Folk Dances Of West India

Folk Dances Of West India

Dandiya (Rajasthan)
Dandiya is a popular folk dance of Rajasthan. Dressed in colorful costumes the performers play skillfully with big sticks in their hands. Dandiya dance is accompanied by the musical instrument called the 'Meddale' played by the drummer in the centre.

The Bhil tribal of Rajasthan perform a variety of dances. All these folk dances correspond to the agricultural cycle. The Ghumer dance, Raika and Jhoria are some examples of this type of dance. The Gher dance is a favorite and popular dance of the Mina tribe who are similar to the Bhils while Valar is typical dance of the Garasias of Rajasthan.

Folk Dances Of South West India

Folk Dances Of South West India

Dollu Kunitha (Karnataka)
Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance of Karnataka state. In the Dollu Kanitha dance, large drums are adorned with colored clothes and hang around the necks of men. The songs used in this dance usually have religious and battle fervor. The main emphasis is on quick and light movement of the feet and legs. The Dollu Kunitha dance forms a part of the ritualistic dances of the Dodavas of Karnataka.

Ghode Modni (Goa)
The culture of Goa bears strong European influence as it was ruled by the Portuguese for many years. Ghode Modni dance portrays the brave deeds of the Goan warriors. In the Ghode Modni (dummy horse presentation) dance the delightfully dressed dancers perform dances, armed with swords. During the Ghode Modni celebrations people are in a mood for fun and frolic. Elaborate parades and spectacular processions are taken out, accompanied by dances of boys and girls.

Folk Dances of South India

Folk Dances of South India

Padayani (Kerala)
Padayani is one of the most colorful and popular dances of Southern Kerala. Padayani is associated with the festival of certain temples, called Padayani or Paddeni. Such temples are in Alleppey, Quilon, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts. The main Kolams (huge masks) displayed in Padayani are Bhairavi (Kali), Kalan (god of death), Yakshi (fairy) and Pakshi (bird).

Padayani involves a series of divine and semi divine imitation, putting Kolams of different shapes and colors. In the performance of Padayani, dancers, actors, singers and instrumentalists play an important role. The actors or dancers wear Kolams that are huge headgears, with many projections and devices and a mask for the face or a chest piece to cover the breast and abdomen of the performer.

Folk Dances Of North India

Folk Dances Of North India

Dumhal (Jammu & Kashmir)
Dumhal is a popular dance of Kashmir. This dance is performed with long colorful robes, tall conical caps (studded with beads and shells). Dumhal dance is accompanied by songs which the performers themselves sing. It is supported by drums. There is an interesting tradition associated with Dumhal dance where the performers of this dance place a banner into the ground at a fixed location and they begin to men dance around this banner.

Hikat (Himachal Pradesh)
Hikat is a popular dance of Himachal Pradesh, performed by women. The Hikat dance is performed in pairs and the participants extend their arms to the front, holding each other's wrists. The dancers keep their bodies inclined back and make round of the same place.

Nongkrem (Meghalaya)

Nongkrem (Meghalaya)


'Nongkrem' is an important folkdance of Meghalaya.

The Khasis tribe of Meghalaya also celebrates the ripening of paddy for threshing, by dances and songs.

Dhol-Cholom (Manipur)

Dhol-Cholom (Manipur)
One of the instruments that dominate Manipuri dances is the drum.

 Dhol Cholom, a drum dance is one of the dances performed during Holi in Manipur.

The Thang-ta dance of Manipur was an evolved from the martial arts drills promoted by the kings of Manipur.

The dance is exciting and is performed by young men holding swords and shields.

In Arunachal Pradesh, many dance and songs are performed, based on the stories of Buddha.

 The performers of these folk dances wear masks of demons or animals, inspired from Buddha stories.

Most of these folk dances are performed in Buddhist monasteries during festivals.

Hajgiri (Tripura)

Hajgiri (Tripura)

Hajgiri is a famous folk dance of Tripura. Hajgiri dance is performed by young girls who display a series of balancing skills and instruments of their kind.

 In Tripura dances are a part of people's efforts and ceremony to appease the goddess Lakshmi.

It is to ensure good harvest.

Tribal people of Tripura and other adjoining states make use of the compounds of their own houses as dancing grounds during main festivals.

Bihu (Assam)

Bihu (Assam)

Bihu is a popular folk dance of Assam is called Bihu.

 The Bihu dance is an integral part of the Bihu festival of Assam.

The Bihu festival is celebrated in mid-April, during the harvesting time and lasts for about a month. Young men and girls perform the Bihu dance together to the accompaniment of drums and pipes.

Love forms the subject matter of the songs that are sung during the performance.

The dances are performed in circles or parallel rows.

The Zemis, Zeliangs and several other tribes of Assam have a number of folk dances.

 Most of these folk dances are performed during the harvest period. Similarly, the Naga tribals too have their harvest dances and celebrations. "Khamba Lim" is one such folk dance and is performed by two groups of men and women who stand in two rows.

Another popular Naga folk dance is "Akhu".

Folk Dances Of North East India

Folk Dances Of North East India

Bihu (Assam)
Bihu is a popular folk dance of Assam is called Bihu. The Bihu dance is an integral part of the Bihu festival of Assam. The Bihu festival is celebrated in mid-April, during the harvesting time and lasts for about a month. Young men and girls perform the Bihu dance together to the accompaniment of drums and pipes. Love forms the subject matter of the songs that are sung during the performance. The dances are performed in circles or parallel rows.

The Zemis, Zeliangs and several other tribes of Assam have a number of folk dances. Most of these folk dances are performed during the harvest period. Similarly, the Naga tribals too have their harvest dances and celebrations. "Khamba Lim" is one such folk dance and is performed by two groups of men and women who stand in two rows. Another popular Naga folk dance is "Akhu".

Hajgiri (Tripura)
Hajgiri is a famous folk dance of Tripura. Hajgiri dance is performed by young girls who display a series of balancing skills and instruments of their kind. In Tripura dances are a part of people's efforts and ceremony to appease the goddess Lakshmi. It is to ensure good harvest. Tribal people of Tripura and other adjoining states make use of the compounds of their own houses as dancing grounds during main festivals.

Nongkrem (Meghalaya)
'Nongkrem' is an important folkdance of Meghalaya. The Khasis tribe of Meghalaya also celebrates the ripening of paddy for threshing, by dances and songs.

Dhol-Cholom (Manipur)
One of the instruments that dominate Manipuri dances is the drum. Dhol Cholom, a drum dance is one of the dances performed during Holi in Manipur. The Thang-ta dance of Manipur was an evolved from the martial arts drills promoted by the kings of Manipur. The dance is exciting and is performed by young men holding swords and shields.

In Arunachal Pradesh, many dance and songs are performed, based on the stories of Buddha. The performers of these folk dances wear masks of demons or animals, inspired from Buddha stories. Most of these folk dances are performed in Buddhist monasteries during festivals.

Folk Dances Of East India

Folk Dances Of East India

Chhau (Bihar)
Chhau is a popular folk dance of Bihar. Since masks form an important feature of this dance it is called 'Chhau', which means mask. All the Chhau performers hold swords and shields while performing. The stages are decorated and brightly lit by torches, lanterns and flickering oil lamps. The musical instruments used are the Dhol (a cylindrical drum), Nagara (a huge drum) and Shehnai (reed pipes). The Chhau dance is performed by men and boys. Chhau dance is full of energy and strength. It is interesting to note that the entire body of the dancer is engaged as a single unit. This body language of the dancer has to be poetic and powerful.

Brita Dance (West Bengal)
Brita dance is one of the most popular folk dances of Bengal. Usually the barren women of the region perform the Brita dance to invoke the blessings of the Gods so that their wishes are fulfilled. Traditionally this dance is performed after a person recovers from a contagious disease like small pox.

Kali Naach is yet another popular folk dance of the region. The Kali dance is performed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Kali. While performing the Kali Naach, the performers wear a mask, purified by mantras and dances to the accompaniment of a sword.

Dalkhai (Orissa)
'Dalkhai' dance is a popular folk dance among the women folks the tribal people of Sambalpur, Orissa. Dalkhai Dance is performed during the time of festivals. In the Dalkhai dance the men usually play the musical instruments. Chaiti Ghora is a dummy horse version of the Dalkhai dance and is popular in the fishing communities. The performers of this dance style are generally men.

Goti Puas (Orissa)
Goti Pua is yet another popular folk dance of east India (Orissa). The credit of popularizing this folk dance largely goes to Ramchandradeva, the Raja of Khurda, (Orissa). He was an enlightened ruler and a great patron of art and culture. It was due to his initiatives that the tradition of Goti Pua (boy dancers) began. It is interesting to note that the Odissi dance evolved from a curious amalgamation of both mahari and goti pua dance styles.

Usually a Goti Pua performance is ably supported by a set of three musicians, who play the pakhawaj, cymbals and harmonium. The boys do the singing themselves, though at times the group has an additional singer. A goti pua dance performance usually commences with Bhumi Pranam (acknowledgment to Mother Earth) and wraps up with Bidahi Sangeet, a farewell song and dance item. The whole Goti Pua performance lasts around three hours.

Goti Puas (Orissa)

Goti Puas (Orissa)

Goti Pua is yet another popular folk dance of east India (Orissa).

The credit of popularizing this folk dance largely goes to Ramchandradeva, the Raja of Khurda, (Orissa).

He was an enlightened ruler and a great patron of art and culture.

It was due to his initiatives that the tradition of Goti Pua (boy dancers) began.

It is interesting to note that the Odissi dance evolved from a curious amalgamation of both mahari and goti pua dance styles.

Usually a Goti Pua performance is ably supported by a set of three musicians, who play the pakhawaj, cymbals and harmonium.

The boys do the singing themselves, though at times the group has an additional singer.

A goti pua dance performance usually commences with Bhumi Pranam (acknowledgment to Mother Earth) and wraps up with Bidahi Sangeet, a farewell song and dance item.

The whole Goti Pua performance lasts around three hours.

Dalkhai (Orissa)

Dalkhai (Orissa)

'Dalkhai' dance is a popular folk dance among the women folks the tribal people of Sambalpur, Orissa.

Dalkhai Dance is performed during the time of festivals

. In the Dalkhai dance the men usually play the musical instruments.

 Chaiti Ghora is a dummy horse version of the Dalkhai dance and is popular in the fishing communities.

 The performers of this dance style are generally men.

Brita Dance (West Bengal)

Brita Dance (West Bengal)

Brita dance is one of the most popular folk dances of Bengal.

 Usually the barren women of the region perform the Brita dance to invoke the blessings of the Gods so that their wishes are fulfilled.

Traditionally this dance is performed after a person recovers from a contagious disease like small pox.

Kali Naach is yet another popular folk dance of the region.

The Kali dance is performed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Kali.

While performing the Kali Naach, the performers wear a mask, purified by mantras and dances to the accompaniment of a sword.

Chhau (Bihar)

Chhau (Bihar)

Chhau is a popular folk dance of Bihar.

Since masks form an important feature of this dance it is called 'Chhau', which means mask.

All the Chhau performers hold swords and shields while performing.

The stages are decorated and brightly lit by torches, lanterns and flickering oil lamps.

 The musical instruments used are the Dhol (a cylindrical drum), Nagara (a huge drum) and Shehnai (reed pipes).

The Chhau dance is performed by men and boys.

Chhau dance is full of energy and strength.

It is interesting to note that the entire body of the dancer is engaged as a single unit.

This body language of the dancer has to be poetic and powerful.

Muria Dances

Muria Dances

The Muria tribals of North Bastar area are trained in all types of their community dances.

 At the start of dance sequences they begin with an invocation to the phallic deity of their tribe and the founder of the Ghotul institution.

 The site chosen for the dance is near the Ghotul compound. During marriages, the Muria boys and girls perform Har Endanna dance.

 Their Hulki dance is the most beautiful of all the dances while the Karsana dance is performed for fun and enjoyment.

 In the Hulki dance, boys move in a circular fashion while the girls make their way through them. 

Saila Dance

Saila Dance :

Saila dance is performed by the young boys of Chattisgarh during the post harvest time.

 Saila is a stick-dance and is popular among the people of Sarguja, Chhindwara and Betul districts.

In this region the Saila dance is also known as Danda Nach or Dandar Pate.

Saila dance comprises over half a dozen varieties.

 The Saila dance often comes out with many variations and much buffoonery.

Karma Dance

Karma Dance :

The Karma dance is very popular among the Gonds and the Baigas of Chhattisgarh and the Oraons of Madhya Pradesh.

The Karma dance is associated with the fertility cult and is related to the Karma festival that falls in the month of August.

The Karma dance symbolizes coming of green branches in tress during the spring season.

There are other variants of the Karma.

Kaksar Dance

Kaksar Dance :

Kaksar dance is performed during the festival period. It is popular among the Abhujmarias of Bastar.

Kaksar dance is performed in hope of reaping a rich harvest.

To invoke the blessings of the deity, young boys and girls perform Kaksar (a group dance).

Boys put on a peculiar costume of a long white robe while girls are clad in all their finery.

 The Kaksar dance presents a unique opportunity to boys and girls to choose their life partners.

Folk Dances of India

Folk Dances of India

India is a land of varied cultures and traditions. Diversities in all spheres make the Indian culture quite unique. Indian folk and tribal dances are product of different socio-economic set up and traditions. Indian folk and tribal dances are simple and are performed to express joy. In India we have festivals and celebrations virtually every day. This has added to the richness of Indian culture. Since every festival is accompanied by celebration, folk dances have become an integral part of our social milieu. While there are numerous folk and tribal dances, they are constantly improved. The skill and the imagination of the dances influence the performance.

Folk dances are performed for every possible occasion, to celebrate the arrival of seasons, birth of a child, a wedding and festivals. The folk dances are extremely simple with minimum of steps or movement. Indian folk dances are full of energy and vitality. Some dances are performed separately by men and women while in some performances men and women dance together. On most occasions, the dancers sing themselves, accompanied by artists with instruments. Each form of folk dance has a specific costume and rhythm. Most of the costumes, worn for folk dances, are colorful with extensive jewels and designs.

Classical Dancers in India

Indian Classical Dancers

Pandit Birju MaharajIndian classical dance has a distinct character that reflects the great cultural and traditional endeavor. The forms of Indian dance have transcended beyond the fences and socio-cultural hindrances. Exponents of the Indian classical dance believe that it has the caliber of creating a new and disciplined lifestyle. The Indian Classical Dance is often regarded as the form of worship and meditation. The performers of Indian Classical Dance, despite of the background and forms, have played a crucial role in presenting India to the forefront of the World stage. It has helped in ending the erstwhile artistic isolation. Here, in the following lines, we provide the profile and biography of those great artists who made the country proud.