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

Table of Contents

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.

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