folk dances of India

Folk Dances of India | Folk Dances for UPSC, SSC – Eduexa

What is Folk Dance?

Folk dances are traditional dances that are deeply rooted in a region’s or community’s culture, history, and traditions. They are often passed down from generation to generation and are typically performed at social gatherings, festivals, and celebrations. Folk dances are an integral part of a community’s identity and are a way to preserve and share cultural heritage. They are usually performed with enthusiasm and energy, and their beauty lies in their simplicity, authenticity, and connection to the people and place.

Read a complete guide on nagara style of temple here.

Characteristics of folk dances

Folk dances are usually characterised by:

  • Traditional movements and steps
  • Local music and instruments
  • Costumes and attire that reflect the region’s heritage
  • Storytelling through dance, often depicting everyday life, myths, legends, or historical events
  • Community participation, with everyone encouraged to join in
  • Simple, rustic, and spontaneous expressions
  • Often, a connection to agricultural cycles, seasons, or religious rituals

Difference between classical dance and folk dance

 

Basis Classical Dance Folk dance
Meaning Classical dance refers to traditional, highly technical, and formal dance styles that have been developed over centuries, often with roots in ancient cultures. Folk dances are traditional and informal dances that are deeply rooted in a region’s or community’s culture, history, and traditions
Recognition They are classified as classical dances by Sangeet Natak akademi No such classification
Formal Highly formal Informal
Purpose Storytelling and expression Celebrating cultures, tradition and occasions
Technicality It has its own steps and performing techniques. It generally doesn’t have any set steps or rules.

 

State Wise list of folk dances

State Folk Dance
Andhra Pradesh Andhra Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Butta Bommalu, burrakatha, Bonalu
Arunachal Pradesh Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo Chham, Mask, lion and peacock dance, rikhapada
Assam Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga Dance, Khel Gopal, Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai
Bihar Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama Chakwa, Bidesia.
Chhattisgarh Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Bharthari Charit, Chandaini.
Goa Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi Nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale, Gonph, Tonnya mell
Gujarat Garba, Dandiya Ras, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai.
Haryana Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamyal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor.
Himachal Pradesh Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi, Shand
Jammu and Kashmir Hikat, Kud, Rauf, Dhumal, Bhand pather, Damali
Karnataka Yakshagan, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi.
Kerala Ottam Thulal, Kaikottikali, Chakkar Koothu,
Maharashtra Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada.
Manipur Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Khamba

Thaibi, Nupa Dance, Raslila, Khubak Ishei, Lhou Sha

Meghalaya Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho.
Mizoram Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, Par Lam, Sarlamkai/Solakia, Tlanglam.
Nagaland Rangma, Bamboo Dance, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim,

Temangnetin, Hetaleulee.

Orissa Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari, Chhau
Rajasthan Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Kalbeliya.
Sikkim Chu faat, Zonal lok, Kagyed, sikmari, marooni, ghantu, yakchham, Singichham
Tamil Nadu Kolattam, silambattam, oyilattam, kummi, kavadi, kudirai attam
Telangana Bonalu, Mathuri, Gusadi, Lambadi, Ghimsa
Tripura Garia, Hai hak, hojagiri, Lebang, mimata, Bijhu
Uttarakhand Tandi, Jhora, Chhapeli, Thandiya, Cholia, Chamchari
Uttar Pradesh Dadra, Nautanki, Ramleela, Rasleela, Kajri, Khyal, Charkula
West Bengal Gambhir, Bhadu, Gajan, Purulia Chhau, Rampa, Tusu, Baul

 

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