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

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.