State-Wise Folk Dances of India

Andhra Pradesh
Folk Dance Description
Kuchipudi A classical dance form with roots in ancient Hindu texts, often depicting stories from epics like the Mahabharata.

Dappu A rhythmic dance performed with a hand-held drum, usually by rural communities.

Dhimsa A tribal dance from the Araku Valley, performed during festivals and celebrations.

Kolattam A group dance with rhythmic clapping and sticks, resembling the Dandiya of Gujarat.

Vilasini Natyam An ancient dance form traditionally performed in temples, now revived as a classical dance.

Andhra Natyam A temple dance form, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Andhra Pradesh.

Bhamakalpam A dance-drama that narrates stories from Hindu mythology, particularly about Lord Krishna.

Veeranatyam A warrior dance that involves fierce movements, often performed in honor of Lord Shiva.

Tappeta Gullu A vibrant dance form that involves loud beats and rhythmic movements, typically performed during festivals.

Butta Bommalu A unique dance where performers wear giant-sized dolls and dance to the beats of traditional music.
Assam

Bihu The most popular dance form of Assam, performed during the Bihu festival to celebrate the Assamese New Year.

S
Bagurumba A graceful dance performed by the Bodo community, inspired by nature and wildlife.

TE
Jhumura A traditional dance-drama that combines music, dance, and drama, performed mainly by the tea tribes.

Tabal Chongli A rhythmic dance performed with small hand-held drums, reflecting the martial traditions of the region.

Natpuja

Kaligopal
A
A ritualistic dance performed in honor of local deities, showcasing Assam's rich cultural heritage.

A dance-drama based on the life of Lord Krishna, blending music, dance, and storytelling.
PD
Bihar
Jata-Jatin A popular folk dance that narrates the love story of Jata and Jatin, showcasing rural life in Bihar.
U

Bakho-Bakhain A traditional dance performed during festivals, often accompanied by folk songs.

Panwariya A devotional dance performed by rural communities during religious occasions.

A dance performed by women to celebrate the festival of Sama Chakeva, symbolizing the bond between brothers and
Sama Chakwa
sisters.
JO

Bidesia A folk theatre form that combines dance, music, and drama, depicting the struggles of rural migrants.
Gujarat
Garba A lively dance performed during Navratri, involving rhythmic clapping and circular movements.
D

Dandiya Ras A traditional dance performed with colorful sticks, usually during festivals like Navratri.
K

Bhavai A folk theatre form that involves dance, drama, and music, often depicting social issues.

Tippani Juriun A dance performed by women using sticks and plates, often during festivals and celebrations.

Rathwa ni Gher A tribal dance performed by the Rathwa community during the festival of Holi.

Dangi A dance performed by the Dangi tribe, reflecting their connection with nature and wildlife.
 Haryana
Jhumar A popular dance performed by both men and women, known for its graceful movements.

Phag A dance performed during the spring festival of Phag, celebrating the harvest season.

Daph A traditional dance accompanied by the beats of the Daph drum, performed during festivals.

Dhamal A vigorous dance performed by men, usually in the open fields, celebrating the spirit of rural life.

Loor A dance performed by young girls during the harvest season, reflecting joy and prosperity.

Gugga A dance performed in honor of Gugga Pir, a folk deity worshipped in Haryana.
Himachal Pradesh
A popular dance form, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the largest folk dance, performed during festivals
Nati
and weddings.

Chham A ritualistic dance performed by Buddhist monks, aimed at warding off evil spirits.

Jhora A community dance performed by men and women, reflecting the cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh.

Chharhi A dance performed during religious ceremonies, often accompanied by folk songs and music.

Thoda A martial dance form that combines elements of archery and dance, reflecting the warrior traditions of the region.

Chhapeli A romantic dance performed by couples, showcasing the joy and festivity of the region.

S
Jammu and Kashmir
Rauf A traditional dance performed by women during the harvest season, characterized by graceful movements.

TE
Dhumal A vibrant dance performed by men, wearing traditional headgear, usually during celebrations.

Hafiza A classical dance performed by women, often during weddings and festivals.
A
Bhand Pather A folk theatre form that combines dance, drama, and satire, reflecting the social issues of the region.
PD
Hikat A spinning dance performed by young girls, often during the spring season.

Kud A ceremonial dance performed by the rural communities, usually during weddings and festivals.
U

Karnataka
A traditional dance-drama form that combines dance, music, and dialogues, often depicting stories from Hindu
Yakshagana
mythology.
B

Dollu Kunitha A drum dance performed by men, characterized by vigorous movements and loud beats.
JO

Veeragase A warrior dance performed during the Dussehra festival, symbolizing valor and courage.

Karga A ritualistic dance performed in honor of the goddess Draupadi, involving balancing pots on the head.

Ummatt-aat A traditional dance performed by women, reflecting the cultural heritage of Karnataka.
D

Bayalata A folk theatre form that combines dance, music, and drama, usually performed in open-air settings.
K
 Kerala
A classical dance-drama form known for its elaborate costumes and expressive gestures, often depicting stories from
Kathakali
Hindu epics.

Mohiniattam A classical dance form performed by women, characterized by graceful movements and elegant costumes.

Kummattikali A mask dance performed during the Onam festival, involving colorful costumes and rhythmic movements.

Ottam Thullal A solo dance-drama form that combines dance, music, and satire, often performed during temple festivals.

Kolkali A group dance performed with sticks, reflecting the martial traditions of Kerala.

Kaikottikali A traditional dance performed by women during the Onam festival, symbolizing unity and harmony.
Maharashtra
Lavani A traditional dance form performed by women, known for its energetic movements and rhythmic music.

Povada A folk theatre form that narrates the heroic deeds of Shivaji Maharaj, blending music, dance, and drama.

Lezim A folk dance performed during the Ganesh festival, characterized by the use of small cymbals called Lezim.

Koli A dance performed by the Koli fishermen community, reflecting their daily life and connection with the sea.

Dhangari Gaja A dance performed by the Dhangar shepherd community, usually during religious ceremonies and festivals.

Tamasha A folk theatre form that combines dance, music, and drama, often performed in rural Maharashtra.

S
Odisha
Odissi A classical dance form with roots in the temples of Odisha, known for its lyrical movements and intricate gestures.

TE
A martial dance form that combines elements of dance, music, and martial arts, often depicting stories from Hindu
Chhau
mythology.

Dalkhai
A
A folk dance performed by women during the Dussehra festival, characterized by rhythmic movements and folk songs.
PD
Ranapa A traditional dance performed on stilts, often enacting chapters from the life of Lord Krishna.

Sakhi Kandhei A puppet dance form that combines dance, music, and storytelling, often performed during religious festivals.

Gotipua A traditional dance form performed by young boys dressed as girls, often considered the precursor to Odissi.
U

West Bengal
Baul A mystical dance form performed by the Baul community, reflecting their spiritual beliefs and connection with nature.
B

Gambhira A folk dance performed during the Chaitra festival, often using wooden masks and enacting social issues.
JO

Jatra A traditional theatre form that combines dance, music, and drama, often performed in open-air settings.

Bhatiyali Geet A traditional boatman’s song that reflects the life and struggles of the riverine communities of Bengal.
D

Dhali A martial dance form performed by the Dhali community, known for its vigorous movements and energetic music.

Kathi A stick dance performed by the rural communities, often during festivals and celebrations.
K
 Punjab
A lively dance performed during the harvest festival of Baisakhi, known for its energetic movements and vibrant
Bhangra
costumes.

Giddha A traditional dance performed by women, characterized by rhythmic clapping and folk songs.

Jhumar A traditional dance performed by men, known for its graceful movements and rhythmic beats.

Luddi A folk dance performed to celebrate victory, often during weddings and festivals.

Kikli A dance performed by young girls in pairs, holding hands and spinning in circles.

Sammi A folk dance performed by women, often during the festival of Lohri, symbolizing joy and festivity.
Rajasthan
A traditional dance performed by women, known for its graceful movements and colorful costumes, often during
Ghoomar
weddings and festivals.

Kalbelia A UNESCO-recognized dance form performed by the Kalbelia community, known for its snake-like movements.

Bhavai A traditional dance performed by women, involving balancing pots on the head and graceful movements.

Chari A ceremonial dance performed by women, involving balancing brass pots with a lit lamp on the head.

Kachhi Ghodi A dance performed by men wearing dummy horse costumes, often depicting tales of chivalry and valor.

S
Terah Taali A devotional dance performed by the Kamada tribe, involving the use of manjira (small cymbals).
Tamil Nadu

TE
A classical dance form with roots in the temples of Tamil Nadu, known for its intricate gestures and expressive
Bharatanatyam
movements.

Karagam A ritualistic dance performed in honor of the rain goddess Mariamman, involving balancing pots on the head.
A
Kummi A group dance performed by women, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by rhythmic clapping.
PD
Kavadi A devotional dance performed during the festival of Thaipusam, involving the carrying of decorated arches (Kavadi).

Kolattam A traditional stick dance performed by women, often during the festival of Navratri.
U

Natyanjali A dance performed as a tribute to Lord Shiva, often during the festival of Natyanjali.
B

Uttar Pradesh
Raslila A devotional dance-drama that depicts the life of Lord Krishna, often performed during the festival of Holi.
JO

Nautanki A folk theatre form that combines dance, music, and drama, often depicting social issues.

Kajri A traditional folk song and dance form performed during the monsoon season, often by rural women.
D

Jhora A community dance performed by men and women, reflecting the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh.

Chappeli A traditional dance performed during weddings and festivals, characterized by rhythmic movements.
K

Jaita A devotional dance performed during religious festivals, often accompanied by folk songs.
 Uttarakhand
A traditional dance form reflecting the cultural heritage of the Garhwal region, often performed during weddings and
Garhwali
festivals.

A traditional dance form reflecting the cultural heritage of the Kumaon region, often performed during weddings and
Kumaoni
festivals.

A martial dance performed by the Rajput community, often during weddings and festivals, characterized by sword
Chholiya
fighting.

Jhora A community dance performed by men and women, reflecting the cultural heritage of Uttarakhand.

Hurka Baul A traditional dance performed during the harvest season, accompanied by folk songs and music.

Chappeli A romantic dance performed by couples, showcasing the joy and festivity of the region.
Goa
A vibrant dance performed during the festivals of Dussehra and Holi, characterized by colorful costumes and rhythmic
Tarangamel
movements.

Dhalo A traditional dance performed by women, often during weddings and festivals, characterized by graceful movements.
A folk dance performed by women, often during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, characterized by fast rhythmic
Fugdi
clapping.
Kunbi A traditional dance performed by the Kunbi tribe, reflecting their agricultural lifestyle and cultural heritage.

S
Dekhni A fusion dance that blends Western and Indian music, often performed during festivals and celebrations.

Shigmo A traditional dance performed during the Shigmo festival, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Goa.

TE
Madhya Pradesh
Jawara A traditional dance performed to celebrate the harvest, often accompanied by folk songs and music.

Matki
A
A dance performed by women, balancing earthen pots on their heads, often during festivals and celebrations.
PD
Phulpati A dance performed by unmarried girls, often during the festival of Phulpati, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

Grida Dance A group dance performed by men and women, reflecting the cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh.

Selalarki A folk dance performed by young girls, characterized by rhythmic movements and folk songs.
U

Maanch A traditional folk theatre form that combines dance, music, and drama, often depicting social issues.
B

Chhattisgarh
Panthi A devotional dance performed by the Satnami community, often during religious festivals.
JO

Saila A traditional dance performed by young boys, often after the harvest season, characterized by rhythmic movements.

A folk dance performed by the Yadava community, often during the festival of Diwali, characterized by vigorous
Raut Nacha
movements.
D

Sua A tribal dance performed by women, often during the festival of Diwali, characterized by graceful movements.
K

Pandwani A folk theatre form that narrates the story of the Mahabharata, often performed by rural communities.

A tribal dance performed by the Maria community, often during the festival of Dussehra, characterized by vigorous
Gaur Maria
movements.
 Jharkhand
A traditional dance performed during the autumn season, often by the tribal communities, symbolizing fertility and
Karma
prosperity.

A folk dance performed by both men and women, often during weddings and festivals, characterized by graceful
Jhumar
movements.

A martial dance performed by the Paika community, often during festivals and celebrations, reflecting their warrior
Paika
traditions.

A tribal dance performed by the Munda community, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by rhythmic
Mundari Dance
movements.

A traditional dance performed by the tribal communities, often during hunting festivals, characterized by vigorous
Hunta Dance
movements.

Sarhul A tribal dance performed during the Sarhul festival, symbolizing the worship of trees and nature.
Arunachal Pradesh
A traditional dance performed by the Digaru Mishmi tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by
Buiya
rhythmic movements.

Rikhampada A dance performed by the Nyishi tribe, often during weddings and festivals, reflecting their cultural heritage.

A traditional dance performed by the Adi tribe, often during the festival of Solung, symbolizing prosperity and good
Ponu Yoksi
fortune.

S
A masked dance performed by the Sherdukpen tribe, often during the Losar festival, symbolizing the victory of good
Bardo Chham

TE
over evil.
A traditional dance performed by the Adi tribe, often during the festival of Solung, characterized by graceful
Popir
movements.
Ponung A group dance performed by women, often during the festival of Solung, symbolizing joy and festivity.
A
Manipur
PD
Raslila A classical dance form that depicts the life of Lord Krishna, often performed during the festival of Holi.

Lai Haraoba A ritualistic dance performed in honor of the forest deities, often during the festival of Lai Haraoba.

A traditional martial art form that combines dance, music, and combat techniques, often performed during festivals
U

Thang Ta
and celebrations.

Pung Cholom A traditional dance performed by the Pung (drum) players, characterized by acrobatic movements and rhythmic beats.
B

A traditional dance performed by a male and female dancer, often during the festival of Lai Haraoba, symbolizing love
Khamba Thaibi
JO

and devotion.

A traditional dance performed by men, often during the festival of Lai Haraoba, characterized by graceful movements
Nupa Dance
and rhythmic beats.
Meghalaya
D

A traditional dance performed by the Khasi tribe during the Nongkrem festival, characterized by graceful movements
Nongkrem
and rhythmic beats.
K

A ritualistic dance performed by the Khasi tribe, often during the festival of Shad Suk Mynsiem, symbolizing joy and
Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem
festivity.

A traditional dance performed by both men and women, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by
Laho
rhythmic movements.

A traditional dance performed by the Jaintia tribe during the Behdienkhlam festival, symbolizing the driving away of
Behdienkhlam
evil spirits.

A traditional dance performed by the Jaintia tribe during the Chad Sukra festival, symbolizing the celebration of the
Chad Sukra
sowing season.
 Mizoram
A traditional bamboo dance performed by the Mizo tribe, characterized by rhythmic movements and intricate
Cheraw Dance
footwork.
A traditional dance performed by village guests, often during festivals and celebrations, symbolizing unity and
Khuallam
friendship.
Chailam A traditional dance performed during the Chapchar Kut festival, characterized by rhythmic movements and folk songs.

Sarlamkai A traditional dance performed during the festival of Chapchar Kut, symbolizing the celebration of victory in war.

A group dance performed by men and women, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by rhythmic
Tlanglam
movements.

A traditional dance performed by the Mizo tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by graceful
Sawlakin
movements.
Nagaland
A traditional dance performed by the Angami tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by rhythmic
Rangma
movements.

Bamboo Dance A traditional dance performed by the Kuki tribe, involving the use of bamboo poles and intricate footwork.

A traditional dance performed by the Zeliang tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by rhythmic
Zeliang
movements.

A traditional dance performed by the Ao tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by graceful
Gethinglim
movements.

S
A traditional dance performed by the Lotha tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by rhythmic
Nsuirolians

TE
movements.

A traditional dance performed by the Chakhesang tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by
Temangnetin
rhythmic movements.
Tripura
A
A traditional dance performed by the Reang tribe, characterized by balancing earthen pots on the head and intricate
Hojagiri
PD
footwork.

A traditional dance performed by the Kaloi community, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by
Maimata
graceful movements.
U

A traditional dance performed by the Tripuri community, often during the harvest season, characterized by rhythmic
Lebang Boomani
movements.
B

A traditional dance performed by the Tripuri community, often during the Garia Puja festival, symbolizing prosperity
Garia Dance
and good fortune.
JO

Basanta Raas A traditional dance performed during the festival of Basanta, often depicting the life of Lord Krishna.

A traditional dance performed by the Tripuri community, often during the harvest season, characterized by rhythmic
Jhum Dance
movements.
D

Sikkim
A traditional dance performed by the Lepcha community, often during the festival of Pang Lhabsol, in honor of Mount
K

Chu Faat Dance

A masked dance performed by Buddhist monks, often during the festival of Losar, symbolizing the Snow Lion, a
Singhi Chaam
mythological creature.

A traditional dance performed by the Bhutia community, often during the festival of Losar, symbolizing the yak, an
Yak Chaam
important animal in the region.

A traditional dance performed by the Lepcha community, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by
Tashi Yangku
graceful movements.

A traditional dance performed by the Nepali community, often during weddings and festivals, characterized by the use
Khukuri Naach
of Khukuri (traditional knives).

A traditional dance performed by the Nepali community, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by
Maruni Dance
rhythmic movements and colorful costumes.
 Ladakh
A traditional dance performed by the Ladakhi community, often during festivals and celebrations, symbolizing victory
Spao Dance
and heroism.

A masked dance performed by Buddhist monks, often during the festival of Hemis, symbolizing the victory of good
Cham Dance
over evil.

A traditional dance performed by the Changpa tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by rhythmic
Jabro Dance
movements.

A traditional dance performed by the Ladakhi community, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by
Shondol Dance
graceful movements.

A traditional dance performed by Buddhist monks, often during the Thiksey Gustor festival, symbolizing the victory of
Thiksey Gustor
good over evil.

A traditional dance performed by the Ladakhi community, often during the festival of Losar, symbolizing the yak, an
Yak Dance
important animal in the region.
Lakshadweep
A traditional dance performed by the islanders, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by rhythmic
Lava Dance
movements and colorful costumes.

A traditional stick dance performed by the islanders, often during weddings and festivals, characterized by rhythmic
Kolkali
movements.

S
A traditional dance performed by the islanders, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by graceful
Parichakali
movements.

TE
A traditional dance performed by the islanders, often during the festival of Eid, characterized by rhythmic movements
Opana Dance
and folk songs.

A traditional dance performed by the islanders, often during the festival of Eid, characterized by rhythmic movements
A
Dandi Dance
and the use of sticks.
PD
A traditional dance performed by women, often during the festival of Onam, characterized by graceful movements and
Thiruvathira Dance
rhythmic clapping.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
A traditional dance performed by the Nicobarese tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by
U

Nicobarese Dance
rhythmic movements.

A traditional dance performed by the Andamanese tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by
B

Andamanese Dance
rhythmic movements.
JO

A traditional dance performed by the Onge tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by graceful
Onge Dance
movements.

A traditional dance performed by the Jarawa tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by rhythmic
Jarawa Dance
movements.
D

A traditional dance performed by the Shompen tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by graceful
Shompen Dance
movements.
K

A traditional dance performed by the Great Andamanese tribe, often during festivals and celebrations, characterized by
Great Andamanese Dance
rhythmic movements.
Classical Dances of India
A classical dance form with roots in the temples of Tamil Nadu, known for its intricate gestures and expressive
Bharatanatyam
movements.

A classical dance form with roots in the courts of North India, known for its intricate footwork and expressive
Kathak
storytelling.

Kathakali A classical dance-drama form with roots in the temples of Kerala, known for its elaborate costumes and makeup.

A classical dance form with roots in the temples of Andhra Pradesh, known for its graceful movements and expressive
Kuchipudi
storytelling.

Manipuri A classical dance form with roots in the temples of Manipur, known for its graceful movements and devotional themes.

A classical dance form with roots in the temples of Kerala, known for its graceful movements and expressive
Mohiniyattam
storytelling.

Odissi A classical dance form with roots in the temples of Odisha, known for its lyrical movements and intricate gestures.

A classical dance form with roots in the monasteries of Assam, known for its devotional themes and graceful
Sattriya
movements.