Indian folk and tribal dances are simple dances, and are performed to express their moods. Folk and tribal dances are performed for every possible occasion, to celebrate the arrival of seasons, birth of a child, a wedding and festivals. The dances are extremely simple with minimum of steps or movement. The dances burst with verve and vitality. Men and women perform some dances exclusively, while in some performances men and women dance together. On most occasions, the dancers sing themselves, while being accompanied by artists on the instruments. Each form of dance has a specific costume. Most costumes are flamboyant with extensive jewels. While there are numerous ancient folk and tribal dances, many are constantly being improved. The skill and the imagination of the dances influence the performance.
List of Folk and Tribal Dances sorted by State.
Given Name [alias] | Region(s) | appx. Period of Orgination | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Burrakatha [Jangam Katha] | Coastal Region, Rayalaseema, Telangana | first half of 20th century | Regional Festivals | It observes tales from the Indian Mythology. In the performance, the main artist narrates a story, plays music and dance on the tunes. The co-artists beat drums and speak to him, enriching certain events in the story. |
Butta Bommalata[mask's dance] | Tanuku, West Godavari | In this particular dance, the dancers wear masks of different characters and entertain people with their delicate movements, accompanied by non verbal music. |
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Chiratala Bhajana | Villages of Andhra Pradesh | Lean months of summer | Chekka bhajana is the most popular form of narrative art in Andhra Pradesh.Chekka bhajana is similar to kolatam dance in many respects except for a few differences.One is the use of "chekka" (wooden pieces) instead of "kolalu" (sticks). |
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Dandaria | Northern Hyderabad | A Gond legend behind this dance is that an ancient Gond hero Dandaria, a descendant of the Pandava prince was the original creator of this dance. | ||
Dappu Dance | Telangana,Nizamabad District | Made of goatskin, a tambourine-like drum is beaten with sticks creating a rhythm that is softened only by the ankle bells that the 16 to 20 dancers wear. |
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Dhamal Dance | Siddis of Hyderabad region | 12th century | occasion of marriage | This dance is ceremonial in nature performed especially on the occasion of marriage. |
Dhimsa Dance | Araku , Visakhapatnam | months of Chaitra (March/April) | The tribal dance sees 15-20 women forming a chain & dancing.Women attired in typical tribal dresses & ornaments dance to the beat of instruments like Mori, Thudum & Dappu Plyed by the male members. | |
Garaga Dance | Coastal Regions | The dancers put on colourful clothes and hold a bunch of margosa leaves symbolic of Shakti worship.The adept Dappu players produce varying beats in Trisara. |
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Gobbi Dance | Coastal Regions | Sankranti festival | During evenings young girl's gather around these gobbillu to dance and sing. This dance is a derived form of Garba described in dance treatises. | |
Goravayyalu | Srisailam | During religious occasions. | The communal dance of the Shepherds. During their dance the males wore the black woollen cloth with effictive steps for cetain time and ater they move aprt from the festival region choosing the profession of begging. | |
Gusadi Dance of Gonds | Adilabad district | At the time of getting harvest, near the time of Deepavali | The Dandari dance starts with stepping slowly towards the left side and swinging the right foot on to the left foot at every step. Every dancer has two small sticks in his hands | |
Horse Dance | Guntur | during marriages | In Guntur district, real horses are trained to dance according to the rhythm of the drums. Tinkling bells are tied to the fetlocks of the horse. During marriage processions and fairs the horse dance is a popular pass time in this district |
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Karuva Dance | East Godavari | Krishna reladsted festivals | The classical dance forms of Andhra Pradesh are mainly Kuchipudi and Bhamakalapam. They belong to the ancient school of Bharatnatyam. The temple dances and the court dances too have their own styles in Andhra |
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Kolatam | All over the state of AP | In all the festive occasions | Kolatam is a play with sticks. This is known as Hallisaka and Dandarasaka in Sanskrit. In olden days females used to play Kolatam in temple halls as a devotional offering. Now the Kolatam played by males is a folk art form. |
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Lambadi Dances | Adilabad district | During harviesting, planting and sowing | Costumes embroidered with glass beads and mirrors, ornate jewellery, ivory bangles, brass anklets and a natural rhythm make this dance a colourful exposition of joy which is the highlight of many a festive occasion |
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Mango Dance of the Konda Reddis | Khammam, East & West Godavari districts | ceremonial festival | After feasting about midnight; men, women and children again begin to dance. They also sing songs invoking Mutyalamma and the hill gods and goddesses. This singing has some religious significance. | |
Mathuri Dance | Adilabad district | The dancers sing themselves devotional and secular songs at the time of dance. The men strike the small sticks and the women clap to mark the time. |
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Peacock Dance of the Khonds | Visakhapatnam and Srikakulam districts. | Month of April | All the dancers stand in two rows in the beginning and imitate the cry of peacock. They form a circle and bend forward from their knees so as to look like a dancing peacock. |
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Siddi Dance | Rural Andhra | During marriages | Dances depict the tribal warfare of their home land in all its ferocity. Armed with shining sword and matchlock and dressed in their exotic primitive costumes, they dance with vigour and force. |
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Tappeta Gundlu | Srikakulam, Vijayanagaram | Requesting dance for rain | This dance requires skill and muscle power. The artistes exhibit rare skills in acrobatics while dancing | |
Tiger Dance | Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu | Dussehra and Muharram festivals | An able bodied man with a narrow strip of cloth around the waist, and the whole body painted with stripes like a tiger and elaborate make-up, sporting a long tail, dances vigorously in tiger like strides and wild jumps. | |
Urumulu[thunder dance] | Anantapuram district | ceremonial dance | The instrument employed in this dance is called urumu. It is a percussion instrument which sounds like thunder. The instrument is made out of brass or bell metal - a hollow round pipe. |
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Veethi Bhagavatam | Krishna District | Temple festivals | The Veethi Bhagavata has a single female artists, the main dancer, she supported by a secondary female artistes. The role of Vidhushaka is used to entertain and put across humour effectively in the play. |
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Vira Natyam | Telangana | Traditional ceremonial dance | Viranatyam is presented by Viramushti and Jangam communities during the festivals in Virabhadreswara temple at Kovari and Kottakonda while offering Virabhadra palleram to the deity. |
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ToluBommalata | Andhra Pradesh | This performing art form is one more entertaining form which is one of the oldest art form of the Telugu folk of the Andhra Pradesh state. The name itself tells about the entire performance of the Tolummalata. |
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Given Name [alias] | Region(s) | appx. Period of Orgination | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Wancho Dance | Longkhau village | Ozele Festivals and ceremonies in the month of February-March | The Wancho tribes of Arunachal Pradesh perform their special dances on the occasions like festivals, ceremonies, which are popularly known as Wancho dances. |
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Buiya Dance | villages of ArunachalPradesh | Duiya, Tazampu and Tanuya festivals | Folk Dances of Mishmis The Digaru Mishmis perform two types of dances, named as Buiya and Nuiya. The Buiya dance of Arunachal Pradesh has two types of movements and it is performed for entertainment while the Nuiya is a ritual-dance performed by a priest. |
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Ponung Dance | Adi village | All-important & auspicious occasions | The dance performance is led by a Miri, who is a man adept in mythical songs about the origin of paddy and other crops. |
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Khampti Dance | Arunachal Pradesh | Potwah, Sankian or Khamsang | The villagers send an invitation to the drama-party for the performance. After which, the drama is staged in the front courtyard or in some suitable open space near the houses. |
Dance | Region(s) | appx. Period of Origination | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Bihu Dance | Assam | Festival of Bihu&Spring festival | Bihu dances performed by young boys and girls characterised by brisk stepping, flinging and flipping of hands and swaying of hips represents youthful passion, reproductive urge and 'Joie-de-vivre'. |
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Ankiya Nat | Namghars village | around yr. 1449 | Praying to Lord Krishna | The participants perform this art form by wearing large masks of gods, goddesses, demons and animals. The masks used for plays are huge in size, sometimes reaching up to the waist of the performer. |
Deodhani Dance | Villages of Assam | over 400 years ago | `Manasa Puja` i.e. the Snake Goddess. | During this occasion an Ojha followed by his Pallis sings few songs. In Deodhani the songs sung by Ojapali are known as Shuknamni. These religious songs are sung in honour of Manasa Devi. |
Husari and Bihunas | village Namghar | Bihu festival | Husari is more religious than festive and gives clear indications of the origin of the Bihu festival in some ancient fertility cult. |
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Dergonya Nachani | Deragon village&Nalbari in Kamru District | During various ceremonies | Dergonya Nachani is a form of a religious dance performed by dancers in the front of the temple. In a village called Deragon in Jorhat till the present days there are many female dancers who reside in the temple premises and perform there. |
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Chhinna Jatra | Assam | Drama | The drama was replete with Shringar Rasa, amorous and erotic. The main thought of the Chhinna Jatra was to provide enjoyment and gratification to the spectators. Hence it even lacked the religious aspect. | |
Gorgonya Nachani | Gorgaon | The descendants of this place still exist in that same place. Their art of dancing that they practised is called Lasya. In this the dancers along with dancing also sing the songs. Earlier they were also taken to the courts of the Ahome kings where they used dance and sing. |
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Bhaona Dance | Bordoa in Nowgong district | Krishna reladsted festivals | Bhaona Dance is performed on the backdrop of open air platform made of mud. Now days the dramas are performed under closed pandals. The platform is erected in the middle and the audience position themselves surrounding the platform. | |
Bagurumba Dance | Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Nalbari, Darrang and Sonitpur districts. | Bwishagu festival | The Bwishagu festival begins with a worship of the cows and then the young people bow down to their parents and other elders in the house. After this the Bathou is worshipped by offering the deity chicken and zou i.e rice beer. | |
Kamrupi Dance | Kamrup district | Ritual Dance | The Kamrupi Dance was classified to give it a provincial touch as it had originated from Assam. Till now there is a district in the State by that name. The famous forms of Kamrupi dances are `Phalguni`, `Gita`, `Karnarjuna` and others. | |
Dhuliya and Bhawariya | Assam | Generally accompanying bhawuas, i.e. theatrical performances of the type of miracle plays of Europe in the middle ages. These dances verging on acrobatics are performed to tunes of vigorous music provided with drums and cymbals. Masks are sometimes used. |
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Leken Dance | Assam | Leken dance is a famous Assamese dance which depicts the creation of the Earth. In this dance the waist is moved in a circular manner illustrating the movement of the Earth. | ||
Zikirs | Assam | Zikirs are songs sung by Assamese Muslims to the accompaniment of dancing in circles and clapping of hands. | ||
Mohauhau or Mahkheda | Kamrup district | Full moon night in Nov-Dec,Festival | It is also considered as a festival.Boys in groups go from house to house and sing and dance, striking the ground with bamboo sticks and taking leaps and turns. The ceremony is believed to be helpful in driving away mosquitoes. |
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Apsara-Sabah | Assam | This is a ceremony in which the nymphs of the air are invoked during calamities and lean times, women with flowing hair dance in circles. The rhythm is provided by striking bamboo sticks on conch-shells or bangles. |
Dance | Region(s) | appx. Period of Orgination | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Bidesia | Urban and rural | 20th century | Bhikari Thakur used satire and light-hearted comments to maximum effect to put forward his views on social ills and other problems plaguing Bhojpuri society. | |
Jat-Jatin Dance | Bihar | Stage Dance | The original theme of the Jat-Jatin dance of Bihar explains the story of the lovers Jat and Jatin, who were separated and living in difficult situations. | |
Kajari Dance | Bihar | Shravan month | The main content of these songs describe the pleasant change that has come due to the rainy season. | |
Jumari Dance | Mithilanchal of Bihar | After the month of Ashvin in September-October, the next one is the Kartik month and at this time, | The full moon looks attractive and spreads its milky rays in all directions. Such a romantic atmosphere gets the married women to go on dancing, singing and celebrating the turns of the season. | |
Jhijhian Dance | Bihar | Praying rain god Indra | Jhijhian dance is also related to rain but in this dance, the objective is very different. It is infact sung when there is no rain for a long time than its usual arrival. | |
Paika Dance[battle dance] | Bihar | During Marriages&festival of Dussera | The word `Paika` is derived from the Sanskrit word `Padatika` which means the infantry. The Paika dance of Bihar has a martial art character and is performed with shields and swords. | |
Bhuiyas Dance | Bihar | Dancing parties | Dance of Bhuiyas is based on the ritual of courtship which had evolved from a mere amusement of their community. The dancing parties held among the boys and girls of a particular village are regarded as much as rehearsals. | |
Maghi Dance | Bihar | The `Maghi` dance of Bihar is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. It consists of carefree scamper of girls and boys throughout the village. They also go to other villages. A group of almost three thousand people are formed for the celebration of the dance program which also includes feasting and merrymaking. | ||
Jumari Dance | Bihar | After the month of Ashwin (September-October) comes Kartik. | The sky is crystal clear, there is no cloud, it is full moon spreading milky rays all over. Maids in love go on dancing, singing and celebrating the turns of the season. | |
Jatra Dance | Bihar | Karma Festival | The Jatra dance depicts the mock fights between people of one village with the other. The two groups representing each village advance for a combat with long poles surmounted by pennants and waving sticks and clubs. | |
Sohar-Khilouna Dance | Bihar | ceremonial dance | This is a ceremonial dance to celebrate the pleasure of new birth in a family. The birth of a child is celebrated in all parts of the country with different traditional rituals. |
Dance | Region(s) | appx. Period of Orgination | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Bidesia | Urban and rural | 20th century | Bhikari Thakur used satire and light-hearted comments to maximum effect to put forward his views on social ills and other problems plaguing Bhojpuri society. | |
Jat-Jatin Dance | Bihar | Stage Dance | The original theme of the Jat-Jatin dance of Bihar explains the story of the lovers Jat and Jatin, who were separated and living in difficult situations. | |
Kajari Dance | Bihar | Shravan month | The main content of these songs describe the pleasant change that has come due to the rainy season. | |
Jumari Dance | Mithilanchal of Bihar | After the month of Ashvin in September-October, the next one is the Kartik month and at this time, | The full moon looks attractive and spreads its milky rays in all directions. Such a romantic atmosphere gets the married women to go on dancing, singing and celebrating the turns of the season. | |
Jhijhian Dance | Bihar | Praying rain god Indra | Jhijhian dance is also related to rain but in this dance, the objective is very different. It is infact sung when there is no rain for a long time than its usual arrival. | |
Paika Dance[battle dance] | Bihar | During Marriages&festival of Dussera | The word `Paika` is derived from the Sanskrit word `Padatika` which means the infantry. The Paika dance of Bihar has a martial art character and is performed with shields and swords. | |
Bhuiyas Dance | Bihar | Dancing parties | Dance of Bhuiyas is based on the ritual of courtship which had evolved from a mere amusement of their community. The dancing parties held among the boys and girls of a particular village are regarded as much as rehearsals. | |
Maghi Dance | Bihar | The `Maghi` dance of Bihar is celebrated with much pomp and gaiety. It consists of carefree scamper of girls and boys throughout the village. They also go to other villages. A group of almost three thousand people are formed for the celebration of the dance program which also includes feasting and merrymaking. | ||
Jumari Dance | Bihar | After the month of Ashwin (September-October) comes Kartik. | The sky is crystal clear, there is no cloud, it is full moon spreading milky rays all over. Maids in love go on dancing, singing and celebrating the turns of the season. | |
Jatra Dance | Bihar | Karma Festival | The Jatra dance depicts the mock fights between people of one village with the other. The two groups representing each village advance for a combat with long poles surmounted by pennants and waving sticks and clubs. | |
Sohar-Khilouna Dance | Bihar | ceremonial dance | This is a ceremonial dance to celebrate the pleasure of new birth in a family. The birth of a child is celebrated in all parts of the country with different traditional rituals. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Bhavada Dance,Tarpa Dance,Bohada Dance Tur and Thali Dance ,Dhol Dance,Gherria Dance . | Marriage, childbirth, religious festival or harvest | The aboriginal people of Dadra & Nagar Haveli carry on with their traditional customs and habitual rituals. Their festivals are very colorful and a large part of the festivities comprise of their very own folk dances. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Daman And Diu | fairs and festivals ,October to may | Folk Dance festival in Daman and Diu is the typical Portuguese regional folk dances of the territory that include the Mando Dance, Vira Dance, and the Verdigao. During the Folk Dance festival in Daman and Diu happiness and whole life style of the people of Diu is depicted. |
Dance | Region(s) | appx. Period of Orgination | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Dashavatara dance | Goa | 16th century | They form the base of Dashavatara dance. Some people believe that this dance has evolved from "Yakshagana", while others consider it, to have emerged from "Kuchipudi". Many actors believe that Dashavatara is originally a dance form of Kerala and they worship a deity of the Walaval region in Kerala. | |
Ghode Modni dance[warrior-dance] | Sattari taluka in Goa | Shigmo festival | Ghode Modni dance literally involves horse-like movements in its performances. It is a spectacular warrior-dance performed for the remembrance of the victory of the Ranes, the Maratha rulers of the Satari taluka in Goa, over the Portuguese. | |
Goff Dance | Goa | Shigmo festival in Phalgun month | There are four different braids of Goff dance. The songs that are sung during the dance performance are mostly devoted to Lord Krishna. Ghumat, Samael and Surta Shansi or melodic instruments accompanies the dance performance. | |
Manddo | Sattari taluka of Goa | from 1966 onwards | Manddo festival | Manddo is a song or rather a poignant story of love told in the form of a lovely song. The word Manddo, derives from the Sanskrit 'mandalam' meaning circular movement. |
The Dulpod Or Durpod | If the Manddo can be called an expression of the romantic aspect of the Goan, the Dulpod that follow it is the singing repertoire. | |||
Deknni or Dakhnni | Goa | It is a form of song-cum-dance in the Christian repertoire of song among the people of Goa. It is a song composed by Christian artistes perhaps an expression of the Goan Christian nostalgia for their lost Hindu past, where the Devadasi or kolvont in was an alluring symbol. |
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Kunnbi-Geet | Goa | Nondnni (weeding), Mollnni (threshing), Luvnni (harvesting) | These Kunnbis are found concentrated in the Chandor-Kouddi hamlet of Chandor in an exclusive ward of their own called Kunbeam-Vaddo now being called by them as Miream-Jirem. | |
Talgoddi Dance | Chandor village | There are some activities which are peculiar to Goan Hindus. The spirit of the carnival finds its expression in Chandor village among the Hindus in the form of the Talgoddi dance. | ||
Mussoll | Chandor village | around 1310 AD | The full moon night in the month of Phalguna | The Mussoll or pounding pestle used in the dance is made of solid bamboo of about 6-7 feet in length with inserted hawk's bells and is carried only by those who will actually dance. |
Dhalo | Goa | moonlit night of the Pausha month | The liveliest fun of a Dhalo session, occurs on the concluding day. The week which can be called women's lib week concludes with a sense of freedom. | |
Shigmo | Goa | Month of March&Phalguna | Shigmo is the time for the home coming of the brave, who had left their firesides with the Dussehra. For the farmer and the shepherd, it is the time of rebirth of nature and for the warriors, the time of return of man. | |
Dance | Region(s) | appx. Period of Orgination | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Garba Dance | Gujarat | Navaratri festival, Sharad Purnima, Vasant Panchami | Garba dance is originally a popular folk dance of Gujarat. This dance form has connection with Shakti-Puja and its origin is believed to be in the worship of goddess Jagdamba. | |
Tippani Dance | Gujarat | festivals like Holi or Diwali and on the ceremonies like wedding. | Tippani Dance, GujaratThere are many folk dances in India that typically represents the community related activities and their functional aspects, and the Tippani folk dance is also a dance of such a pattern. | |
Dandiya | Chief folk dance of Gujarat | Navratri season in October. | Gujarat has successfully preserved its rich tradition of song, dance and drama. Dandiya is one of the important dance forms among them. | |
Dandia-ras | Limbdi region of Gujarat | Navratri | most popular Dandia -Ras is also known as the `stick` dance. This is another form of dance that is also a feature of most welcomed festival, Navratri. | |
Bhavai Dance | Gujarat | 20th century | Bhavai is staged open-air in front of temples as a community ritual honouring the goddess Amba. Before the actors begin, they gather near a large earthen lamp and a drawing of a trishula or trident symbolizing the goddess. | |
Modhera Dance | Modhera in Mehsana district | Annual festival of dance | The beautiful Sun Temple acts as the backdrop during the festival of Indian classical dances held every year in January for three days. This annual festival of dance is organized by the Tourism Corporation of Gujarat. |
Dance | Region(s) | appx. Period of Orgination | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Saang Dance | Haryana | 1750 AD. | Saang dance is a popular dance form of Haryana, reflecting its culture in true sense. A group comprising of people in even numbers such as ten or twelve persons performs it. | |
Chhathi Dance | sixth day of the birth of a male child | |||
Khoria Dance | central region of Haryana | harvest, agricultural work | The Khjoria dance is a collective form of the variety of the Jhumar dance style & steps, exclusively performed by the women. | |
Dhamal Dance | Gurgaon area | Purpose of the harvest. | This dance is performed only by men. It is said that the people perform this dance whenever their crop is ready for the purpose of the harvest. |
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Ghoomar Dance | Western parts of the Haryana | Festivals such as Holi, Gangaur Puja and Teej. | The girls from the border region of the state generally perform Ghoomar. The dancers, who take a circular mode and move about clapping and singing, perform this dance. | |
Jhumar Dance | The dance named after an ornament called as "Jhumar" . Jhumar dance is also one among the famous folk dances of Haryana. | |||
Gugga Dance | Gugga Naumi allover northern India | week or two Before Gugga Naumi | The dance was naming Gugga by the devotees of saint Gugga. Gugga dance is performed by only men. Both Hindus and Muslims worship Gugga Pir. | |
Loor Dance | Bangar area of Haryana | Holi festival | This dance marks the arrival of pleasant spring season and with it the sowing of the Rabi crops in the farms. The songs are generally in the form of questions and answers format. | |
Ras Leela | Braja area of the Faridabad district | Krishna reladsted festivals | This dance is common among the people living in the Braja area of the Faridabad district. Lord Vishnu has been manifest in many incarnations. He is the supreme embodiment. He is Lord Krishna. | |
Phag Dance or Phalgun | Haryana | The month of February -March | In this dance men and women group together. The rhythm takes them on to emotional expression through their hands, eyes, and feet. The dance involves a variety of movement ,requiring sound co-ordination. | |
Daph dance | Haryana | The harvest and spring | It depicts the joyful emotions of the farmers. Men and women of all sections of the village community participate in this dance, separately. For melodic instruments the ancient Haryanavis used flutes, lutes and beens. | |
Holi Dance | Faridabad, Pulwal and Ballabhgarh | seasonal festival of spring | This exuberant dance is connected with the seasonal festival of spring. When the rural community rejoices and relaxes after the completion of their agricultural operations. |
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Gangor-Puja Dance | villages bordering on Rajasthan | puja ceremony of Iswar and Gangor | It is devotional dance to invoke the blessings of the gods for good harvest and is usually performed in the months of palghun and Chait. |
Dance | Region(s) | appx. Period of Origination | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Namagen | Himachal Pradesh | month of September | The most striking dance performance amongst these is the Gaddis.The costumes that are used in this dance are of woolens and women wear richly studded ornaments of silver. The dancing steps & rhythm of the dance is wonderfully mixed with each other. Drum plays an important part in this dance performance. | |
Karayila | This drama includes an entertaining series of small playlets, skits, variety shows and parodies. This form of shows present sharp and pungent satires about the bureaucracy and social issues very boldly. |
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Losar Shona Chuksam Dance | Himachal Pradesh | Agricultural festival | The dancing steps depict all activities that are related with farming from sowing to reaping barley and phaphar (a local grain). The dance performance also includes innovative performed in the form of mime. |
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The Mala Dance[garland] | Himachal Pradesh | In this, the dancers dressed in their traditional finery, weave their arms, together to form a sort of a criss-cross pattern so that, they appear like beads in an intricately woven garland. |
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The Demon dance | Kinnaur area | Chaitol and Bishu festival | In these men and women hold hands and dance. The leader is known as 'Ghure' and the rest follow in his footsteps. In some areas men and women dance separately | |
The Dalshone and Cholamba dances | Ropa valley | The Cholamba dance is performed when a tiger is killed. The skin of the dead animal is stuffed and a gold ornament is put in his nose. The carcass is then rotated and the people dance around it. | ||
Nagas Kayang | Villages of Himachal | This dance is performed by young men and women. The Shuna Kayang dance is danced in most villages in the area and it combines both slow and fast movements. | ||
Jataru Kayang | Himachal Pradesh | Festivals | The chamar becomes a great source of resentment and leads to fights among the dancers. The Ghure who is the leader of the dance has to deposit a small fee at the temple of the deity for using the chamar. | |
The Shan and Shabu dances | Lahaul valley | Harvesting of crops&local religious festivals | It is a tribal dance which is performed at the completion of the harvesting of crops. The instrument played in this are drums, shehnai and a stringed instrument like a violin. |
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Nuala | Chamba valley | Praying lord Siva | In this a garland is placed upon a pedestal as Shiva's garland and around it many dance dramas depicting scenes from the life of Lord Shiva are enacted. | |
Keekali and Bhangra | Kangra, Himirpur and Una areas | The tribal dances of the trans-Himalayan region are different in content and music. The old tradition of both song and dance in these areas has been zealously guarded against any urban influence | ||
The Jhoori, Gi, Swang Tegi and Rasa dances | Sirmaur | The Jhoori, Thadair, Rasa, Gi, Nati, Swang Tegi, Draudi and Padua are popular dance forms of Sirmaur and the surrounding area. Jhoori is danced in the open. It is danced to questions and answers delivered in musical tones. Each line ends with Hoo Hoo sounds. |
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Khaydayat and Lamba dances | Himachal Pradesh | The Lamba dance lays more stress on the movement of the feet. In this the dancers with first movement put the right foot forward and then the left and then the right again and in the fourth movement revert back to their original position. At the same time they clap their hands. It is a vigorous dance. |
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The Lahadi and Ghooghati dances | Hill communities | Lahadi is a popular dance of hill communities which is performed by women. In this, women form two teams which stand face to face.In the Ghooghati dance the dancer stands in a line and the one behind puts his hand on the shoulders of the one in front of him. | ||
The Dand Ras and Dangi Dances | Himachal Pradesh | festivals, weddings | The Danda Ras is danced to the best of complex rhythms like Dhamal and Lahauli on drums.The Dangi dances is a dance form of the Chamba area. It is performed at festivals, weddings and during Jatara by the Gaddi women |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Bhand Jashna | "festival of clowns" of Kashmir | 300 to 400-year-old | social and cultural functions | Bhand Jashna is performed by a group of 10 to 15 artists in their traditional style accompanied by musical instruments like the Surnai - a Kashmiri version of the Indian Shehnai, big Dhol, Nagara, and Peshrao. |
Dumhal Dance | Kashmir | set occasions and at set locations | Apart from dancing, the performers also sing along songs in chorus, tuned with music by various drums. In this dance, groups of performers move in a ritual manner and dig a banner into the ground on various occasions. | |
Kud Dance | middle mountain ranges of the Jammu region | Harvest | The Kud dance is performed during the rainy seasons and it exhibits swaying & sinuous movements | |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Yakshgana | Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu | 16th century | Yakshgana is a folk theatre form of Karnataka and it is an ancient art. It relates with many of the traditions and conventions of the Sanskrit theatre or drama, particularly those of the Purvaranga and the existence of a character, vidushak. |
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Dollu Kunitha Dance | North Karnataka, Shimoga and Chitradurga districts | Kunitha are considered as the ritualistic dances of Karnataka, of which the Dollu Kunitha is one of the ritualistic dances that is popular with the kurubas of `Beereshvara Sampradaya` | ||
Bhootha Aradhane | Karnataka. | once in the month of January | This form of dance is rarely seen. Bhootha means ghost. The references to these creatures` dates back to myths. In mythology Lord Shiva`s attendants are referred to as Bhuta Ganas. | |
Nagamandala Dance Form | coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi | This traditional dance form is interesting to watch. The origin of Nagamandala is rooted in human curiosity. Snakes have always been a subject of awe and wonder in India. |
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Kolata | Mandya and Hassan districts | social and cultural functions | Kolata or stick dance is a kind of valour dance involving groups of people who indulge in bending, swaying and jumping activities to the tune of rhythmic clashing of sticks. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Kakkarissi Kali | Tiruvananthapuram | It also contains wild beatings of primitive drums like para, veekkan chenda etc. | ||
Kaavadiyattom | Kerala | Pray Lord Subrahmaniam | For performance, a number of dancers gather in temple, dressed in yellow or rose colour costumes. Their body is smeared with lines of ashes and each candidate has an ornate kaavadi on the shoulder. |
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Kanniyar Kali | Kerala | It is being performed since centuries and is sometimes called as Desathukali. It is a fast moving, militant dance having pleasant rhythmic devotional folk songs. It is said to be a ritual offering in honour of the deity Bhagavathy. |
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Thirayattom | Kerala | ceremonial dance | It is a ceremonial dance, which is performed as a vital part of festive celebrations in Kavus, in the Central Malabar region. |
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Kummatti Dance | South Malabar region of Kerala | The dancers wear brightly painted wooden masks on the faces while dancing. | ||
Tiruvathira | Kerala | first half of 19th century | Tiruvathira celebration | The cultural level has always been fairly high in the middle and upper classes and women fully participate in it. In Kerala, there is a unique phenomenon of a continuous escalation of folk traditions |
Margamkali | Kerala | The word 'Margam' means path, way, religion or creed. The real source of inspiration for Margamkali was Kalaripayattu which was very popular when the Christian community had developed the form. | ||
Oppana | Kerala | Marriage's | Oppana is a form accompanied by clapping of hands. Both men and women participate in it. In marriages, the women move in a circle and receive the bride while men stand aside singing songs and receive the bridegroom |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Maanch | Malwa | 17th century | "Maanch" means the stage or place of performance and as an indigenous & distinct folk-form. | |
Gaur Maria Dance | Madhya Pradesh | The announcement or invitation for a dance is given by making sound with a bamboo trumpet or a horn. | ||
Dahi Kala Dance | Madhya Pradesh | Gokulashtami | Dahi Kala Dance, Madhya PradeshThe `Dahi Handi` (curd pot) or the `Dahi Kala` is a much celebrated dance of Madhya Pradesh celebrated in memory of Lord Krishna`s famous prank of stealing curd along with his group of friends. | |
Karma Dance | Madhya Pradesh | They make two rows facing each other. Along with the dance the musicians play on a type of drum called a `timki` which they place on the ground between them. The dance is graceful to observe and is performed with measured steps. | ||
Lota Dance | Madhya Pradesh | The Lota dance is performed by the womenfolk of the Banjaras. In the dance they place a series of pitchers filled with water one on top of the other balancing on their hands. | ||
Dance of Kamad Tribe | Madhya Pradesh | Holi | The Kamad tribe of Madhya Pradesh depicts in their dances their pastoral and rural life. In this dance both the man and the women take part. The male performers sing and play a single string instrument, called `Ektara.` |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Tamasha | Maharashtra | sixteenth century | `Tamasha` is a Persian word which means entertainment or fun. It is a blend of different influences. There are several scholars who believe that Tamasha is inspired by two forms of drama in Sanskrit; the `Bhana` and the `Prahsana`. | |
Koli | Maharashtra | The dances of these fishermen possess elements taken from their occupation, which is fishing. Koli is performed in this state by women and men, who divide themselves in two groups. | ||
Lavani | Maharashtra | 18th and 19th century Maratha battle | Lavani is a mixture of traditional dance and song, which is performed mainly to the beats of Dholak`; an instrument like a drum. This folk dance is executedby beautiful women wearing sarees of nine-yards |
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Povadas | Maharashtra | Povadas form a part of Marathi ballads, depicting the Marathi leader Shri Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj`s life. Shivaji holds a respectable position in each and every Maharashtrian`s heart. | ||
Dhangari Gaja | Dhangar in Sholapur district | To please their God for his blessings | The Dhangars earn their living by rearing sheep and goats. Their poetry is mainly inspired by the evergreen trees all around. The poetry is in a form called 'Ovi' which is made up of couplets. | |
Kala and Dindi Dance | Maharashtra | Ekadashi day in the month of Kartik | Kala is another folk dance form that describes the playful attitude of Lord Krishna. This dance form features a pot symbolizing fertility. Dindi is a small drum, like a 'Tamate'. The dancers dance to the rhythm by surrounding the musicians, providing the essential musical background |
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Nakhayi Kolin Dance | Maharashtra | The Nakta is the clown who puts on a mask while performing the dance who provides laughter and entertainment to the villagers specially the children. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Pung Cholom | Manipur | Pung Cholom is folk art form with a combination of sound and movements, which sometimes demand acrobatic abilities & stamina. | ||
Maibi Dance | valley of Manipur | Festival Lai-Haraoba | Which is an annual ritual festival of the Meitei Manipuris living in the valley of Manipur. | |
Khamba Thaibi | Manipur | Ritual Dance | Khamba and Thoibi is a drama which relates the love story of the pair and the tragic end of their story. Khamba belonged to the Moirang clan. | |
Lai Haraoba | Manipur | Celebration of the Gods | The Nupa dance or Nupa Pala is also known as Kartal Cholom or Cymbal Dance, performed in a group, only by the men folk. | |
Nupa Dance[Cymbal Dance] | Manipur | The movements involved in this dance are soft, gentle and serene during the initial stage; however, it gradually gathers momentum in it. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Shad Sukmynsiem[Weiking dance] | Khasi Hills | During the month of April of each year colourful thanks giving festival | Virgins and menfolk dressed in traditional and colourful costumes participate in the dance, which is accompanied by drums and pipes called tangmuri, the queen of musical instruments. | |
Shad Nongkrem | Meghalaya | celebrated in November of every year. | Like all other ceremonies of the Meghalayans, it is performed to propitiate the all powerful Goddess Ka Blei Synshar for a rich bounteous harvest and prosperity of the people (subject). | |
Doregata | Khasi Hills | Another dance that the performer dangles a pomelo or any other fruit on a cord tied to his waist and then whirls it round and round after the initial impetus with a barely perceptible movement of his hips. | ||
Do Dru-su'a | The Garos have traditional dance called Do Dru-su'a in which two women dance like doves pecking each other. | |||
Laho dance | For entertainment, the Pnars have their Laho dance, in which members of both sex participate in their festival finery. Usually two young men on either side of a girl , linking arms together dance in steps. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Cheraw Dance[Bamboo dance] | Mizoram | `Buhza Aih` that is the bumper harvest | The dancers perform various attractive steps in and out on the beats of the bamboos. | |
Khuallam Dance | Mizoram | Khuangchawi` ceremony | The dance is performed with an accompaniment of the sounds of gongs known as darbu`, but has no lyrics for the songs sung. |
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Chailam | Mizoram | During the festivals | Chailam is a group dance performed by a group of men and women who stand alternatively in the shape of a circle. | |
Sawlakin[Lakher dance] | Mizoram | The dance was led by the warrior who had hunted a big game or killed a man. He would wear his best clothes and a plume of red feather. |
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Chawnglaizawn | Mizoram | prize received for good hunting | During such occasions the dance is performed in large groups. Both boys and girls dance the drum`s beat. Shawls are also used in order to facilitate the movement of arms. However in this dance only drums are used. | |
Chheihlam | Mizoram | In the year 1900 | Basically they recount their heroic deeds and escapades as well as praise the honoured guests who are watching it. |
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Zangtalam[Paihte tribe] | Mizoram | The drummer choreographs the dance and the duration of the dance depends on how long the drummer can beat the drum. It is a rhythmic dance. | ||
Sarlamkai | Mizoram | Sarlamkai is the variation of Solakia dance. However the dressing is different in this dance. Gongs or cymbals or drums are used. | ||
Par Lam | Mizoram | Par lam is a dance performed by the girls attired in colourful dresses, with flowers tucked in their hair.Musical accompaniment is given by the boys. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Zeliang Tribe | Nagaland | During a performance, the participants start entering slowly into the stage or arena with some distinctive steps or movement and stand making a circle or other geometrical shape. | ||
Zemis Tribe | North Cachar hills | These dances are sometimes segregated with regard to the steps of dance, after its similarity with insects, birds or even animals | ||
Chang Lo | Nagaland | celebrate the victory over enemies | Presently, it forms a part of all the community celebrations, such as Poanglem, a three day festival preceding the harvest season. There are dramatic costumes of the traditional Naga warrior and finery of womenfolk. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Pala | Orissa | Medieval period | Marriages or any religious festival | Ghumura was also used as a Darbari dance in the princely state of Kalahandi and played by the earstwhile Kalahandi state during war times |
Ghumura | South Western Orissa | worship of Lord Shiva | This performance of Daskathia is considered as ritualistic and secular in nature. The performance group consists of two people, a chief singer (Gayaka) and the other known as the `Palia`. | |
Daskathia | Orissa | Chaitra Purnima and continues till the Pana Sankranti (Vishuva Sankranti) day. | Kamana Ghata carries an importance in Danda Nata. Ghata is the Pitcher, which is full of water, and it holds a very important place in the performance | |
Danda Nata | Orissa | In the Prahlad Nataka, the textual part contains overall 120 songs, which were written by Gopinath Parichha, who was one of the members of the court of Raja Ramakrishna Chhotray of Jalantar. |
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Prahlad Nataka | Ganjam District,Orissa | Bharat Lila is an example of presenting the stories from epics with expressive acts & dances | ||
Bharat Lila | Ganjam District of Orissa. | It is performed in the presence of various musical instruments. In some parts, it is also termed as by the name `Dhudiki Nabaranga Nata. |
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Ghudiki Nabaranga Nata | Orissa | Dusserah | The `Dalkhai` is an eye-catching dance performance by the tribal women from the Sambalpur district of Orissa. | |
Dalkhai Dance | western Orissa | It is a folk dance of the Bodo community, which is very rich in cultural wealth. | ||
Bagurumba Dance | Orissa | the worship of Devi Manasa | It is actually based on a mythological reference, where a wife had to dance before the goddess Manasa to get her husband`s life back. | |
Deodhani Dance | Orissa | In this dance performance, two to four performers play the Dhepadhol and it is specially to generate a unique sound, while beating it. | ||
Dhepa Dhuliya Dance | Darrang region of Orissa | Chaitra & Baisakh | The dance is deeply ingrained in the Shakti cult. An integral portion of this dance drama is enacted by the character of a horse. Therefore it is called Ghoda Dance. |
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Chaiti Ghoda Nata | coastal Orissa | The dance of the Juangs closely resembles the Bhuiya dances of the hill tribes but the Juangs lack the style and grace of the Bhuiya. | ||
Juangs | The dance is a stylized mock battle in which two groups of dancers armed with swords and shields, alternatively attack and defend themselves with vigorous movements and elegant stances. | |||
Ruk Mar Nacha[Chhau dance] | Mayurbhanj District of Orissa |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Garadi | Pondicerry | All festivals | The dancers are disguised as 'vanars' and carry sticks in their hands as they dance to the beat of two big drums, called ' Ramadolus'. A distinctive feature of this dance is the iron rings called 'anjali' which dancers wear on their legs - ten on each leg. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Bhangra Dance | Punjab | Weddings and festivals,Baisakhi only by the men | Bhangra includes the drummer who usually stands in the center of the circle in an open space surrounded by dancers who even recite meaningless `bolis`, words such as hoay. | |
Jhummar Dance | Punjab | weddings and other major functions | The Jhummar dance is a dance of ecstasy and a living testimony of the happiness of men, so performed only by men. | |
Luddi Dance | Punjab | This dance can also be done with the drummer standing at the center but sometimes the dancers dance before a throng of people by moving forward |
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Dhumall Dance | Punjab | This folk dance also has not been able to achieve the popularity of Bhangra. | ||
Jalli Dance | Punjab | Jalli dance is a religious dance associated with Pirs and recluses and is generally danced in their hermitages (khangahs). | ||
Giddha Dance | West Punjab | This dance form is derived from the ancient style of ring dancing. |
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Kikli Dance | There are varieties of traditional songs available that are used to accompany the `Kikli` dance, where most of these consist merely of loosely rhyming lines without underlying theme. |
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Jaago Dance | wedding | Jaago is constructed following the style of ancient balconies on several surfaces of which lamps are hanged in the style of stars. | ||
Teeyan Dance | Punjab | women`s dance festival | Teeyan is also performed to welcome the rains is the principal time for the Giddha. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Gowari Dance | nine functionaries follow a strict regimen. | The Bhils community of the men and women enjoy this dance. While dancing they sing alternately and move clockwise & anti-clockwise giving free body movements. | ||
Ghoomer Dance | Rajasthan | Fairs & festivals | The performers in Ghoomar dance sway their colorful ghagras that are rich in embroidery work and it is also embellished with mirror-work. |
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Terahtali Dance | Rajasthan | The 'terahtali' is a fascinating dance performed by women, while sitting. The women have 'manjeeras' (little brass discs) tied with long strings to their wrists, elbows, waists, arms and a pair in their hands as well. | ||
Drum Dance | Jalore region of Rajasthan | various states of India | In this dance,five men beat huge drums that are tied around their necks; a dancer, which holds huge cymbals in their hands, also accompanies them. | |
Fire Dance | Bikaner and Churu districts | Devotional dances can be seen only in late nights | The accompanying music rises in tempo as the dance progresses, ending with the performer dancing on brightly glowing embers, which is a breathtaking and deeply impressive sight. | |
Chari Dance | Kisherigarh region | gathering water from a far distance-in this sequence | Rajasthan has a lot of inadequate water supply and gathering water from a far distance is a part of everyday life of women folk. | |
Kathputli Dance | Rajasthan | Kathputli Dance means the dances of pupets.Through the puppet shows all the real stories of great heros has been told from village to another. | ||
Kalbeliya Dance | Rajasthan | The Kalbeliyas, is a snake-charmer community from Rajasthan, which performs the Kalbeliya dance. They rely heavily on this dance performance for their living. |
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Gair Dance | Rajasthan | festival of Holi | Gair Dance is a folk dance of the Bhil community of Rajasthan |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Maruni | Sikkim | Festival of Light,marriages | During this festival Maruni dancers richly dressed in colourful costumes and resplendent with ornaments. | |
Tamang Selo | Sikkim | Tamangs are a Nepali community and the `Tamang Selo` dance is performed to the rhythmic sound of the `Dhamphu` musical instrument which the dancers carry in their hands. | ||
Lepcha Folk Dance-Zo-Mal-Lok | Sikkim | harvesting of paddy | The dance is performed by the Lepcha farmers to reduce the drudgery and monotony of working in the fields. |
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Bhutia Folk Dance Tashi Sabdo | Sikkim | This dance describes the custom of offering `Khadas` or scarves. |
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Khang-chen-dzod-nga Dance | Sikkim | (1686-1716) | worship of snowy range of Kanchanjunga | Kanchendzonga is portrayed as a fiery red - countenanced deity with a crown of five skulls, riding the mythical snow lion and holding aloft the banner of victory. |
Black Hat (Kali topi) Dance | Sikkim | Sikkimese New Year Day | This masked dance is also performed by male dancers mostly the Lamas. The dance revives the old story which narrates that about twelve centuries ago King Land-Darma was slain for suppressing Buddhism in Tibet. | |
Tibetan Yak Dance | Sikkim | This dance is performed to honour the yak. This is an animal on which man is completely dependent upon for survival at high altitudes. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Karakam | Thanjavur,Tirunelveli district | The villagers perform this dance in praise of the rain goddess "Mari Amman" and the river goddess "Gangai Amman" as a part of their custom. | ||
Kolaattam | All over the state of Tamil Nadu | Amavasi or New-moon night after Deepavali. | Kol means a small stick, and Attam means play, hence, a play or dance performed with sticks can be its simplest meaning. | |
Kavadi Aattam | Thirupparakundram in Madurai district | worship Subrahmanya | Only the men perform it, since only they can hold the Kavadi. Sometimes it is also done by balancing a pole with pots fixed on either end of stick, filled with milk or coconut water. | |
Bhagavatha Mela | Thanjavur district | For Entertainment | Kuravanji is a type of dance-drama distinctive to the Tamils. As performed for an entertaining objective, whose emphasis is balanced between the classical & traditional one | |
Nondi Natakam | some part of Tamil Naidu | 17th or early 18th century | The word "Nondi" means, the one who limps and "Natakam" means play. Thus, a play performed by a character, keeping one leg folded at the back, is Nondi Natakam. | |
Pavai Koothu | Tamil Nadu | 16th century | The name is quite appropriate to its theme, as all the stories concern with the feelings of Vali, one of Lord Shiva`s attendants, for Subramanya, who is one of Shiva`s sons. | |
Bommalattam | Tamil Nadu | Festivals and fairs | There are various kinds of puppets used for this show, made up of cloth, wood, leather, etc. A skilled performer with the help of strings or wires controls them. | |
Kuravaik-Koothu | Tamil Nadu | This dance has a peculiar musical significance. The seven notes of the musical scale are arranged in a circle and the seven girls are called by the names of the seven musical notes viz Kural, Tattam, Kalikkilae. | ||
Puravai Attam | Tamil Nadu | festivals | Puravai Attam also known as Poikkal Kuthirai, is a dummy horse show. The dummy horse is made of jute, cardboard, paper, and glass. | |
Therukoothu | Northern districts | Traditional street play | The art of entertainment had reached to its peak in Tamil Nadu at an early age. There were mainly three forms of entertainment in ancient Tamil Nadu. | |
Arayar Natanam | Shrirangam | in December-January | The Araya's practice a certain esoteric system of dance wherein the postures are conventional and present situations associated with lord Krishna's Juvenile Pranks | |
Leather puppet show | Tamil Nadu | These puppets are made of thin goat skin carefully cured to make them translucent. They are cut and joined in such a way that the limbs can be moved. | ||
Navasandhi | Tamil Nadu | annual festival of the temple at Tiruchendur | The dances performed by the Palanquin-bearers of the Lord are other variations of the drama tradition combining music and dance. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Garia Dance | Tripura State | middle of April, they pray to the God 'Garia' for a happy harvest. | The celebration is attached to the Garia Puja that lasts about for seven days, where they seek to entertain their beloved deity with song and dance, which is also known as the Garia dance | |
Lebang Boomani Dance | Tripura State | After the Garia festival is over, the Tripuris have a time to rest awaiting the monsoon | The rhythm of the sound made by the bamboo chips attracts the insects from their hiding places and the women in-groups catch them. With the change of time jhuming on hill slopes are gradually diminishing. | |
Hozagiri Dance | Tripura State | The Reang tribal community, which is a very distinct community, practises this dance form and hence even the dance is very different from the other tribal dances. |
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Hai-Hak Dance | Tripura State | End of Harvesting season | The Halam community, whose social and economic life, also revolves around jhum cultivation, performs the Hai-Hak dance. | |
Wangala Dance | Tripura State | After the harvest | The Sangnakma, head of the communities visits every house and cuts a pumpkin as a part of gods worship, which is sacrificed on this occasion for one`s peaceful life. | |
Welcome Dance | Tripura State | welcoming guests | This is performed for visitors, who pay visits to their house as a guest. Being a very colorful & attractive dance, young girls of the entire community take part and enjoy in the same. | |
Cheraw Dance | Tripura State | Perform throughout the day and night | The Darlong community, strongly believes that man is destined to go to heaven after his/her death. | |
Way Dance[Lamp Dance] | Tripura State | the day of full moon of the month in Ashvin | The traditional dance of the Mog community is known as a `Way Dance` or `Lamp Dance`. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Raslila | Braj area | Praying Lord Krishna | Ras Lila is a cosmic dance that is often defined as a popular Indian folk dance. Ras Lila originated from Vrajadham or Vrindavan, the land in Uttar Pradesh, where Lord Krishna resided | |
Ramlila | Varanasi | During the festival Dussehra | Ramlila is considered as a dance form having spiritual connectivity; thus a performance of Ramlila creates a festive atmosphere with peaceful waves. Ramlila is generally performed during the festival Dussehra in Uttar Pradesh. | |
Mayur Dance | Mathura | Lathmar Holi of Mathura | Women from Barsana greet them while beating them with long wooden sticks and colored water where the men have to be well padded as they cannot retaliate. | |
Charkula Dance | Braj region of Uttar Pradesh. | About Krishna leela's(miracles) | Charkula is a popular folk dance of Uttar Pradesh. This Uttar Pradesh dance form has its origin in the Braj region of the state and therefore is predictably connected to the myths surrounding the life and times of Krishna. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Hurka Baul Dance | Cultivation of paddy and maize | The hurka is the only musical instrument used in the dance. In the Hurka Baul dance performance; the singer slowly & interestingly narrates the story of battles and heroic deeds. |
Name & Alias | Region(s) | appx. Origin timeline | Occasion / Significance | Short Description |
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Brita Dance | West Bengal | They offer their thankfulness to God | Brita Dance is also called Vrita Dance and it is regarded as a very special one in this state. It is mainly an invocation dance performed by women of Bengal, who are unable to give birth to children. | |
Chhau Dance[mask dance] | Purulia district in the state of West Bengal | Mythological dance | Chhau dance of Purulia has some characteristics of primitive ritualistic dance in its vigour, style and musical accompaniment mainly the drum. | |
Gambhira Dance | Malda district | Chadak festival in the month of March-April | Gambhira Dance is one of Bengal`s folk dances which acquired a significant position in the culture of this state. Folk dances in this state were initially either devotional or agricultural. | |
Tusu Dance | Birbhum district | Makara Sankranti ,month of Pousa (December-January) | Tusu symbolized in small clay figurines or sometimes merely as cow-dung balls. After a sacred bath they return to worship and make offerings of rice to the deity. | |
Santhal Dance | Jharkhand district | This tribal community has immense solidarity and a good cultural lineage. The members of this tribe are mainly the devotees of the deity called `Thakurji`, whom, they believe, had formed this world. | ||
Lathi Dance | West Bengal | Muslim festival of Muharram | A lathi used in the Lathi dance is basically of a 6 to 8 foot long bamboo stick sometimes tipped with a metal blunt and it is used like a sword by swinging it back and forth like a sword. | |
The Raibense Dance | Birbhium district | The dances of the Raibenshes of Burdwan and Birbhum seem to be the last surviving vestiges of war-like traditions. |
Sir / Ma’m
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