India is a country of diverse cultures and traditions. Indian folk and tribal dances are really simple. It is normal for these dances to appear at every festival or public event. Folk art is a common performance of a group or place-specific people. There are an infinite variety of forms and rhythms within Indian folk dances.

There is a difference between them on the basis of religion, occupation and caste. Tribes from Central and Eastern India (Muria, Bhil, Gond, Juang and Santhal) dance on all occasions. There are different dances for the life cycle and the annual cycle of seasons. Dance is a part of daily life and religious rituals. Due to the changing lifestyles, the relevance of dances has reached beyond specific occasions. The dances have acquired the status of artistic dance.

Classifying Indian folk dances is difficult, but in general, they can be classified into four categories.

  1. Predatory वृत्तिमूलक (eg tillage, sowing, fishing and hunting).
  2. Religious धार्मिक
  3. Ceremonial आनुष्ठानिक (to relieve the wrath of the goddess or demon-demon by pleasing through tantric rituals)
  4. Social सामाजिक (a type that is included in all the above classes).

Famous social folk dances include kolayacha (dance of the Kolis). Kailacha, the original dance of the fishermen of the Konkan coast in western India, shows the spirit of sailing. The women wave handkerchiefs towards their male companions and the men move with trembling gait. On the occasion of marriage, the young Koli (fisherman) dances in the streets, holding household utensils in hand in the newly married couple’s swagam and the newcomers also start dancing after reaching the climax.

List of Indian state and folk dances:

  1. Andhra Pradesh – Ottam Thedal, Kuchipudi, Ghantamardala, Vedi Natakam.
  2. Assam – Maharas, Bihu, Bichua, Natapuja, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga Dance, Khel Gopal, Tabal Chongli, Kanoi, Jhumura Hobzanai.
  3. Bihar – Panwaria, Jat-Jatin, Bakko-Bakhain, Sama Chakwa, Bidesia.
  4. Gujarat – Bhavai, Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani Jurun.
  5. Maharashtra – Dasavatar or Bohada, Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lejim, Gafa, Dahikala.
  6. Haryana – Jagor, Jhumar, Phag, Daf, Dhamal, Lur, Gugga, Khor.
  7. Himachal Pradesh – Chhapeli, Jhora, Jhali, Charahi, Dhaman, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi.
  8. Jammu and Kashmir – Mandjat, Rauf, Hekat, Jump Dandi Nach, Damali.
  9. Karnataka – Lambi, Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga.
  10. Kerala – Mohiniyattam, Kathakali (classical), Ottam Thulal, Kaikottikali.
  11. Odisha – Chhau, Odissi (Classical), Ride, Ghoomra, Panras Munari.
  12. West Bengal – Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Kiratan.
  13. Punjab – Bhangra, Gidda, Daffa, Dhaman, Bhand, Nakula.
  14. Rajasthan – Suisini, Ghoomar, Chakri, Gangaur, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Ghapal, Kalbeliya.
  15. Tamil Nadu – Kolattam, Bharatanatyam, Kumi, Kavadi.
  16. Uttar Pradesh – Rasleela, Nautanki, Kajari, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita.
  17. Uttarakhand – Chharapeli, Garhwali, Kunmayuni, Kajari, Rasleela |
  18. Manipur – Lohu Shah, Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Khamba Thaibi, Nupa Nritya, Rasleela, Khubak Isheli.
  19. Goa – Toonaya Mail, Tarangmail, Koli, Dekhani, Phugdi, Shigmo, Ghode Modni, Samayi Dance, Jagar, Ranmalay, Goff.
  20. Madhya Pradesh – Phoolapati, Jawara, Matki, Ada, Khada Nach, Grida Nritya, Salelarki, Selabhadoni, Manch.
  21. Chhattisgarh – Raut Nach, Gaur Maria, Panthey, Pandavani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Bharathari Charitra, Chandanni.
  22. Lakshadweep – Kolkai, Lava, Parichakali.
  23. Jharkhand – Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhoomar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhoomar, Paika, Fagua, Hunta Dance, Mundari Dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhatka, Danga, Domchak, Ghora Dance.
  24. Nagaland – Bamboo Dance, Rangma, Jilang, Suirolians, Githlinglim, Timanganetin, Hetailiuli.
  25. Arunachal Pradesh – Ponung, Buiya, Challo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Popir, Bardo Cham.
  26. Meghalaya – Ka Shad Suk Minsheim, Nongrem, Laho.
  27. Mizoram – Langlam, Chherav dance, Khullam, Chailam, Swalakin, Chwangalaijwan, Jangatalam, Par Lam, Sarlamakai / Solakia.
  28. Tripura – Hojagiri.
  29. Sikkim – Maruni Dance, Choo Phat Dance, Sikmari, Singhai Cham or Snow Lion Dance, Yak Cham, Denjong Nenha, Tashi Yangku Dance, Khukhuri Dance, Chutke Dance.

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