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

Table of Contents

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.

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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.

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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.

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