Folk dances are the dances of common people. Their training is usually not imparted academically. They are instead learned through family practices and societal traditions. Folk dances of India are intricately connected with the local affairs of the region.
Sometimes they are connected with festivals, sometimes they are performed during the harvesting season. Sometimes they are performed to worship the gods during special occasions.
One thing that is common almost through all folk dances of India is that they are rarely performed solo. They are almost always performed in groups. Their captivating effect is due to the unison among performers and their lively spirit.
Origins of Folk Dances
In earlier days, people had limited means of entertainment. They used music and dancing to keep themselves busy and entertained.
Folk dances of India are not choreographed by professionals. It is something that comes from inside the people and with time formed into a dance form. Folk dances do not require someone to get training before performing them.
People from tribal communities entertained themselves with these dances. Sometimes these dances are for entertainment purposes only and sometimes they are performed for a deity such as a rain god, harvest god, or a god who killed a demon and saved their community.
You will also find some dances which are performed on happy occasions such as festivals, weddings, childbirth, etc. These dance forms spread joy and happiness among/around those who are dancing. Different folk dances are associated with different cultures. For example, there is one dance that is done to produce desire and seduction and another which is done to please a deity.
Folk Dances of India List
Below is a detailed list of folk dances across different Indian states.
| State | Folk Dance |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Vilasini Natyam Andhra Natyam Bhamakalpam Butta Bommalu Dappu Dhimsa Kolattam Kuchipudi Lambadi Tappeta Gullu Veeranatyam |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Bardo Chham Buiya Chalo Pasi Kongki Ponung Popir Wancho |
| Assam | Bagurumba Bichhua Bihu Canoe Chongli Hobjanai Jhumur Kaligopal Khel Gopal Maharas Naga dance Natpuja Tabal |
| Bihar | Bakho-Bakhain Bidesia Jata-Jatin Panwariya Sama Chakeva |
| Chattisgarh | Bharthari Charit Chandaini Gonda Gaur Maria Kapalik Pandwani Panthi Raut Nacha Vedamati |
| Goa | Dekhni Dhalo Fugdi Ghode Modini Gonph Jagar Koli Kunbi Modni Ranmale Samai Nrutya Shigmo Tarangamel Tonnya mell |
| Gujarat | Dandiya Raas Garba Tippani |
| Haryana | Daph Dhamal Gagor Gugga Jhumar Khor Loor Phag |
| Himachal Pradesh | Chhapeli Chharhi Dangi Dhaman Jhali Jhora Mahasu Nati |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Dandi Nach Damali Hikat Kud Mandjas Rauf |
| Jharkhand | Agni Alkap Barao Danga Domkach Ghora Naach Hunta Dance Janani Jhumar Jhitka Jhumar Karma Munda Mardana Jhumar Paika Phagua Mundari Sarhul |
| Karnataka | Huttari Kunitha Karaga Lambi Suggi Yakshagan |
| Kerala | Kaikottikali Kathakali Mohiniattam Ottan Thulal |
| Lakshadweep | Kolkali Lava Parichakali |
| Madhya Pradesh | Aada Grida Dance Jawara Khada Nach Maanch Matki Phulpati Selabhadoni Selalarki Teratali |
| Maharashtra | Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada Gafa Koli Lavani Lezim Nakata |
| Manipur | Dol Cholam Khamba Thaibi Khubak Ishei Lai Haraoba Lhou Sha Nupa Dance Pung Cholom Raslila Thang Ta |
| Meghalaya | Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem Laho Nongkrem |
| Mizoram | Chailam Chawnglaizawn, Cheraw Dance Khuallam Par Lam Sarlamkai or Solakia Sawlakin Tlanglam Zangtalam |
| Nagaland | Bamboo Dance Gethinglim Hetaleulee Nsuirolians Rangma Temangnetin Zeliang |
| Odisha | Chhau Ghumura Munari Odissi Painka Savari |
| Punjab | Bhangra Bhand Daff Dhaman Giddha Naqual |
| Rajasthan | Bhavai Chakri Ganagor Ghapal Ghumar Jhulan Leela Jhuma Kalbeliya Suisini |
| Sikkim | Chu Faat Dance Chutkey Naach Denzong Gnenha Khukuri Naach Maruni Dance Sikmari Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion Dance Tashi Yangku Dance Yak Chaam |
| Tamil Nadu | Bharatanatyam Kavadiattam Kolattam Kummi |
| Tripura | Hojagiri |
| Uttar Pradesh | Jaita Jhora Kajri Nautanki Raslila |
| Uttrakhand | Chappeli Garhwali Jhora Kajari Kumayuni Raslila |
| West Bengal | Baul Dhali Gambhira Jatra Kathi Keertan Mahal Marasia |
Folk Dances of India Features
Folk dances of India are mainly danced on folklore, instruments used in these dances are different as they were created by the communities to produce sound for music.
In some dances, dancers carry the instruments and sing themselves but in other dances, there are other people for singing and instrument carrying. Almost all folk dances have different costumes and jewels associated with them and every one of them has a meaning whether it is a costume or a jewel.
Some folk dances of India are performed in large groups and some are performed in small groups. There is almost no folk dance that is performed solo. The purpose of folk dances was/is to entertain and spread joy by being together.
Sadly these folk dances are being forgotten by the people. The communities that used to pass down these dance styles from generation to generation are also not able to do it anymore. There are only some places where people are still celebrating these folk dances but in other places, no one has even heard their names.
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