VerifiedIndia has a rich cultural heritage. It includes a large number of things such as art and architecture, literature, language, festivals, and dance and music. The dance forms that we get to see across the land are mainly of two types- classical and folk dance. Folk dances or tribal dances are the types of dance which are usually performed by common people on various occasions like the beginning of a new season, birth of a child, a wedding, harvests, etc to express joy. They form a part of an art form called folk art that is commonly practised by a particular community.
The origin of different folk cultures cannot be derived comprehensively but the traditions have been preserved down the ages. Each form of folk dance comprises of unique styles and movements and represents the culture and tradition of the particular state. Very colourful jewellery and unique costumes are worn to perform these dances.
States and their folk dances
Every state has its own folk dances- sometimes just one type, sometimes more than one. The folk dances of a particular state usually depict some special traditions of that particular state. The names of folk dances of various states of India are as follows:
Andhra Pradesh
Kuchipudi, Vilasini, Natyam, Andhra Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu.
Assam
Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal, Tabal Chongli, Canoe and Jhumura Hobjanai are the folk dances of various tribes of Assam.
Bihar
Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama Chawa, Bidesia.
Gujarat
Garba, Dandiya Ras, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai.
Haryana
Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, and Gagor.
Himachal Pradesh
Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati and Dangi.
Jammu and Kashmir
Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach and Damali.
Karnataka
Yakshagan, Huttari, Suggi, Kuntha, Karga and Lambi.
Kerala
Ottam Thulal, Mohiniattam and Kaikottikali.
Maharashtra
Lavni, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa and Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada.
Odisha
Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari and Chhau.
West Bengal
Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Chhau, and Santhali, etc.
Punjab
Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Daman, Bhand, and Naqual.
Rajasthan
Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan, Leela, Jhuma, Susini, Ghapal and Kalbeliya.
Tamil Nadu
Kumi, Kolattam and Kavadi.
Uttar Pradesh
Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli and Jaita.
Uttarakhand
Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila and Chappeli.
Goa
Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Samayi nrutya, Ranmale, Gonph and Tonnya mell.
Madhya Pradesh
Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selebhadoni and Maanch.
Jharkhand
Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Hunta Dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhitka, Ghora Naach and Domkach.
Arunachal Pradesh
Chalo, Buiya, Wancho, Pasi, Popir, Kongki, Ponung and Bardo Chham.
Manipur
Thanh Ta, Dol Cholam, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Khmaba Thaibi, Nupa Dance, Raslila, and Lhou Sha.
Meghalaya
Mynsiem, Ka Shad Suk, Nongkrem and Laho.
Mizoram
Khuallam, Cheraw Dance, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Sarlamkai/Solakia and Tlaglam.
Nagaland
Bamboo dance, Rangma, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim, Temangnetin, Hetaleulee.
Tripura- Hojagiri
Sikkim
Chu Faat Dance, Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the snow Lion Dance, Tashi Yangku Dance, Khukuri Naach, Chutkey Naach and Maruni Dance.
Lakshadweep
Lava, Kolkali and Parichakali are the dance forms on the island.
Apart from the above mentioned names, there are many more folk dances in all these states. They represent the vibrant cultures of various tribes living there. Our folk dances are not only famous in the country but also acclaimed internationally.
