Folk Dances of States in India
India is celebrated as one of the most culturally diverse nations in the world, and nowhere is this diversity more vividly expressed than in its dance forms. From vibrant classical traditions to lively folk performances, India's dance heritage is as vast and varied as the country itself. The dialect changes almost every 100 kilometres across India, and so do the folk dance styles, costumes, music, and performers — each region bringing something unique to the stage.
With four distinct seasons shaping life across the subcontinent, India also has dances tied to different times of the year, and almost every state has a dedicated dance form performed during the harvest season as a celebration of nature's bounty. Folk dances, at their core, are powerful forms of expression, performed to reflect the joy, sorrow, and varied emotions of society. Over centuries, these art forms have evolved, grown richer, and become an inseparable part of Indian culture, adding uniqueness and novelty to the nation's identity. Read the complete article below to go through the full list and strengthen your GK preparation.
State-wise Folk Dances of India
Check the state-wise categorisation of folk dances of India. In many exams, there is a direct question about the state-folk dance relation. The List of Indian State-wise Folk and Classical Dances is also a highly important topic for competitive exams including UPSC, State PSC, SSC, and Bank Exams.
| Folk dances of India- State-Wise List | |
| State | Folk Dances |
| Andhra Pradesh | ➤ Kuchipudi, ➤ Vilasini Natyam, ➤ Andhra Natyam, ➤ Bhamakalpam, ➤ Veeranatyam, ➤ Dappu, ➤ Tappeta Gullu, ➤ Lambadi, ➤ Dhimsa, ➤ Kolattam, ➤ Butta Bommalu. |
| Assam | ➤ Bihu, ➤ Bichhua, ➤ Natpuja, ➤ Maharas, ➤ Kaligopal, ➤ Bagurumba, ➤ Naga dance, ➤ Khel Gopal, ➤ Tabal Chongli, ➤ Canoe, ➤ Jhumura Hobjanai |
| Bihar | ➤ Jata-Jatin, ➤ Bakho-Bakhain, ➤ Panwariya, ➤ Sama Chakwa, ➤ Bidesia. |
| Gujarat | ➤ Garba, ➤ Dandiya Ras, ➤ Tippani Juriun, ➤ Bhavai. |
| Haryana | ➤ Jhumar, ➤ Phag, ➤ Daph, ➤ Dhamal, ➤ Loor, ➤ Gugga, ➤ Khor, ➤ Gagor. |
| Himachal Pradesh | ➤ Jhora, ➤ Jhali, ➤ Chharhi, ➤ Dhaman, ➤ Chhapeli, ➤ Mahasu, ➤ Nati, ➤ Dangi. |
| Jammu and Kashmir | ➤ Rauf, ➤ Hikat, ➤ Mandjas, ➤ Kud Dandi Nach, ➤ Damali. |
| Karnataka | ➤ Yakshagan, ➤ Huttari, ➤ Suggi, ➤ Kunitha, ➤ Karga, ➤ Lambi. |
| Kerala | ➤ Kathakali (Classical), ➤ Ottam Thulal, ➤ Mohiniattam, ➤ Kaikottikali. |
| Maharashtra | ➤ Lavani, ➤ Nakata, ➤ Koli, ➤ Lezim, ➤ Gafa, ➤ Dahikala Dasavtar ➤ Bohada. |
| Odisha | ➤ Odissi (Classical), ➤ Savari, ➤ Ghumara, ➤ Painka, ➤ Munari, ➤ Chhau. |
| West Bengal | ➤ Kathi, ➤ Gambhira, ➤ Dhali, ➤ Jatra, ➤ Baul, ➤ Marasia, ➤ Mahal, ➤ Keertan. |
| Punjab | ➤ Bhangra, ➤ Giddha, ➤ Daff, ➤ Dhaman, ➤ Bhand, ➤ Naqual. |
| Rajasthan | ➤ Ghumar, ➤ Chakri, ➤ Ganagor, ➤ Jhulan Leela, ➤ Jhuma, ➤ Suisini, ➤ Ghapal, ➤ Kalbeliya. |
| Tamil Nadu | ➤ Bharatanatyam, ➤ Kumi, ➤ Kolattam, ➤ Kavadi. |
| Uttar Pradesh | ➤ Nautanki, ➤ Raslila, ➤ Kajri, ➤ Jhora, ➤ Chappeli, ➤ Jaita. |
| Uttarakhand | ➤ Garhwali, ➤ Kumayuni, ➤ Kajari, ➤ Jhora, ➤ Raslila, ➤ Chappeli. |
| Goa | ➤ Tarangamel, ➤ Koli, ➤ Dekhni, ➤ Fugdi, ➤ Shigmo, ➤ Ghode, ➤ Modni, ➤ Samayi nrutya, ➤ Jagar, ➤ Ranmale, ➤ Gonph, ➤ Tonnya mell. |
| Madhya Pradesh | ➤ Jawara, ➤ Matki, ➤ Aada, ➤ Khada Nach, ➤ Phulpati, ➤ Grida Dance, ➤ Selalarki, ➤ Selabhadoni, ➤ Maanch. |
| Chhattisgarh | ➤ Gaur Maria, ➤ Panthi, ➤ Raut Nacha, ➤ Pandwani, ➤ Vedamati, ➤ Kapalik, ➤ Bharthari Charit, ➤ Chandaini. |
| Jharkhand | ➤ Alkap, ➤ Karma Munda, ➤ Agni, ➤ Jhumar, ➤ Janani Jhumar, ➤ Mardana Jhumar, ➤ Paika, Phagua, ➤ Hunta Dance, ➤ Mundari Dance, ➤ Sarhul, Barao, ➤ Jhitka, ➤ Danga, ➤ Domkach, ➤ Ghora Naach. |
| Arunachal Pradesh | ➤ Buiya, ➤ Chalo, ➤ Wancho, ➤ Pasi Kongki, ➤ Ponung, ➤ Popir, ➤ Bardo Chham. |
| Manipur | ➤ Dol Cholam, ➤ Thang Ta, ➤ Lai Haraoba, ➤ Pung Cholom, ➤ Khamba Thaibi, ➤ Nupa Dance, ➤ Raslila, ➤ Khubak Ishei, ➤ Lhou Sha. |
| Meghalaya | ➤ Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, ➤ Nongkrem, ➤ Laho. |
| Mizoram | ➤ Cheraw Dance, ➤ Khuallam, ➤ Chailam, ➤ Sawlakin, ➤ Chawnglaizawn, ➤ Zangtalam, ➤ Par Lam, ➤ Sarlamkai/ Solakia, ➤ Tlanglam. |
| Nagaland | ➤ Rangma, ➤ Bamboo Dance, ➤ Zeliang, ➤ Nsuirolians, ➤ Gethinglim, ➤ Temangnetin, ➤ Hetaleulee. |
| Tripura | ➤ Hojagiri. |
| 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. |
| Lakshadweep | ➤ Lava, ➤ Kolkali, ➤ Parichakali. |
These Folk Dances are performed by men, women or a group of people.
Classical Dances of India
If you are not checking Classical Dance of India with Folk Dances of India, then you had missed a very important thing. Indian classical dance academy i.e., Shastriya Academi. All these dances are connected to the Hindu Goddess. These are performed by very talented, trained and skilled artists.
The list of classical dances in India is given below:
| List of Classical dances in India | State of Origin |
| Bharatnatyam | Tamil Nadu |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh |
| Odissi | Odisha |
| Kathakali | Kerala |
| Sattriya | Assam |
| Manipuri | Manipur |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala |
