Folk Dances of India, Check State Wise Folk Dances List Here

Q: Which is the national dance of India?

India does not have an officially declared national dance, but Bharatanatyam is among the most revered classical dance forms.

Q: Which is the oldest dance of India?

Odissi is the oldest dance of India.

Q: What is Kashmiri folk dance called?

Bacha Nagma is one of the major folk dance forms found in the Kashmir valley. It is also referred to as Bacha Gyavaun in certain parts of Kashmir.

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India is a land of diverse cultures, with each region showcasing unique traditions, languages, and art forms. Among these, Folk Dances of India play a significant role in reflecting the country’s cultural richness. From the classical to regional folk performances, dance is an essential part of India’s heritage. For candidates preparing for government exams, understanding List of Folk Dances of India is crucial. This article covers the most commonly asked folk dances, focusing on those that have appeared in past exams and those likely to feature in future ones, ensuring thorough exam preparation.

Folk Dances of India

Folk dances in India are dance forms which represent different communities and are performed during celebrations such as births, festivals, weddings, and other special occasions. These dances aren’t performed by professionals but by people who carry forward age-old traditions, showcasing the cultural identity and values passed down through generations. Unique to each region, these dances showcase the cultural identity and narrates tales of heritage, joy, and the shared history of the community.

List of Folk Dances of India

We have shared the List of Folk Dances of India according to different states. In exams such as UPSC, there are questions which can be related to the State Wise List of Folk Dances in India:

List of Folk Dances of India
State	Folk Dances
Andhra Pradesh	Kuchipudi Dappu Dhimsa Kolattam Vilasini Natyam Andhra Natyam Bhamakalapam Veeranatyam Dappu Tappeta Gullu Lambadi, Dhimsa Kolattam Butta Bommalu.
Assam	Bihu Gamocha Tabal Chongli Natpuja Bichhua Maharas Kaligopal Bagurumba Naga dance Khel Gopal Tabal Chongli Canoe Jhumura Hobjanai
Bihar	Jata-Jatin Bakho-Bakhain Panwariya Sama Chakwa Bidesia
Gujarat	Garba Dangi Hallisaka Gheriya Nritya Dandia (On Navratri) Rathwa ni Gher (On Holi by Rathwa Tribe) Dandiya Ras Tippani Juriun Bhavai
Haryana	Jhumar Phag Daph Dhamal Loor (by Women) Ratvai (By Mewati Tribes) Gugga Khor Gagor
Himachal Pradesh	Jhora Chharhi Thoda (Sports Dance/ Martial Art form) Chham (By Buddhist to ward off evil spirit) Nati ( Guiness Book of World Jhali Dhaman Chhapeli Mahasu Dangi
Jammu and Kashmir	Rauf Dhumal Hafiza Bhand Pather Hikat Mandjas Kud Dandi Nach Damali
Karnataka	Yakshagana Bolak-aat Ummatt-aat Dollu Kunitha Hampi Bayalata Veeragase (During Dussehra), Bhootada Kola (Walking on bed of hot coal) Huttari Suggi Kunitha Karga Lambi
Kerala	Kathakali (Classical) Kummattikali (Mask dance) Kolkali Padayani Ottamthullal Mohiniattam Kaikottikali
Maharashtra	Lavani Povada Dhangari Gaja Lezim (During Ganesh Festival) Nakata Koli Gafa Dahikala Dashavatar or Bohada
Odisha	Mayurbhanj Chhau (Martial Art form derived from Tribal Savari Ghumara Munari Chhau Odissi (Classical) Dalkhai Sakhi Kandhei (Puppet Dance) Paika Gotipua Tiger Nach (Bagh Nach on Chatra month) Ranapa (Enacting Chapters from life of Lord Krishna)
West Bengal	Jatra Baul Marasia Mahal Kathi Gambhira Dhali Bhatiyali Geet Gambira (Using Wooden Masks) Alkam (Famous Dancing, Singing) Keertan
Punjab	Dhaman Bhand Naqual Baga (Martial Dance) Heer Geet Tappa (Often shows soreness of a lover) Viyahula Giddha (During Marriage) Bhangra (Bhangra word derived from Hemp) Daff
Rajasthan	Ghumar Chakri Bhavai Jhulan Gangaur Terah Taali Suisini Kalbelia (UNESCO Recognised dance form) Ghoomar (State Dance of Rajasthan) Khayal (By Bhawai Tribe Jhulan Leela Jhuma Suisini Ghapal Kalbeliya
Tamil Nadu	Bharatanatyam Kummi Karagam Natyanjali (Tribute to Lord Shiva Kolattam Kavadi
Uttar Pradesh	Nautanki Raslila Kajri Jhora Chappeli Jaita
Uttarakhand	Garhwali Kumayuni Kajari Jhora Raslila Choliya (Martial art/ Sword Dance) Hurka Baul Chappeli
Goa	Tarangamel Dhalo Kunbi (Tribal Dance) Dhangar (Shepherd Community during Navratri) Koli Dekhni Fugdi Shigmo Ghode Modni Samayi nrutya Jagar Ranmale Gonph, Tonnya mell
Madhya Pradesh	Jawara Matki Phulpati (By unmarried girls of Malwa Community) Aada Khada Nach Phulpati Grida Dance Selalarki Selabhadoni Maanch
Chhattisgarh	Gaur Maria Panthi Gaur Saila (By Boys after harvest Season) Sua (Tribal Dance Women dance like a Parrot) Raut Nacha Pandwani Vedamati Kapalik Bharthari Charit Chandaini
Jharkhand	Alkap Karma Munda Agni Jhumar Janani Jhumar Mardana Jhumar Paika Karma (During Autumn Season) Birhor (By Tribe Birhor) Kadsa (Carrying Kalasha Phagua Hunta Dance Mundari Dance Sarhul Barao Jhitka Danga Domkach Ghora Naach
Arunachal Pradesh	Buiya Rikhampada Ponu Yoksi Bardo Chham Ponung Popir Chalo Wancho Pasi Kongki Ponung Popir Bardo Chham
Manipur	Dol Cholam Thang Ta Lai Haraoba Pung Cholom Khamba Thaibi Nupa Dance Raslila Jagoi Khubak Ishei Lhou Sha
Meghalaya	Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem Laho Nongkrem (By Khasi Tribes during Wangla Festival) Chad Sukra (Celebrate as a sowing festival), Behdienkhlam
Mizoram	Cheraw Dance Khuallam Chailam Sawlakin Cheraw (Traditional Bamboo Dance) Khullam (Performed by village Guests) Chawnglaizawn Zangtalam Par Lam Sarlamkai/Solakia Tlanglam
Nagaland	Rangma Bamboo Dance Zeliang Nsuirolians Gethinglim Temangnetin Hetaleulee Leshalaptu Aaluyattu (By konyak tribe)
Tripura	Hojagiri Maimata (By Kaloi Community)
Sikkim	Chu Faat Dance Sikmari Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion Dance Yak Chaam Denzong Gnenha Tashi Yangku Dance Khukuri Naach Chutkey Naach Maruni Dance Chu Faat (By Lepcha Community, in honour of MountKhangchendzonga) Maruni Limbo or Subba (Chyap Brung music instrument is used) Lama or Chham (Masked Dance by buddhist lamas during Pong Lhabsol Festival
Ladakh	Spao
Lakshadweep	Lava Kolkali Chakali Parichakali

Classical Dances of India

India’s classical dance forms are a significant part of its cultural and religious heritage. These dances hold deep connections to Hindu mythology, often symbolizing devotion to Hindu deities. Here is a List of Classical Dances of India, each with its own unique style and cultural significance:

List of Classical Dances in India
Bharatnatyam	Tamil Nadu
Kathak	Uttar Pradesh
Kuchipudi	Andhra Pradesh
Odissi	Odisha
Kathakali	Kerala
Sattriya	Assam
Manipuri	Manipur
Mohiniyattam	Kerala