Folk Dances of India

Garba is the traditional folk dance of Gujarat, performed during the nine-night festival of Navratri. Dancers move in circles around a lamp or image of the goddess Durga/Amba.

Lavani is a traditional folk dance-theatre of Maharashtra, known for its powerful rhythm and expressive performance. It is usually performed to the beat of the dholki and deals with themes of romance and social commentary.

Bihu is the folk dance of Assam, performed during the Bihu festival which marks the Assamese New Year in April. It is a joyful dance celebrating spring and the harvest season.

Dandiya Raas is traditionally performed during Navratri in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Dancers use colourful sticks (dandiyas) and perform in circular formations. It depicts the mock fight between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura.

Ghoomar is the traditional folk dance of Rajasthan, originally associated with the Bhil tribe and later adopted by the Rajput community. It is characterised by graceful spinning movements and colourful ghagra skirts.

Chhau dance is performed in Odisha (Mayurbhanj Chhau), Jharkhand (Seraikella Chhau), and West Bengal (Purulia Chhau). It is a semi-classical Indian dance with martial, tribal, and folk traditions. UNESCO has recognised it as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Kolattam (or Kolkali) is a traditional stick dance performed in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, primarily during festivals. Performers hold sticks and tap them together while dancing in circles.

Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form of coastal Karnataka and parts of Kerala, combining dance, music, dialogue, costume and stage techniques. It depicts stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Kalbelia is a folk dance of the Kalbelia community (snake charmers) of Rajasthan. It is characterised by swirling, sinuous movements resembling a snake. UNESCO has inscribed it on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Theyyam is a ritual art form of Kerala, predominantly performed in the northern Malabar region. It involves elaborate costumes and makeup and is believed to be a form of worship where the dancer embodies a deity.

Nati is the traditional folk dance of Himachal Pradesh. It holds the record in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest folk dance. It is performed during festivals and celebrations, especially in the Kullu region.

Wangala is the harvest festival dance of the Garo tribe of Meghalaya. Also called the 100 Drums Festival, it is performed to thank the Sun god for a good harvest and is accompanied by traditional drums and wind instruments.

Cheraw is the traditional bamboo dance of Mizoram. Performers step in and out between bamboo poles that are moved rhythmically. It is performed during festivals and is considered the most popular dance of the Mizo people.

Dumhal is the folk dance of the Wattal tribe of Kashmir, performed by men during religious festivals. The dancers wear tall conical caps and carry flags while dancing to the beat of a drum.

Jhumair is a folk dance of Jharkhand, associated with the tribal communities of the Santhal and Kurukh (Oraon) people. It is performed during festivals and occasions of joy, especially after the harvest.

Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance of Karnataka, performed by the Kuruba shepherd community. Male performers carry large cylindrical drums (dollu) and beat them energetically while dancing.

Rauf is a traditional folk dance of Kashmir, performed by women during spring festivals like Eid. The dancers form two lines and move towards each other in synchronised steps.

Matki dance is a solo folk dance performed by women in Madhya Pradesh, particularly in the Malwa region. The dancer balances an earthen pot (matki) on her head while performing graceful movements.

Rouf is a traditional folk dance of Jammu and Kashmir performed by women during festivals. It is characterised by interlocking feet movements performed in pairs or rows and is especially associated with the festival of Eid-ul-Fitr.