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

Table of Contents

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

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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.

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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.

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