The tribal and folk dances of India draw the most fascinating canvas shaded with vivacity and the deep-rooted culture. These dances are not merely a form of dance rather a way of life for Indian people. Each of them has enfolded an entrenched history and culture within itself.
So today, let’s dive into the priceless treasure trove of Indian tribal & folk dances which manifest the captivating culture of the country in the form of melodic tunes. So, lace up your shoes and get on the dance floor of tribal and folk dances of India.
State-wise distribution of Folk Dances
Assam: Bagurumba, Bhortal, Jhumur, Khel, Gopal, Rakhal Lila, Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Nongkrem, Ankiya Nat, Kirtania Natak, Ojapali,Bihu
Arunachal Pradesh: Bardo Chham
Bihar: Jadur, Kathaputli, Bhako, Jhijiya, Karma, Jatra, Natna, Bidesia, Senkela Chhau, Jat-Jatni Bidpada, Ramkhelia.
Chhattisgarh: Raut Nacha,
Gujarat: Dandiya, Bhavai, Garba, Tippani Dance, Padhar dance, Dangi Nritya, Hudo, Matukdi, Aagwa, Siddi Dhamal
Himachal Pradesh: Nati, Kariyala, Bhagat, Ras Ihanld, Harnatra Haran or Harin.
Haryana: Swang, Naqqal, Ras Leela, Dhamal dance, Manjira dance, Dhamal dance, Goga dance
Jammu and Kashmir: Bhand Pathar or Bhand lashna, Rouff, Vetal Dhamali.
Karnataka: Yakshagana, Bedara Vesha, Dollu Kunitha, Santa, Doddata-Bayalata, Tala Maddle or Prasang. Dasarata, Radhna.,veeragase
Kerala: Duffmuttu, Oppana, Padayani, Theyam, Kodiyattam, Margam Kali, Puli Kali, Mudiattam, Thirayattam, Chavittu Nadakam, titambhu nritam, Chakyar koothu,
Madhya Pradesh: Maanch, Nacha, Phul patti, Tertali, Grida
Meghalaya: Shad sukmysiem, Shad nongkrem, Derogata, Do dru Sua, Laho
Maharashtra: Tarfa Naach, Tamasha, Lalit Bharud, Gondha, Dashavatar, Lavani, Koli dance.
Nagaland: Chang Lo (Sua Lua)
Odisha: Pala Jtra, Daskathia, Mayurbhanj Chhau, Mangal Ras, Sowang, sambalpuri (dalkhai, rasarkeli), parbha
Punjab: Naqqal, Swang Bhangra .
Rajasthan: Khyal, Rasdhari, Rammat, Turra Kilangi, Gauri, Ghoomar, Nautanki, Ihamtara.
Andhra Pradesh: Veethi Natakam, Burrakatha, Lambadi, Koya.
Telangana: Bathukamma
Tamil Nadu: Therukuttu, Veethi Natakam, Bhagwat Mela Natakam, Kurvaanji, Pagal Vasham, Kavadi Chindu.
Uttrakhand: Chholiya
Uttar Pradesh: Bhagat, Sang-Swang, Naqqual, Mayur Nritya, Charukala
Goa: Fugadi, Dashavatar, Perni jagar, Musal khel, Samai nrutya, Gonph dance, Dekhni, Kunbi dance, Ghode modni, Dhalo, Tonya mel, Talgadi
West Bengal: Chhau (Purulia), Santhali