarily Women.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: It is performed at a very fast pace, with the beat of the drum dictating the speed of the dancer’s footwork and spins.

6. Nautanki (Braj region – Holi version)

Community/Tribe: Local villagers.
Occasion/Festival: During the month of Phalgun (Holi).
Theme/Purpose: Playful interaction and celebrating the arrival of spring.
Costumes and Props: Traditional rural wear.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: Often involves the singing of “Hori” songs which describe the playful antics of Krishna and the Gopis.

7. Dhobiya Dance

Community/Tribe: Dhobi (Washermen) community.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and births.
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic; seeking blessings for the newborn or the couple.
Costumes and Props: One dancer often dresses as a donkey using a dummy prop.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Occupational / Social.
Important Facts: It depicts the relationship between the washerman and his donkey, blending comedy with rhythmic movements.

8. Dadra

Community/Tribe: Primarily the court dancers of Lucknow/Awadh (historically).
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings and musical evenings.
Theme/Purpose: Expressing romantic longing and human emotions.
Costumes and Props: Sophisticated Awadhi attire (Gharara/Anarkali).
Music/Instruments: Tabla and Harmonium.
Gender Participation: Both (often female-centric).
Type: Semi-Classical / Folk.
Important Facts: It is closely related to the Dadra style of Hindustani classical music, emphasizing facial expressions and hand gestures.

9. Karma Dance (UP Version)

Community/Tribe: Tribes of Sonbhadra and Mirzapur districts (Gond, Kharwar).
Occasion/Festival: Karma Festival (Autumn).
Theme/Purpose: Worship of the Karma tree for prosperity and destiny.
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Mandar (drum) and Cymbals.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Tribal.
Important Facts: Similar to the version in Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, it is a significant cultural marker for the tribal populations in southern UP.

10. Jogini Dance

Community/Tribe: Local folk artists in the Awadh region.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Holi.
Theme/Purpose: Social entertainment and comedy.
Costumes and Props: Men dress in female attire and act as “Joginis” (female ascetics).
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Majira.
Gender Participation: Men (cross-dressed).
Type: Social / Satirical.
Important Facts: It is a humorous performance involving witty banter and light-hearted dancing.

11. Pai-Danda

Community/Tribe: Ahir (Shepherd) community of Bundelkhand.
Occasion/Festival: Festivals and social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Display of physical agility and strength.
Costumes and Props: Each dancer carries a stick (Danda).
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Nagada.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Stick Dance / Martial.
Important Facts: Very similar to the Dandiya of Gujarat; dancers perform complex movements while striking their sticks in rhythm.

Folk Dances of Uttarakhand

Code: C, J, C, L, B, P, H, R, T, B

Story: Choliya Jat Communities Lead, Bhotiya People Honor Ritual Traditions Boldly.

1. Choliya Dance

Community/Tribe: Kumaoni community (traditionally the Rajput warriors).
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and religious processions.
Theme/Purpose: A martial dance depicting war preparations and victory.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear traditional white tunics, colorful belts, and carry swords and shields.
Music/Instruments: Ransingha (trumpet), Turi, Dhol, and Damau.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Heroic.
Important Facts: It is over a thousand years old. The dance is believed to ward off evil spirits following a wedding procession.

2. Jhora Dance

Community/Tribe: People of the Kumaon region.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the onset of spring and the fairs of the Kumaon hills.
Theme/Purpose: Breaking social barriers; people of all castes and ages participate together.
Costumes and Props: Traditional hill attire (Pichora for women).
Music/Instruments: Hurka (drum) and cymbals.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: Participants link arms and move in a slow, synchronized circle. The rhythm is set by the lead singer playing the Hurka.

3. Chhapeli Dance

Community/Tribe: Kumaon region youth.
Occasion/Festival: Local fairs and social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: A dance of courtship and romance between lovers.
Costumes and Props: The female dancer carries a mirror and a colorful handkerchief.
Music/Instruments: Hurka, flute, and manjira.
Gender Participation: Both (usually a male-female pair).
Type: Social / Romantic.
Important Facts: The songs are typically in a question-and-answer format, expressing the beauty of the beloved and the pangs of longing.

4. Langvir Nritya

Community/Tribe: Men of the Garhwal region.
Occasion/Festival: Fairs and village celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Display of extraordinary physical strength and balance.
Costumes and Props: A tall bamboo pole fixed in the ground.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Damau.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Skill-based / Acrobatic.
Important Facts: The dancer climbs to the top of the pole and balances himself on his stomach at the peak, performing spins and stunts while the music plays below.

5. Barada Nati

Community/Tribe: Jaunsari community (Chakrata region).
Occasion/Festival: Religious festivals and social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of togetherness and community identity.
Costumes and Props: Highly colorful Jaunsari ethnic dresses and heavy silver jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Dhol, Damau, and Nagara.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Tribal.
Important Facts: It is one of the most vibrant dances of the Jaunsari tribe, characterized by rhythmic swaying and fast-paced footwork.

6. Pandav Nritya

Community/Tribe: Garhwal community.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the winter months (post-harvest).
Theme/Purpose: Narrating the life and adventures of the five Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry traditional weapons (swords, spears) representing the Pandava they portray.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Damau.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Dance-Drama / Ritual.
Important Facts: It is believed that during the dance, the spirits of the Pandavas actually enter the bodies of the performers (possession ritual).

7. Hurkiya Baul

Community/Tribe: Agricultural laborers of Kumaon.
Occasion/Festival: During the cultivation of paddy and maize.
Theme/Purpose: To ease the drudgery of hard farm labor.
Costumes and Props: Traditional work clothes.
Music/Instruments: Hurka (the small hourglass drum).
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Occupational / Agricultural.
Important Facts: The “Hurkiya” (singer/drummer) narrates stories of valor while the farmers move in rhythm with the beats to plant the crops.

8. Ramman

Community/Tribe: People of the Saloor Dungra village (Chamoli).
Occasion/Festival: Annual festival in April.
Theme/Purpose: Religious ritual honoring the local deity Bhumiyal Devta.
Costumes and Props: Elaborate wooden masks representing various deities and demons.
Music/Instruments: Jhaanjh (cymbals) and drums.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: UNESCO Heritage / Ritual.
Important Facts: Inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It combines theater, music, and masked dance.

9. Thadya Dance

Community/Tribe: Women of the Garhwal region.
Occasion/Festival: Performed in the courtyard (Thadya) during spring.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the joy of the new season.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Garhwali attire.
Music/Instruments: Hand-clapping and folk songs.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: The songs often focus on the domestic lives of women and the natural beauty of the Himalayan valleys.

10. Bhotiya Dance

Community/Tribe: Bhotiya (Tibeto-Burman) tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Rituals related to the deceased (Dhurang).
Theme/Purpose: To guide the soul of the departed to its final resting place.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Bhotiya woolen wraps and ethnic jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Local percussion.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Ritual / Ancestral.
Important Facts: It is a somber yet rhythmic dance that holds great spiritual significance for the Bhotiya community of high-altitude districts.

Folk Dances of West Bengal

Code: C, B, G, T, R, D, B, S, A, J, D

Story: Chhau Baul Groups Tell Rhythmic Durga Beats, Songs and Joyful Drums.

1. Chhau Dance (Purulia Style)

Community/Tribe: Indigenous communities of Purulia (Munda, Mahato).
Occasion/Festival: Performed during Chaitra Parva (Spring) and Sun Festival.
Theme/Purpose: Dramatization of the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear large, elaborate masks made of clay and paper-mache; the costumes are vibrant and multi-layered.
Music/Instruments: Dhamsa (giant kettle drum), Shehnai, and Dhol.
Gender Participation: Traditionally Men.
Type: Masked Dance-Drama / Martial.
Important Facts: Unlike the Mayurbhanj style, Purulia Chhau is famous for its vigorous jumps and somersaults. It is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

2. Brita (Vrita) Dance

Community/Tribe: Rural women of Bengal.
Occasion/Festival: Performed after recovering from an illness or to seek blessings.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; a thanksgiving ritual, often dedicated to the Goddess of smallpox, Sitala Devi.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Bengali sarees.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and local percussion.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritualistic.
Important Facts: It is a circular dance where women move in rhythmic patterns to fulfill a “Vrata” (vow).

3. Gambhira

Community/Tribe: People of the Malda district.
Occasion/Festival: During the Gajan festival (mid-April).
Theme/Purpose: Social and political satire; the dancers address “Nana” (Lord Shiva) about the community’s problems.
Costumes and Props: Dancers often wear wooden masks representing various deities.
Music/Instruments: Harmonium, Flute, and Dhak.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Masked Dance / Social Satire.
Important Facts: It is unique because it combines dance with a humorous dialogue session, acting as a mirror to society’s contemporary issues.

4. Tusu Dance

Community/Tribe: Rural folk of Purulia, Bankura, and Midnapore.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Makar Sankranti festival in the month of Pausha.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the harvest and honoring the folk Goddess Tusu.
Costumes and Props: Women carry a “Chaudal” (a small decorative structure).
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Madal.
Gender Participation: Women and young girls.
Type: Harvest / Social.
Important Facts: The dance is accompanied by “Tusu songs” which reflect the daily joys and sorrows of rural Bengali life.

5. Raibenshe

Community/Tribe: Originally by the Bagdi and Bauri communities (warrior class).
Occasion/Festival: Cultural festivals and martial displays.
Theme/Purpose: A martial dance showcasing the bravery and physical agility of the ancient soldiers.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry a long bamboo pole (Raibansh).
Music/Instruments: Dhak and Dhol.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Heroic.
Important Facts: It involves incredible acrobatic maneuvers and mock-fighting. It was historically used to train foot soldiers for the regional kings.

6. Dhunuchi Dance

Community/Tribe: General public.
Occasion/Festival: Durga Puja (specifically during Ashtami and Sandhi Puja).
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; an offering of smoke and fire to Goddess Durga.
Costumes and Props: Dancers balance Dhunuchis (clay censers filled with burning charcoal and incense).
Music/Instruments: The heavy, frenetic beat of the Dhak.
Gender Participation: Traditionally Men (now Women participate actively).
Type: Ritualistic / Religious.
Important Facts: Dancers perform complex steps while balancing the burning censers in their hands, or even their mouths, amidst thick fragrant smoke.

7. Baul Dance

Community/Tribe: Baul community (wandering mystic minstrels).
Occasion/Festival: Poush Mela (Shantiniketan) and village gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Spiritual; seeking the “Man of the Heart” (Moner Manush) through ecstatic movement.
Costumes and Props: Saffron or multi-colored patchwork robes; hair tied in a top-knot.
Music/Instruments: Ektara (one-stringed instrument), Duggi, and Ghungroo.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Spiritual / Folk.
Important Facts: Baul is both a dance and a philosophy. The movements are free-form and whirling, expressing deep spiritual joy.

8. Santhali Dance

Community/Tribe: Santhal Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Sarhul, Karam, and weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the bond with nature and community solidarity.
Costumes and Props: Women wear the Parhan (traditional saree) and tuck flowers into their hair.
Music/Instruments: Madal (drum), Flute, and Jhanjhar.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Tribal / Social.
Important Facts: Characterized by dancers linking arms and moving in long, synchronized lines or circles with rhythmic swaying.

9. Alkap

Community/Tribe: Rural folk of Murshidabad, Malda, and Birbhum.
Occasion/Festival: Gajan festival and village fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment; a mix of dance, drama, and crude comedy.
Costumes and Props: Simple village attire; the “Chhokra” (boy) dresses as a woman.
Music/Instruments: Dholak, Harmonium, and Flute.
Gender Participation: Men (boys play female roles).
Type: Folk Theater.
Important Facts: It is a professional folk performance where a group of 10-12 people travel to perform satirical plays interspersed with songs.

10. Jhumur Dance

Community/Tribe: Tea garden workers and tribal communities of the “Rarh” region.
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest celebrations and Karam Puja.
Theme/Purpose: Joy and relaxation after hard labor.
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal wear.
Music/Instruments: Madal and Dhol.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Tribal / Social.
Important Facts: It is a rhythmic dance performed in circles, often seen in the border districts of West Bengal and Jharkhand.

11. Domni

Community/Tribe: People of the Malda region.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling of domestic life through comedy.
Costumes and Props: Local attire.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Kartal.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Narrative / Folk Theater.
Important Facts: It starts with a prayer (Vandana) and proceeds into a humorous play depicting husband-wife interactions or social problems.

Tricks to Remember Important Folk Dances (Union Territories)

Folk Dances of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Code: N, G, J, O, T, M, S

Story: Nicobar Groups Jump on Tides, Moving Smoothly.

1. Nicobari Dance

Community/Tribe: Nicobarese Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Ossuary Feast (Pig Festival) and other community gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Paying respect to the departed souls and celebrating the unity of the clan.
Costumes and Props: Traditional coconut leaf skirts and ornaments made of shells and beads.
Music/Instruments: No melodic instruments; the rhythm is created by rhythmic chanting and the thumping of bamboo sticks.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Tribal / Ritual.
Important Facts: Dancers hold each other by the waist or shoulders and move in a circular or semi-circular formation. The dance is slow and graceful, continuing late into the night under the moonlight.

2. Great Andamanese Tribal Dance

Community/Tribe: Great Andamanese Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings and post-hunt celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Expressing joy and gratitude for the resources provided by the sea and forest.
Costumes and Props: Bodies are often painted with clay/ochre; minimal clothing made of forest fibers.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic clapping and stomping of feet.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Tribal / Social.
Important Facts: Most Andamanese dances are highly localized to specific islands. The movements are often repetitive and rhythmic, reflecting the pulse of the ocean waves.

3. Jarawa Tribal Dance

Community/Tribe: Jarawa Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Private tribal ceremonies (rarely seen by outsiders).
Theme/Purpose: Ritualistic; often linked to puberty rites or successful foraging.
Costumes and Props: Traditional headbands and armbands made of bark and shells.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic body slapping and vocal chanting.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Tribal / Ritual.
Important Facts: The Jarawa have a distinct rhythmic style where they slap their thighs and chests in a synchronized manner to create a percussive beat for their movements.

4. Onge Tribal Dance

Community/Tribe: Onge Tribe (Little Andaman).
Occasion/Festival: Seasonal festivals and marriages.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the natural world and ancestral spirits.
Costumes and Props: Body painting using white clay (Techu).
Music/Instruments: Vocal melodies and rhythmic stomping.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Tribal / Religious.
Important Facts: The Onge people use dance as a form of storytelling, narrating their history and the creation of their islands.

5. Talwar Dance (Settler Folk)

Community/Tribe: Bengali and South Indian settler communities.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural programs and Republic Day/Independence Day celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Display of martial skill and bravery.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry swords (Talwar) and shields.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and local percussion.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Folk.
Important Facts: While not indigenous to the islands, this dance was brought by settlers and has evolved into a popular display of local heritage during public festivals.

6. Matarani Dance

Community/Tribe: Settler communities from North India and Bengal.
Occasion/Festival: Religious festivals like Durga Puja.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; invoking the blessings of the Mother Goddess.
Costumes and Props: Traditional sarees and lamps.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and Manjira.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: This dance represents the “mini-India” aspect of the islands, where traditions from various states have merged to create a unique local identity.

7. Sea-Based Performance (Fishermen Dance)

Community/Tribe: Fishing communities.
Occasion/Festival: World Fisheries Day or local village fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Depicting the challenges and triumphs of life at sea.
Costumes and Props: Net props and small wooden boats.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic singing and hand-clapping.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Occupational / Social.
Important Facts: These performances are common in the coastal villages of the Andamans, highlighting the primary livelihood of the non-tribal population.

Folk Dances of Chandigarh

Code: B, G, S, J, K, K, G

Story:
Bhangra Groups Sing, Jumping with Kicks, Keeping Groove.

1. Bhangra (Chandigarh Style)

Community/Tribe: Punjabi youth and college students.
Occasion/Festival: Baisakhi, university youth festivals, and the Rose Festival.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the harvest and the energetic spirit of Punjab.
Costumes and Props: Colorful turbans (Pagri), waistcoats, and dhotis (Chadar); often use a Kato (wooden toy) or Saap (expanding wooden lattice).
Music/Instruments: Thunderous beats of the Dhol and the Tumbi.
Gender Participation: Traditionally Men (now common in co-ed groups).
Type: Seasonal / Social.
Important Facts: Chandigarh is a major hub for competitive Bhangra. The city’s “inter-college” competitions have refined the dance into a high-energy, synchronized stage performance.

2. Gidda

Community/Tribe: Punjabi women.
Occasion/Festival: Teeyan (monsoon), weddings, and the Chandigarh Carnival.
Theme/Purpose: Expressing feminine grace, household stories, and social wit.
Costumes and Props: Bright Salwar Kameez and heavy gold or silver jewelry.
Music/Instruments: No major instruments; rhythm is created by synchronized clapping and Bolis (couplets).
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: Gidda in Chandigarh often features Bolis that reflect modern city life alongside traditional themes of village life and relationships.

3. Saang (Swang)

Community/Tribe: Haryanvi folk artists.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural fairs at the Leisure Valley or the Kalagram Crafts Mela.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling of folk legends like Heer-Ranjha or Raja Bhoj.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Haryanvi turbans and dhotis; vibrant stage makeup.
Music/Instruments: Nagada, Sarangi, and Harmonium.
Gender Participation: Men (traditionally play female roles).
Type: Folk Theater / Dance-Drama.
Important Facts: Representing the Haryanvi side of Chandigarh’s heritage, Saang is a rhythmic, dialogue-heavy performance that is both musical and theatrical.

4. Jhumar

Community/Tribe: Older generations and cultural troupes.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and heritage festivals.
Theme/Purpose: A dance of “ecstasy”; symbolizing peace and joy.
Costumes and Props: Traditional loose shirts and turbans.
Music/Instruments: Dhol played in a specific, slower 3/4 rhythm.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social / Graceful.
Important Facts: Unlike the fast-paced Bhangra, Jhumar is slow and circular. It is often performed in the city’s open-air theaters to showcase the “Sandalbar” heritage.

5. Khoria Dance

Community/Tribe: Haryanvi women.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings (specifically while waiting for the groom’s party to return).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the arrival of a new bride and household joy.
Costumes and Props: Heavy flaring skirts (Daman), shirts (Kurti), and long veils (Chundri).
Music/Instruments: Dholak and folk singing.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Ritual.
Important Facts: This dance is known for its fast-paced spinning movements (Phari) that showcase the heavy embroidery and weight of the Haryanvi Daman.

6. Kikli

Community/Tribe: Young girls and children.
Occasion/Festival: General play and the Teeyan festival.
Theme/Purpose: Playfulness and physical exercise.
Costumes and Props: Traditional ethnic wear.
Music/Instruments: Singing specific “Kikli” songs in a fast tempo.
Gender Participation: Young Girls.
Type: Social / Game-dance.
Important Facts: Two girls lock hands and spin in a dizzying circle. It is a common sight in the parks and residential “Sectors” during festival seasons.

7. Gatka (Martial Folk)

Community/Tribe: Sikh community (Nihangs and local Akharas).
Occasion/Festival: Hola Mohalla and Nagar Kirtans (processions).
Theme/Purpose: Display of martial skill and spiritual strength.
Costumes and Props: Blue robes (Bana), swords, shields, and wooden sticks.
Music/Instruments: Dhol and Nagara.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Martial Art / Folk.
Important Facts: Chandigarh hosts several major Gatka training centers, and the performances during religious processions are a major cultural highlight for residents.

Folk Dances of Dadra and Nagar Haveli

Code: T, G, B, T

Story: Tribal Groups Beat Tasha.

1. Tarpa Dance

Community/Tribe: Warli, Kokna, and Koli tribes.
Occasion/Festival: Post-harvest season (September to December).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the new crop and the spirit of togetherness.
Costumes and Props: Men wear waistcoats and dhotis; women wear colorful sarees and traditional tribal jewelry.
Music/Instruments: The Tarpa (a wind instrument made of dried gourd and bamboo).
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Tribal / Harvest.
Important Facts: Dancers link arms and move in a circle around the Tarpa player. The music continues all night, and it is a common sight in the villages of Silvassa.

2. Gheria Dance

Community/Tribe: Dhodia Tribe.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the Deepavali (Diwali) season.
Theme/Purpose: Worship of the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear colorful costumes and peacock feathers; they carry small wooden sticks.
Music/Instruments: Manjira and Dholak.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: The “Gheria” (leader) leads the troupe from house to house. The dance involves rhythmic striking of sticks, similar to the Dandiya style.

3. Bhavada Dance

Community/Tribe: Kokna and Warli tribes.
Occasion/Festival: Summer months and tribal fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling of tribal myths and the victory of good over evil.
Costumes and Props: Magnificent wooden masks representing various deities and animals.
Music/Instruments: Tribal pipes and drums.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Masked Dance / Ritual.
Important Facts: It is a highly energetic performance where the masks can weigh several kilograms. It serves as both entertainment and a spiritual ritual.

4. Tur and Thali Dance

Community/Tribe: Dubla and Dhodia tribes.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and social celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: General celebration and joy.
Costumes and Props: Traditional tribal festive wear.
Music/Instruments: Tur (a large drum) and a Thali (brass plate) struck with a stick.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Percussive.
Important Facts: The coordination between the drum beats and the sharp clanging of the brass plate creates a fast-paced rhythm that dictates the dancers’ footwork.

Folk Dances of Daman and Diu

Code: M, V, V, F

Story: Music Vibrates near the Vibrant Fishermen.

1. Mando Dance

Community/Tribe: Local Catholic and settler communities.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and Christmas celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Expressing love, longing, and romantic themes.
Costumes and Props: Women wear the Banoo (traditional dress) or velvet skirts; men wear suits.
Music/Instruments: Violin and Ghumot (a local drum).
Gender Participation: Both (performed in pairs).
Type: Social / Indo-Portuguese.
Important Facts: It is a slow, dignified dance reflecting the Portuguese influence on the local culture. It is a graceful “ballroom-style” folk dance.

2. Verdigao Dance

Community/Tribe: Fishing and coastal communities of Daman.
Occasion/Festival: Seasonal festivals and village fairs.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the sea and the lifestyle of the coastal people.
Costumes and Props: Brightly colored coastal attire.
Music/Instruments: Accordion and local percussion.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / European influence.
Important Facts: The movements are lively and rhythmic, often accompanied by Portuguese-influenced folk songs.

3. Vira Dance

Community/Tribe: Damanese youth.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural programs and local carnivals.
Theme/Purpose: Expressing joy and social interaction.
Costumes and Props: Traditional festive wear.
Music/Instruments: Fast-paced drums and singing.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social.
Important Facts: Similar to the Portuguese “Vira,” this is a fast-paced whirling dance where couples spin in circles, adapted over centuries to include local flavor.

4. Folk Dance of the Sea (Fishermen Dance)

Community/Tribe: Machhi (Fishermen) community.
Occasion/Festival: Nariyal Poornima (Coconut Festival).
Theme/Purpose: Seeking blessings from the Sea God for a safe fishing season.
Costumes and Props: Small oars and fishing net props.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and rhythmic chanting.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Occupational / Ritual.
Important Facts: This dance vividly depicts the act of rowing, casting nets, and the excitement of a big catch.

Folk Dances of Delhi

Code: S, B, K, K, D, C, S

Story:
Spicy Biryani Kids Kick, Dancing near Chandni Chowk Streets.

1. Saang (Swang)

Community/Tribe: Rural communities of North and South-West Delhi (neighboring Haryana).
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs (Melas) and seasonal festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling of folk legends, religious myths, and social satire.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Haryanvi attire (Daman, Kurti, and Turbans).
Music/Instruments: Nagada, Sarangi, Harmonium, and Khartal.
Gender Participation: Traditionally Men (who also play female roles).
Type: Folk Theater / Dance-Drama.
Important Facts: This is the most prominent folk form in Delhi’s rural belts like Najafgarh and Narela. It is a dialogue-heavy performance that relies on loud, rhythmic singing.

2. Bhangra & Gidda (Delhi Style)

Community/Tribe: The large Punjabi diaspora in Delhi.
Occasion/Festival: Baisakhi, weddings, and the Lohri bonfire festival.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of the harvest and general high-spirited joy.
Costumes and Props: Vibrant silk outfits and the Dhol.
Music/Instruments: Thunderous Dhol beats and Bolis (couplets).
Gender Participation: Both (Bhangra for men/co-ed, Gidda for women).
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: Delhi is world-famous for its “Wedding Bhangra” and professional troupes that perform at international events. The city has developed its own high-energy, choreographed stage version.

3. Kathak-Folk Fusion

Community/Tribe: Traditional artist families of Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad).
Occasion/Festival: Cultural festivals and heritage walks.
Theme/Purpose: Artistic expression blending classical grace with folk storytelling.
Costumes and Props: Anarkalis and Churidar with heavy Ghungroos (bells).
Music/Instruments: Tabla, Sitar, and Harmonium.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Semi-Classical / Heritage.
Important Facts: While Kathak is a classical dance, its “folk” variations in the streets of Old Delhi during the Mughal era led to a unique storytelling style known as Katha-Vaachan.

4. Khoria Dance

Community/Tribe: Women in the rural outskirts of Delhi.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during weddings while the men are away with the wedding procession (Barat).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the upcoming arrival of the new bride.
Costumes and Props: Heavy embroidered skirts and veils.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and clapping.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: It is a fast-paced dance involving rapid spinning (Phari), where women mimic the life of a bride through humorous songs.

5. Dhamal Dance

Community/Tribe: Farmers in the Delhi-NCR rural belt.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the spring season when the crops are ready for harvest.
Theme/Purpose: Prayer and thanksgiving to the deities for a good crop.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry a large Daph (tambourine) decorated with colorful ribbons.
Music/Instruments: Daph, Dholak, and Flute.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Seasonal / Ritual.
Important Facts: This dance is very ancient and is said to date back to the time of the Mahabharata. It is characterized by high leaps and rhythmic drumming.

6. Chaupai & Bhajan Dances

Community/Tribe: Religious groups in Old Delhi and temple colonies.
Occasion/Festival: Jagrans, Mata ki Chowki, and Janmashtami.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional ecstasy; surrendering to the divine.
Costumes and Props: Simple traditional wear.
Music/Instruments: Manjira, Dholak, and Chimta.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Devotional / Ritual.
Important Facts: In the crowded streets of Chandni Chowk, these rhythmic processions involve simple but synchronized steps that turn into a mass folk celebration.

7. Street Play (Nukkad Natak) – Modern Folk

Community/Tribe: Student groups and socio-political activists.
Occasion/Festival: Performed year-round at Mandi House, Connaught Place, and University campuses.
Theme/Purpose: Raising awareness about social issues (Women’s rights, pollution, corruption).
Costumes and Props: Simple black/white kurtas and a Dafli (tambourine).
Music/Instruments: Dafli and loud rhythmic chanting.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Modern Urban Folk.
Important Facts: While modern, Nukkad Natak has become the “folk voice” of urban Delhi, using the same rhythmic storytelling and group formations seen in ancient folk theater.

Folk Dances of the Kashmir Valley

Code: R, B, H, B.

Story: Rouf Beauties Hold Hands, Blooming.

1. Rouf

Occasion/Festival: Eid-ul-Fitr, Ramzan, and the onset of Spring.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the joy of festivals and the beauty of the season.
Costumes and Props: Women wear the Pheran (traditional long tunic) with intricate Tilla embroidery and headscarves (Kasaba).
Music/Instruments: No instruments; the rhythm is created by the dancers’ synchronized movements and a specific “Rouf” song.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: Dancers form two rows facing each other, linking arms around each other’s waists and moving rhythmically forward and backward.

2. Bhand Pather

Community/Tribe: The “Bhands” (traditional folk performers).
Occasion/Festival: Village fairs and social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: A unique folk theater that combines dance, music, and satirical drama to highlight social issues.
Costumes and Props: Highly theatrical and varied depending on the character.
Music/Instruments: Surnai (folk oboe), Nagaara, and Dhol.
Gender Participation: Men (who also play female roles).
Type: Folk Theater / Satire.
Important Facts: It is a secular performance that has survived for centuries, often using humor and mimicry to mock the powerful or narrate historical legends.

3. Hafiza Dance

Occasion/Festival: Weddings and grand celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Expressing romantic and Sufi themes through graceful movements.
Costumes and Props: Elaborate silk Pherans and jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Santoor and Kashmiri Sufiana Kalam.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Professional Folk.
Important Facts: This dance was historically very popular in the royal courts and elite weddings of the valley, emphasizing hand gestures and facial expressions.

4. Bachha Nagma

Occasion/Festival: Harvest season and weddings in rural areas.
Theme/Purpose: Entertainment for the general public.
Costumes and Props: A young boy dresses as a woman in a long, flaring skirt.
Music/Instruments: Sarangi, Rabab, and Dholak.
Gender Participation: Men (Young boys).
Type: Social / Entertainment.
Important Facts: When a boy performs, it is called “Bachha Nagma.” It is a high-energy dance with many spins, similar to the Gidda of Punjab but with a distinct Kashmiri musical flavor.

Folk Dances of Jammu (Dogra Region)

Code: K, D, P, G

Story: Kud Dancers Perform Gracefully.

1. Kud Dance

Community/Tribe: People of the hilly regions of Jammu.
Occasion/Festival: Performed during the rainy season (Sawan) after the harvest of the Maize crop.
Theme/Purpose: A ritual dance performed in honor of the Lok Devtas (local deities) to thank them for protecting the cattle and crops.
Costumes and Props: Traditional Dogra dress (Suthan and Kurta) and turbans.
Music/Instruments: Narsingha, Flute, and Drums.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: It is performed around a bonfire late at night. The movements are slow initially but gain speed as the night progresses.

2. Dumhal Dance

Community/Tribe: Wattal tribe.
Occasion/Festival: On specific set dates at local shrines.
Theme/Purpose: Devotional; praying for the fulfillment of wishes.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear long colorful robes and tall conical caps studded with beads and shells. They carry a decorated banner.
Music/Instruments: Large drums and rhythmic chanting.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: The dancers plant the banner in the ground and dance around it in a circle. It is one of the most visually striking and rhythmic dances of the region.

3. Phumniyan and Jagarana

Community/Tribe: Dogra community.
Occasion/Festival: Phumniyan is for general joy; Jagarana is performed during weddings.
Theme/Purpose: Jagarana is performed by women at night when the men have left with the Barat (procession).
Costumes and Props: Traditional festive Dogra sarees and suits.
Music/Instruments: Dholak and spoons/clapping.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Ritual / Social.
Important Facts: Jagarana is full of playful teasing, theatrical skits, and humorous songs about family life.

4. Geetru

Community/Tribe: Dogra folk artists.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and festivals like Lohri and Baisakhi.
Theme/Purpose: Narrative storytelling through song and dance.
Costumes and Props: Traditional rural attire.
Music/Instruments: Dholak, Chimta, and Flute.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Narrative / Social.
Important Facts: The performer narrates local legends and heroics, jumping and dancing intermittently to emphasize parts of the story.

Folk Dances of Ladakh

Code: C, J, S, S, D, F, Y, K

Story: Cold Jungles Stay Silent, Dancers Flow, Yak Keeps moving.

1. Cham Dance (Masked Dance)

Community/Tribe: Buddhist Monks (Lamas).
Occasion/Festival: Monastic festivals like Hemis Festival, Ladakhi Losar, and Dosmoche.
Theme/Purpose: Spiritual; depicting the victory of good over evil and the destruction of the ego.
Costumes and Props: Magnificent wooden masks representing deities, protector spirits, and skeletons; heavy silk brocade robes.
Music/Instruments: Long horns (Dungchen), Cymbals, and large Drums.
Gender Participation: Men (Monks).
Type: Ritual / Religious.
Important Facts: It is a meditative performance where every gesture has a specific symbolic meaning. It is the most iconic cultural performance of Ladakh.

2. Jabro Dance

Community/Tribe: People of the Changthang region (Nomadic tribes).
Occasion/Festival: Losar (Tibetan New Year) and community parties.
Theme/Purpose: Social bonding and celebration of life in the high-altitude valleys.
Costumes and Props: Heavy woolen gowns (Goncha), turquoise-studded headgear (Perak), and colorful sashes.
Music/Instruments: Damman (drum) and Surna (flute/oboe).
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Social / Seasonal.
Important Facts: Dancers link arms and move in two facing rows or a circle, performing rhythmic foot-stomping and melodic chanting.

3. Shondol Dance

Community/Tribe: Historically performed for the King of Ladakh.
Occasion/Festival: Major state festivals and royal celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Honorific; to praise the lineage and the prosperity of the land.
Costumes and Props: Richly decorated ethnic Ladakhi attire and heavy silver jewelry.
Music/Instruments: Surna and Damman.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Royal / Social.
Important Facts: Known as the “Royal Dance of Ladakh,” it holds a Guinness World Record for the largest Ladakhi dance performance. It is exceptionally graceful and slow-paced.

4. Spao Dance (Warrior Dance)

Community/Tribe: Traditional warrior families.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural festivals and community gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Heroic; celebrating the bravery of Ladakhi ancestors.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry swords and shields; they wear traditional warrior headgear.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic drums and chanting.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Heroic.
Important Facts: The dance mimics battlefield tactics and defensive maneuvers, showcasing the physical strength required for mountain warfare.

5. Drugpa Kunley Dance

Community/Tribe: Followers of the Drukpa lineage.
Occasion/Festival: Social and religious gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Satirical and philosophical; named after the “Divine Madman.”
Costumes and Props: Traditional robes.
Music/Instruments: Local folk songs and percussion.
Gender Participation: Both.
Type: Narrative / Social.
Important Facts: It often involves humor and lighthearted movements to convey deeper spiritual truths about the simplicity of life.

6. Flower Dance (Mentok Stanmo)

Community/Tribe: People of the Nubra Valley.
Occasion/Festival: During the blooming season of wild flowers.
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating nature and the arrival of summer after a harsh winter.
Costumes and Props: Women decorate their hair and hats with fresh wildflowers.
Music/Instruments: Flutes and rhythmic hand-clapping.
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Seasonal / Aesthetic.
Important Facts: It is a joyful, light dance where songs are sung in praise of the various mountain flowers that color the landscape.

7. Yak Dance

Community/Tribe: Nomadic pastoralists.
Occasion/Festival: Tribal fairs and Losar.
Theme/Purpose: Honoring the Yak, which is the lifeline of the high-altitude nomads.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear a Yak-shaped costume made of real or imitation fur.
Music/Instruments: Traditional drums and gongs.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Occupational / Mimicry.
Important Facts: The dance depicts the playful behavior of the yak and the relationship between the animal and its herder.

8. Koshan Dance

Community/Tribe: People of the Leh region.
Occasion/Festival: Following a successful horse racing event or polo match.
Theme/Purpose: Celebration of victory and sporting spirit.
Costumes and Props: Traditional festive silk robes.
Music/Instruments: Surna and Damman.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social / Victory.
Important Facts: It is led by a “Goba” (village head) and is a high-spirited performance involving fast turns and energetic jumps.

Folk Dances of Lakshadweep

Code: L, K, P, U, O, F.

Story: Lagoon Kids Play Under Ocean Flowers.

1. Lava Dance

Community/Tribe: Specifically the inhabitants of Minicoy Island.
Occasion/Festival: Eid-ul-Fitr, Bakrid, and community celebrations.
Theme/Purpose: Display of rhythmic coordination and communal joy.
Costumes and Props: Dancers wear multi-colored silk headgear, traditional lungis, and carry a drum or a small stick.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic drumming and vocal chanting.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Social / Rhythmic.
Important Facts: It is the most famous dance of the islands. The movements are perfectly synchronized, with dancers moving in and out of complex formations to the increasing tempo of the drums.

2. Kolkali

Community/Tribe: General public (mostly the Muslim community).
Occasion/Festival: Weddings and religious social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Skillful rhythmic interaction and social bonding.
Costumes and Props: Each dancer carries two wooden sticks (Kols).
Music/Instruments: No melodic instruments; the rhythm is created by the clashing of sticks and folk songs.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Stick Dance / Skill-based.
Important Facts: Very similar to the Kolkali of Kerala, the dance starts slowly and reaches a frenetic pace. Dancers move in circles, striking their sticks against those of their partners with incredible speed.

3. Parichakali (Shield Dance)

Community/Tribe: Local youth.
Occasion/Festival: Cultural festivals and community events.
Theme/Purpose: A martial dance depicting defense and heroism.
Costumes and Props: Dancers carry wooden swords and shields (Paricha).
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic singing and vocal commands.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Martial / Folk.
Important Facts: It mimics ancient combat techniques. The dancers perform mock-fights and defensive maneuvers, showcasing agility and strength without the use of high-pitched music.

4. Ulakkamuttu

Community/Tribe: Rural islanders.
Occasion/Festival: Social gatherings.
Theme/Purpose: Display of physical agility and focus.
Costumes and Props: Dancers use long wooden pestles or poles.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic chants.
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Skill-based / Game-dance.
Important Facts: Similar to some bamboo dances, participants must jump in and out of rhythmic patterns created by moving poles on the ground without getting their feet caught.

5. Oppana (Lakshadweep Style)

Community/Tribe: Muslim women of the islands.
Occasion/Festival: Weddings (specifically during the bridal dressing ritual).
Theme/Purpose: Celebrating the bride and the upcoming union.
Costumes and Props: Traditional sarees or silk attire, gold jewelry, and hands decorated with Mehendi.
Music/Instruments: Rhythmic hand-clapping and the Elathalam (small cymbals).
Gender Participation: Women.
Type: Social / Ritual.
Important Facts: The bride sits in the center while her friends and relatives dance around her, singing songs that tease her or praise her beauty.

6. Folk Songs and Movement (Dhikr/Zikir)

Community/Tribe: Religious groups.
Occasion/Festival: Religious anniversaries and festivals.
Theme/Purpose: Spiritual devotion and praising the Almighty.
Costumes and Props: Simple traditional white dhotis and caps.
Music/Instruments: Duff (a handheld frame drum).
Gender Participation: Men.
Type: Devotional / Ritual.
Important Facts: While primarily a religious chant, the rhythmic swaying of the body and the synchronized use of the Duff drum make it a significant performative folk art of the islands.

Most Important Dances for Competitive Exams

S.No	Dance Form	State/UT	Importance / Key Facts
1	Ghoomar	Rajasthan	State dance of Rajasthan; performed by Bhil tribe & Rajput royalty.
2	Kalbelia	Rajasthan	UNESCO Intangible Heritage; known as the ‘Snake Charmer’ dance.
3	Bhavai	Rajasthan/Gujarat	Balancing 7-9 brass pitchers; dancing on swords/broken glass.
4	Bhangra	Punjab	High-energy harvest dance performed by men; rhythmic Dhol beats.
5	Gidda	Punjab	Women’s dance; known for Bolis (couplets) and rhythmic clapping.
6	Rouf	Jammu & Kashmir	Performed by women during Eid/Spring; features a Pheran costume.
7	Kud	Jammu & Kashmir	Ritual dance to honor Lok Devtas (local deities) in hilly regions.
8	Choliya	Uttarakhand	Kumaoni martial dance; dancers carry swords and shields.
9	Pandav Nritya	Uttarakhand	Based on the Mahabharata; depicts the life of the five Pandavas.
10	Nautanki	Uttar Pradesh	Most popular folk theater; involves secular storytelling and satire.
11	Charkula	Uttar Pradesh	Braj region; balancing 108 lit oil lamps on a wooden pyramid.
12	Raslila	Uttar Pradesh	Depicts the divine love of Radha and Krishna; popular in Mathura.
13	Chhau (Purulia)	West Bengal	UNESCO Heritage; vigorous masked dance depicting epics.
14	Baul	West Bengal	Spiritual dance by mystic minstrels; features the Ektara instrument.
15	Bihu	Assam	Celebrates the three Bihu festivals; features brisk steps and hand movements.
16	Sattriya	Assam	Classical dance originated in Sattras (monasteries) by Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev.
17	Hojagiri	Tripura	Performed by Reang tribe; involves balancing bottles and lamps.
18	Cheraw	Mizoram	Bamboo dance; rhythmic clashing of bamboo staves.
19	Wangala	Meghalaya	“100 Drums Festival”; harvest dance of the Garo tribe.
20	Singhi Chham	Sikkim	“Snow Lion Dance”; pays homage to Mt. Kanchenjunga.
21	Tamang Selo	Sikkim	Accompanied by the Damphu drum; reflects Tamang culture.
22	Cham Dance	Ladakh	Masked dance performed by Buddhist monks to ward off evil.
23	Shondol	Ladakh	Known as the “Royal Dance”; holds a Guinness World Record.
24	Lava	Lakshadweep	Popular in Minicoy Island; rhythmic drum-based group dance.
25	Kolkali	Lakshadweep/Kerala	Stick dance; dancers move in circles striking wooden sticks.
26	Bathukamma	Telangana	Floral festival dance; celebrates nature and womanhood.
27	Perini Shivatandavam	Telangana	“Dance of Warriors”; revived from Kakatiya dynasty sculptures.
28	Gussadi	Telangana	Raj Gond tribe; dancers wear peacock feather headgear (Malpur).
29	Karagattam	Tamil Nadu	Balancing a decorated water pot; dedicated to Goddess Mariamman.
30	Kavadi Aattam	Tamil Nadu	Performed by devotees of Lord Murugan during Thaipusam.
31	Silambattam	Tamil Nadu	Ancient martial art-based dance using bamboo staves.
32	Yakshagana	Karnataka	Traditional theater combining dance, music, and heavy makeup.
33	Dollu Kunitha	Karnataka	High-energy drum dance performed by the Kuruba community.
34	Theyyam	Kerala	Ritual dance-drama; performers represent deities through heavy masks.
35	Kalaripayattu	Kerala	Recognized as the oldest martial art-dance in India.
36	Kathakali	Kerala	Classical dance-drama; famous for elaborate costumes and “Mudras.”
37	Mohiniyattam	Kerala	Classical “Dance of the Enchantress”; known for graceful, feminine flow.
38	Garba	Gujarat	Performed during Navratri around a lamp or Goddess Durga’s idol.
39	Dandiya Raas	Gujarat	Stick dance representing a mock-fight between Durga and Mahishasura.
40	Lavani	Maharashtra	Known for its powerful rhythm and the 9-yard (Nauvari) saree.
41	Dhangari Gaja	Maharashtra	Performed by shepherds (Dhangars) of Solapur to honor local gods.
42	Ghumura	Odisha	Ancient folk dance using a pitcher-shaped drum; origins in Kalahandi.
43	Odissi	Odisha	Classical dance; famous for the Tribhanga posture (three-bend body).
44	Karma Dance	MP/Chhattisgarh	Tribal dance of Gond/Baiga; worships the Karma tree for destiny.
45	Matki	Madhya Pradesh	Performed by nomadic tribes; balancing earthen pots on the head.
46	Paika	Jharkhand	Martial folk dance of the Munda community; involves spears/shields.
47	Bidesiya	Bihar	Folk theater created by Bhikhari Thakur; deals with social issues.
48	Fugdi	Goa	Performed by women during Ganesha Chaturthi; involves fast spinning.
49	Tarpa	Dadra & Nagar Haveli	Tribal circle dance; rhythmic wind instrument (Tarpa) is used.
50	Nicobari Dance	Andaman & Nicobar	Performed during the Pig Festival; celebrates islander unity.

Practice Set: Folk Dances of India (100 MCQs)

1. Which of the following is the official State Dance of Rajasthan?

A. Kalbelia

B. Ghoomar

C. Bhavai

D. Kachhi Ghodi

Answer: B

2. The ‘Singhi Chham’ (Snow Lion Dance) is a famous folk dance of which state?

A. Arunachal Pradesh

B. Sikkim

C. Himachal Pradesh

D. Ladakh

Answer: B

3. Which community is associated with the ‘Gussadi’ dance in Telangana?

A. Lambadi

B. Chenchu

C. Raj Gond

D. Yerukala

Answer: C

4. ‘Karagattam’ is a popular folk dance of Tamil Nadu performed in honor of which deity?

A. Lord Murugan

B. Goddess Mariamman

C. Lord Shiva

D. Goddess Lakshmi

Answer: B

5. The ‘Hojagiri’ dance of Tripura is performed by which tribe?

A. Tripuri

B. Reang (Bru)

C. Chakma

D. Halam

Answer: B

6. Which dance form of Uttar Pradesh involves balancing a wooden pyramid with 108 lit lamps on the head?

A. Raslila

B. Nautanki

C. Charkula

D. Khyal

Answer: C

7. ‘Choliya’ is a martial folk dance belonging to which region?

A. Garhwal (Uttarakhand)

B. Kumaon (Uttarakhand)

C. Kangra (Himachal Pradesh)

D. Bastar (Chhattisgarh)

Answer: B

8. Which folk dance of West Bengal was recently inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list?

A. Gambhira

B. Raibenshe

C. Purulia Chhau

D. Dhunuchi

Answer: C

9. The ‘Nicobari Dance’ is primarily performed during which festival?

A. Ossuary Feast

B. Bihu

C. Pongal

D. Hornbill Festival

Answer: A

10. ‘Tarpa Dance’ is a rhythmic tribal dance from which Union Territory?

A. Lakshadweep

B. Dadra and Nagar Haveli

C. Puducherry

D. Andaman Islands

Answer: B

11. Which dance of Jammu & Kashmir is performed by women during the spring season?

A. Kud

B. Rouf

C. Dumhal

D. Bachha Nagma

Answer: B

12. The ‘Shondol’ dance, known as the Royal Dance, belongs to:

A. Sikkim

B. Ladakh

C. Bhutan

D. Tibet

Answer: B

13. In which dance of Lakshadweep do performers use wooden sticks similar to Kerala’s Kolkali?

A. Lava

B. Parichakali

C. Kolkali

D. Ulakkamuttu

Answer: C

14. ‘Bhand Pather’ is a traditional folk theater and dance of:

A. Punjab

B. Kashmir

C. Himachal Pradesh

D. Haryana

Answer: B

15. Which of the following dances depicts the love stories of Radha and Krishna in the Braj region?

A. Kathak

B. Raslila

C. Dadra

D. Jogini

Answer: B

16. ‘Lava’ is the most popular folk dance of which island in Lakshadweep?

A. Kavaratti

B. Agatti

C. Minicoy

D. Amini

Answer: C

17. The ‘Garia Dance’ is performed during the New Year festival in which state?

A. Tripura

B. Assam

C. Manipur

D. Mizoram

Answer: A

18. Which dance form involves performers wearing dummy horse costumes on wooden stilts?

A. Kachhi Ghodi (Rajasthan)

B. Poikkal Kuthirai Aattam (Tamil Nadu)

C. Both A and B

D. Neither A nor B

Answer: C

19. ‘Bathukamma’ floral festival dance is synonymous with which state?

A. Andhra Pradesh

B. Telangana

C. Karnataka

D. Odisha

Answer: B

20. ‘Bizu Dance’ is a characteristic folk dance of which community in Tripura?

A. Reang

B. Chakma

C. Mog

D. Garo

Answer: B

21. The ‘Fire Dance’ (Agni Nritya) of Bikaner is performed by the followers of:

A. Kabir

B. Jasnathis

C. Bishnois

D. Nath Panth

Answer: B

22. Which dance of Uttarakhand involves balancing on a tall bamboo pole?

A. Langvir Nritya

B. Chhapeli

C. Jhora

D. Thadya

Answer: A

23. ‘Gambhira’ dance-drama of Malda (West Bengal) is dedicated to:

A. Goddess Durga

B. Lord Shiva

C. Lord Vishnu

D. Goddess Kali

Answer: B

24. The ‘Dappu’ dance is a high-energy percussion dance from:

A. Kerala

B. Tamil Nadu

C. Telangana

D. Karnataka

Answer: C

25. Which of these is a martial art-based dance from Tamil Nadu using bamboo sticks?

A. Silambattam

B. Mayil Aattam

C. Oyilattam

D. Thappattam

Answer: A

26. ‘Pandav Nritya’ of Garhwal narrates stories from which epic?

A. Ramayana

B. Mahabharata

C. Silappadikaram

D. Bhagavad Gita

Answer: B

27. ‘Baul’ songs and dance represent the mystic heritage of:

A. Odisha

B. West Bengal

C. Bihar

D. Jharkhand

Answer: B

28. Which dance of Rajasthan is famous for its fluid movements mimicking a snake?

A. Ghoomar

B. Kalbelia

C. Terah Taali

D. Chari

Answer: B

29. ‘Chu Faat’ is a devotional dance of Sikkim performed to honor:

A. Mount Everest

B. Mount Kanchenjunga

C. River Teesta

D. Lord Buddha

Answer: B

30. The ‘Potharaju’ dance is a key feature of which festival?

A. Bathukamma

B. Bonalu

C. Ugadi

D. Dussehra

Answer: B

31. ‘Nautanki’ is a popular folk theater form primarily found in:

A. Madhya Pradesh

B. Uttar Pradesh

C. Bihar

D. Rajasthan

Answer: B

32. Which community performs the ‘Maruni’ dance in Sikkim?

A. Lepcha

B. Bhutia

C. Nepali

D. Limbu

Answer: C

33. ‘Thapeta Gullu’ is a devotional dance performed by the shepherd community of:

A. Andhra Pradesh/Telangana

B. Tamil Nadu

C. Kerala

D. Karnataka

Answer: A

34. The ‘Cham Dance’ of Ladakh is performed by:

A. Nomads

B. Buddhist Monks

C. Royal families

D. Farmers

Answer: B

35. ‘Lebang Boomani’ dance of Tripura is associated with:

A. War victory

B. Catching insects

C. Marriage

D. Death rituals

Answer: B

36. ‘Rai Dance’ is a celebratory folk dance from which region of Uttar Pradesh?

A. Awadh

B. Braj

C. Bundelkhand

D. Rohilkhand

Answer: C

37. ‘Bhavai’ dance, featuring 7-9 brass pitchers balanced on the head, originated in:

A. Gujarat

B. Rajasthan

C. Both A and B

D. Maharashtra

Answer: C

38. Which dance involves clashing bamboos in rhythmic patterns (popular in Tripura and Mizoram)?

A. Hojagiri

B. Cheraw

C. Bizu

D. Wangala

Answer: B

39. ‘Saang’ (Swang) is a popular folk theater form in:

A. Haryana and Delhi

B. Punjab

C. Rajasthan

D. Uttar Pradesh

Answer: A

40. ‘Dhunuchi Dance’ is a vigorous ritual dance performed during:

A. Diwali

B. Holi

C. Durga Puja

D. Chhath Puja

Answer: C

41. Which dance of Uttarakhand is performed while planting paddy in the fields?

A. Hurkiya Baul

B. Choliya

C. Jhora

D. Barada Nati

Answer: A

42. ‘Perini Shivatandavam’ was the royal dance of which dynasty?

A. Chola

B. Kakatiya

C. Vijayanagara

D. Satavahana

Answer: B

43. ‘Kavadi Aattam’ is a pilgrimage dance dedicated to:

A. Lord Shiva

B. Lord Murugan

C. Lord Vishnu

D. Lord Ganesha

Answer: B

44. ‘Terah Taali’ dance involves tying 13 cymbals to the body. It belongs to:

A. Gujarat

B. Rajasthan

C. Madhya Pradesh

D. Haryana

Answer: B

45. Which Himalayan dance is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage?

A. Pandav Nritya

B. Ramman

C. Choliya

D. Jhora

Answer: B

46. ‘Lambadi’ is a semi-nomadic tribal dance found in:

A. Telangana

B. Andhra Pradesh

C. Both A and B

D. Tamil Nadu

Answer: C

47. ‘Oyilattam’ translates to “Dance of ___”:

A. Strength

B. Grace

C. Fire

D. Sword

Answer: B

48. ‘Yak Chham’ is a dance performed in Sikkim to honor:

A. The King

B. The Yak

C. The Mountain God

D. The Forest Spirit

Answer: B

49. ‘Hafiza Dance’ is a traditional wedding dance from:

A. Punjab

B. Kashmir

C. Himachal Pradesh

D. Ladakh

Answer: B

50. The ‘Mando’ dance of Daman and Diu reflects the influence of:

A. British

B. French

C. Portuguese

D. Dutch

Answer: C

51. Which dance features a “Potharaju” character with a whip and turmeric-smeared body?

A. Bonalu

B. Gussadi

C. Perini

D. Dappu

Answer: A

52. ‘Chhapeli’ is a romantic folk dance of:

A. Himachal Pradesh

B. Uttarakhand

C. Jammu & Kashmir

D. Punjab

Answer: B

53. The ‘Wangala’ dance is also known as the “Festival of ___ Drums”:

A. 50

B. 100

C. 500

D. 1000

Answer: B

54. ‘Raibenshe’ is a martial dance form of West Bengal using:

A. Swords

B. Bamboo poles

C. Shields

D. Bows

Answer: B

55. ‘Kikli’ is a popular playful dance for young girls in:

A. Punjab and Chandigarh

B. Rajasthan

C. Uttar Pradesh

D. Bihar

Answer: A

56. ‘Chari’ dance of Rajasthan is primarily performed by the ___ community:

A. Bhil

B. Gujjar

C. Meena

D. Kalbelia

Answer: B

57. ‘Tamang Selo’ is a folk dance of the Tamang community accompanied by the drum called:

A. Dholak

B. Madal

C. Damphu

D. Nagada

Answer: C

58. ‘Villupattu’ or “Bow Song” is a narrative folk form of:

A. Kerala

B. Tamil Nadu

C. Karnataka

D. Andhra Pradesh

Answer: B

59. ‘Gatka’ is a traditional martial art-based performance of:

A. Sikhs

B. Rajputs

C. Marathas

D. Gorkhas

Answer: A

60. ‘Sangrai’ dance of Tripura belongs to which community?

A. Reang

B. Mog

C. Chakma

D. Lusai

Answer: B

61. ‘Karma Dance’ is common to tribal belts in:

A. Jharkhand/Chhattisgarh

B. Uttar Pradesh (Sonbhadra)

C. Both A and B

D. Neither A nor B

Answer: C

62. Which dance involves dancers “wearing” a peacock costume with a moveable tail?

A. Mayil Aattam

B. Chari

C. Ghoomar

D. Kalbelia

Answer: A

63. ‘Oggu Katha’ is a traditional folk narrative of which community in Telangana?

A. Kuruma (Shepherds)

B. Farmers

C. Warriors

D. Goldsmiths

Answer: A

64. ‘Gair Dance’ is a circular stick dance performed during:

A. Diwali

B. Holi

C. Eid

D. Dussehra

Answer: B

65. ‘Jabro’ is a popular folk dance of the nomads in:

A. Spiti Valley

B. Ladakh

C. Sikkim

D. Arunachal Pradesh

Answer: B

66. ‘Khyal’ folk theater is most prominent in which district of UP?

A. Mathura

B. Hathras

C. Lucknow

D. Varanasi

Answer: B

67. ‘Dhumal’ (Dumhal) is a dance of the Wattal tribe performed at:

A. Temples

B. Shrines (Ziarats)

C. Royal Courts

D. Farms

Answer: B

68. ‘Poikkal Kuthirai Aattam’ literally means:

A. Running Horse

B. False Leg Horse

C. Flying Horse

D. Golden Horse

Answer: B

69. ‘Bhavada’ is a masked dance performed by tribes in:

A. Dadra and Nagar Haveli

B. Andaman Islands

C. Lakshadweep

D. Delhi

Answer: A

70. ‘Tusu Dance’ in West Bengal is performed during the month of:

A. Chaitra

B. Pausha (Makar Sankranti)

C. Kartika

D. Ashada

Answer: B

71. Which dance of Telangana is known for the “Teenmaar” drum beat?

A. Bonalu

B. Perini

C. Lambadi

D. Bathukamma

Answer: A

72. ‘Zo-Mal-Lok’ is an agricultural folk dance of the ___ tribe in Sikkim:

A. Bhutia

B. Lepcha

C. Nepali

D. Limbu

Answer: B

73. ‘Khoria’ is a dance performed exclusively by women during weddings in:

A. Haryana/Delhi

B. Punjab

C. Rajasthan

D. Himachal

Answer: A

74. ‘Dhamal’ dance of rural Delhi/Haryana is said to date back to:

A. Mughal Era

B. Mahabharata Era

C. British Era

D. Gupta Era

Answer: B

75. ‘Parichakali’ in Lakshadweep uses which props?

A. Pots

B. Swords and Shields

C. Sticks

D. Candles

Answer: B

76. ‘Gajan’ festival in West Bengal features which dance form?

A. Gambhira

B. Alkap

C. Domni

D. All of the above

Answer: D

77. The ‘Verdigao’ dance of Daman is associated with which community?

A. Tribal

B. Fishermen

C. Farmers

D. Traders

Answer: B

78. ‘Barada Nati’ is a colorful folk dance of the ___ community in Uttarakhand:

A. Bhotiya

B. Jaunsari

C. Tharu

D. Raji

Answer: B

79. ‘Alkap’ is a professional folk performance found in which region?

A. Rural Bengal (Murshidabad/Malda)

B. Odisha

C. Bihar

D. Assam

Answer: A

80. Which dance mimics the act of “Catching colorful insects” in the fields?

A. Lebang Boomani

B. Hojagiri

C. Garia

D. Bizu

Answer: A

81. ‘Khukuri Dance’ is a martial performance of which soldiers?

A. Sikh

B. Gorkha

C. Maratha

D. Rajput

Answer: B

82. ‘Chang’ or ‘Dhamal’ dance in Rajasthan is played using a:

A. Flute

B. Large Tambourine

C. Kettle Drum

D. Lute

Answer: B

83. ‘Thadya’ dance in Garhwal is performed in the:

A. Courtyard

B. Forest

C. River Bank

D. Temple Inner Sanctum

Answer: A

84. ‘Bachha Nagma’ is similar to which Punjabi dance?

A. Bhangra

B. Gidda

C. Jhumar

D. Malwai Gidda

Answer: B

85. ‘Pai-Danda’ is a martial stick dance of the ___ community in Bundelkhand:

A. Rajput

B. Ahir (Shepherd)

C. Brahmin

D. Bania

Answer: B

86. ‘Mentok Stanmo’ in Ladakh is also known as the:

A. Sword Dance

B. Flower Dance

C. Lion Dance

D. Yak Dance

Answer: B

87. ‘Bommalattam’ is the traditional puppetry of:

A. Andhra Pradesh

B. Tamil Nadu

C. Karnataka

D. Kerala

Answer: B

88. ‘Walar’ dance of the Garasia tribe is unique because it uses:

A. No musical instruments

B. Only drums

C. Only flutes

D. 10 different instruments

Answer: A

89. ‘Chindu Bhagavatam’ is a vibrant folk theater of:

A. Karnataka

B. Telangana

C. Tamil Nadu

D. Kerala

Answer: B

90. ‘Kathputli’ puppetry belongs to which state?

A. Gujarat

B. Rajasthan

C. Uttar Pradesh

D. Bihar

Answer: B

91. ‘Jhora’ dance of Kumaon is characterized by its:

A. Fast speed

B. Circular formation and inclusivity

C. Mask usage

D. Sword fighting

Answer: B

92. ‘Oppana’ is a bridal dance common in Lakshadweep and:

A. Tamil Nadu

B. Kerala

C. Karnataka

D. Goa

Answer: B

93. ‘Hai-Hak’ is a post-harvest dance of the ___ community in Tripura:

A. Reang

B. Halam

C. Jamatia

D. Mog

Answer: B

94. ‘Dhobiya Dance’ of UP depicts the relationship between a washerman and his:

A. Wife

B. Donkey

C. Customer

D. Child

Answer: B

95. ‘Singhi Chham’ features dancers dressed as:

A. Tigers

B. Snow Lions

C. Yaks

D. Elephants

Answer: B

96. ‘Terah Taali’ is a ritual dance dedicated to the folk deity:

A. Baba Ramdev

B. Goga Ji

C. Pabuji

D. Tejaji

Answer: A

97. ‘Puliyattam’ in Tamil Nadu involves dancers painted as:

A. Gods

B. Tigers

C. Birds

D. Demons

Answer: B

98. ‘Ulakkamuttu’ of Lakshadweep is performed using:

A. Coconut Shells

B. Pestles/Poles

C. Fish Nets

D. Swords

Answer: B

99. Which dance was popularized during the Kakatiya Dynasty?

A. Kuchipudi

B. Perini Shivatandavam

C. Bharatanatyam

D. Mohiniyattam

Answer: B

100. ‘Nukkad Natak’ is considered the modern “folk voice” of:

A. Mumbai

B. Delhi

C. Kolkata

D. Chennai

Answer: B

Conclusion

Mastering the diverse folk dances of India is more than just a memorization task; it is an exploration of India’s vast cultural geography. For competitive exams like SSC, UPSC, Banking, and Railways, these dances are high-yield topics that bridge the gap between history and art. However, with over 28 states and UTs to cover, the sheer volume of data can be overwhelming. This is why successful aspirants rely on specific Tricks to Remember Important Folk Dances rather than brute-force memorization.

To achieve true mastery, you must adopt a disciplined approach: Always revise daily. The human brain requires consistent reinforcement to move facts from short-term to long-term memory; a single reading is never enough. Furthermore, do not just rely on external lists or books. Try to create your own mnemonic story codes or personal “tricks” based on your mother tongue or logic. By transforming a dry table of facts into a vivid, personalized story, you ensure that the information stays with you until the final bell of the exam. Consistent repetition and unique personal coding are the only foolproof ways to ensure you don’t get confused between similar-sounding dances on the big day.

Folk Dances of India: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which Indian folk dance is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list?
A: Several Indian traditions are recognized, but the Chhau Dance (specifically the Purulia, Seraikella, and Mayurbhanj styles) is one of the most prominent folk dances on the UNESCO list. Kalbelia from Rajasthan is also included.

Q2. What is the difference between Folk Dance and Classical Dance?
A: Classical Dances (like Kathak or Bharatanatyam) are based on ancient Shastras and require formal training. Folk Dances (like Bhangra or Garba) are community-based, usually celebrating harvests, festivals, or life events, and are passed down informally through generations.

Q3. Which state is famous for the ‘Bamboo Dance’?
A: While many Northeastern states have variations, the most famous “Bamboo Dance” is the Cheraw Dance from Mizoram. A similar version, also involving bamboo staves, is performed in Tripura.

Q4. What are some effective Tricks to Remember Important Folk Dances?
A: The best way is to use Mnemonic Story Codes. For example, to remember Hojagiri in Tripura, imagine a person named “Giri” balancing a “Ho” (pot) in Tripura. Grouping dances by “Martial,” “Harvest,” or “Mask” categories also helps.

Q5. How can I score full marks in the Art and Culture section of competitive exams?
A: The secret is consistency. Always revise daily because these names can be confusing. Try to create your own code or personal logic for each state. Mapping the dances to their specific tribes or instruments will help you eliminate wrong options in MCQs.