STATES DANCE FORMS DETIALS

Andhara
Pradesh
Arunachal
Pradesh
Assam
Bihar Holi Geet Following these songs, women dance gracefully to the rhythm played by men with manjira (cymbals) and dhol.
Kajri These songs are sung by peasant women during rainy season to propitiate the Vedic deities, Indra and Agni, asking for their
blessings for a successful harvest.
Jhoola These songs are sung by women at the advent of the monsoon.
Bara-Masa With imageries drawn from mythology, usually that of Sita of the Ramayana, women sing these songs with great yearning to be
together with their husbands.
Harnam and Jogira In these performances, two singer-dancers enact verses in a dialogue form usually ending with the phrase ‘Harnam sumirto
kyon na’.
Jhumar In these performances, young boys enact sequences from the life of Radha and Krishna in a style similar to that of Kathak.
Sama–Chakaiva Based on a legend from the Padma Purana, it enacts the beautiful bond between a brother and sister.
Nachari This comprises enactment of verses of Vidyapati, the famous 16th century CE poet, said to be of the Mithila region.
Chaiti It is performed by men with their body smeared with ‘ramras’. They typically wear yellow attires and dance with kartal while
singing.
Allaha and Biraha In this performance, two artists face each other while singing to enact stories of valour of local heros and other mythological
characters.
Kheliran This is performed only by women in the region in and around Gaya
Naach of Kathakiya It is performed only by the Brahmins telling mythological tales through enactments, accompanied by songs.
Salhes It is performed by members belonging to the Dusadh community
Kamala The fishermen of Mithila region perform this dance featuring a lot of undulating swaying movements.
Jiya or Jhijhia One of the most eminent dances of Bihar, Jhijhia depicts a band of young belles adoring and offering prayers in the form of song
and dance.
Jata-Jatin Naach This is a popular form of folk theatre that incorporates fair amount of music and dance in its dramatic rendering.
Dance of Suthre Sain Moving from door to door, these wandering minstrels, with stick in hand beat a staccato beat on the iron bangles that covers
the entire arm of the performers
Dance of the ‘bai’ or These song and dance performances are enacted by the ‘Bais’ (women) who are also known as ‘Gajoch’ in the Mithila region.
‘Dance of Gajoch’
Dance of Nrityakali In these performances, young boys enact the stories associated with Shiva-Parvati and Radha-Krishna
Chamara and Kamala These are dances performed by the men of the chamar (shoemaker) community
Damph Basuli Naach
Maharai This dance is performed by the boatmen (mallah) of Bihar.
Bhands This group consists of professional jesters, who entertain with witty repartees that involve music and dance.
 Karma Dance This performance revolves around fertility rites, wherein women plant the Karma sapling and dance around it.
Brindabani This is performed during the week-long Chaitra Festival.
Bidesiya In Bhojpuri, meaning ‘from the foreign land’, it is a folk theatrical performance played extensively in western Bihar. Probably
started by one Guddarrai, it acquired widespread popularity and recognition owing to the talent and charisma of the legendary
writer-actor Bhikhari Thakur and his plays of the same name
Chattisgarh
Goa
Gujarat Tippani Nritya Kadiya, Kumbhar, Ubhad, Bhil, Kharva and Siddi women of Saurashtra
The performance uses ‘tippani’ that consists of a square piece of wood or iron, called ‘gadbo’.
Randal’s Ghodo Khambhat Bara, Bhalnalkantha, Vadhiyar, Khakhariya and Kathiawad
(Horse) Dance Involves worship of Rannade or Randalma, wife of the Sun-God, by the women with joyful dance
Jaag Nritya Women of urban or semi-urban areas, Koli tribe
Dance with a ‘Jaag’(pot full of wheat or barley sprout).
Raas Saurashtra
Recreation of Brindavani raasleela
Raasda Men and women of Koli and Bharawad communities; women of Saurashtra
Song and music-oriented performance.
Daandiya Raas Koli, Aayers, Kathiawadi Rajputs, Bhadwad and Rabri people
On the nights of full moon in the autumn season, this dance is performed with small sticks called dandiya.
Gofgunthan-Solanga Koli and Kani communities of Saurashtra
Raas Knotting of colourful strings by the performers
Manjira Nritya Padhaar community of Bhalnalkantha region
Playing of small cymbals, called Manjiras.
Hinch Nritya Koli women of Kutch, Rajputani of Vadhiyar and Karadiya, and Dalit women of Bhal
Dances with earthen pot called, Gaggar.
Thaga Nritya Thakore community of north Gujarat
A kind of sword dance
Dholo Rano Koli community of Gohilwad
It is an agrarian dance
Ashwa Nritya Koli community of north Gujarat
Sword dance by horse riders
Holi Nrity Madawadi community
Joyous dance during Holi
Titodo Different communities across Gujarat
Performed by unmarried people
Madari Dance Snake charmers across Gujarat
Performed by snake charmers playing morli mahover.
 Dhamal of Siddhis Siddhis of Bharuch, Bhavnnagar, Surat, Zafrabad, Surendranagar and Jambur region
Use of a dholki or drum called, Dhamal.
Gher Nritya Dublas of the southern part of Gujarat
Performed in a ‘Gher’ or circle.
Shikaar Nritya Adivasi men of Dharampur region
Recreation of a hunting scene.
Thaakarya, Gadhavi Adivasis of the Dang region
and Baacha Nritya Performed to rhythmic beats of drums
Aagva Nritya Tribes from the Narmada river basin areas of Bharuch
Predominantly performed by men
Gheriya Nritya Tadvi community of Panchmahal, Bharuch and Vadodara
Performed by men during Holi
Aaleni-Haaleni Young Bhil women of Tadvi community
Performed to welcome spring.
Sword Dance Adivasi men of Dahod region
A type of war dance.
Kaakda Nritya Diverse communities across the State
Performed to please the Goddess for protection against pox.
Haryana
Himachal Dandras It is a male dance of the ‘Gaddis’, the shepherds of Bharmaur in Chamba district. The Gaddis are a colourful tribe of Chamba.
Pradesh They wear a frock-like cloak of white wool called chola, which is secured around the waist with many yards of woolen sashes
and a high peaked cap that is pulled down to cover the ears during severe winte
Dance of the Gaddi It is often called the ‘Peasant Dance’ of Chamba and is performed by two groups of women in separate circles. The women wear
shepherdesses woollen skirts and shawls called pattu with a head garment called joji. Songs depicting domestic chores and quarrels between
young brides and their brother-in-laws (devar) often accompany these dances.
Chhatrari Dance This dance takes its name from the village where the inhabitants move to for four months during severe winter. The women
wear full skirts with a blouses and layers of coloured sashes around their waist during the performance of this dance
Sikri Dance This is an exclusive dance of women of Chamba performed on the occasion of the Sushi Mata Mela held during spring time. It
describes the beauty of flowers
Dangi Dance or This dance is performed exclusively by women of Chamba. During the performance one group asks questions while the other
Ghurehi replies. Beginning at a slow speed, it gathers momentum gradually
Mahasu Nati The districts of Shimla and Solan, known as Mahasu, are home to this dance, which is traditionally performed near the temples
by both men and women, who dance in a circle holding hands and moving in curves and serpentine formations. Music is played
using dhol, nagara, damdama, hodki, shehnai, karnal and ranasingha during this performance.
Deepak Dance This dance is performed to please Gram Devatas (village deities) on various occasions . Men, in their traditional dress of
churidar-pyjama, and women, in their gaily coloured choli-ghaghras with head scarves perform this dance while balancing trays
of lighted lamps on their head
 Chham Chhanak This dance is performed by the Lamas of Lahaul Spiti offering tribute to Lord Buddha. While performing this dance they wear
costumes rich in gold, black and yellow colours decorated with traditional motifs.
Loshar Shona Chuksam This dance takes its name from Losia, which means ‘New Year’. Through it, the dancers recreate scenes of agricultural
– Kinnauri Nati operations like sowing and reaping ogla (barley) and phapar (buckwheat)
Martial Dances of Kharaiti is one such dance that is performed with swords and heralds other dances known as Ujagjama and Chandhgebriker. It is
Kullu when the Kharaiti has reached a climax that the two other dances are performed accompanied by patriotic songs. In Lahuli
village also a martial dance called Lahuli is performed.
Namagen This is a dance performed by Kinnauris in the month of September to celebrate autumn. The accompanying music for this dance
is provided by instruments like kangarange, daman, boopal, shamal (shehnai), anga (dhol) and nigaru (kikara). During this dance
men dress in tight pyjamas with loose kurta while the women wear an upper garment called gachi with a shawl or pattu. All
dancers also sport grass or canvas shoes on their feet
Parasa It is a type of martial dance performed on the banks of the Renuka lake in Sirmaur district. It is performed on an ekadashi day to
relive the legend of Parashuram killing Renuka on this spot. The lake is thus believed to have been named after the name of
Renuka
Jharkhand
Karnataka Veeragase Performed during the Dasara festival, this dance portrays the story of Veerabhadra, who destroyed Dakshya Yajna
Bolak-aat Performed by Kodava men, it features dancers who hold chavari (yak fur) in one hand and odi-kathi (a short sword) in another
to dance in an open field with an oil lamp burning on the background
Ummatt-aa In it, the Kodava women, adorned with traditional dresses and jewellery, dance in a circle with brass cymbals in hands to a
swinging rhythm around a central character, who holds a pot full of water to represent ‘Mother Kaveri’.
Bayalata Featuring drama and dialogues, this folk dance is performed in the southern region of Karnataka to mark the end of the harvest
season.
Kamsale This is performed by dancers from the Kuruba community accompanied by songs sung in praise of Lord Shiva.
Bhootha Aradhane Performed in the coastal regions of Karnataka, it features a procession of idols and a performer dancing with a sword and
jingling bells to personify a holy spirit
Nagamandala It is performed by dancers known as vaidyas, who dance whole night around a huge figure of serpent drawn on the ground in
natural colours in the southern region of Karnataka
Gaarudi Gombe Performed during major festivals, this dance features puppets made of bamboo sticks that are decorated with masks and
colourful regional costumes
Joodu Haligi It features two to three performers, who dance vigorously to the playing of two round-shaped percussion like instruments
made of buffalo hide with a stick
Togalu Gombeyaata Unique to Karnataka, it features puppets made of leather.
Kerala Thiruvathirakali This is a dance performed by women in order to attain everlasting marital bliss on Thiruvathira day in the Malayalam month of
Dhanu (December–January).
Oppana A dance form essential to the wedding festivities of the Malabar Muslims
Margomkali This is a ritual folk art of the Syrian Christians of Kottayam and Thrissur districts.
Kannyarkali Kannyarkali, also known as Desathukali or Malamakkali, is a folk art mostly practised by the Nair community of Palakkad
Kolkali Kolkali is a highly rhythmic folk art performed in the north Malabar region of Kerala
 Kummattikkali This is a mask dance popular in some of the northern districts of Kerala
Arjuna Nritham This is a ritual art performed by men in the Bhagavathy temples of Kerala
Mudiyettu This is a ritual dance performed in some Kaali temples of Ernakulam and Kottayam districts in central Kerala.
Paana Also known as Paanakali, this ritualistic performance is offered to propitiate the goddess Bhadrakaali in the districts of Thrissur,
Palakkad and Malappuram
Patayani This is a week-long ritual dance held in Kaali temples on the banks of the Pamba river during the Malayalam months of Meenam
and Medam (March–April).
Poothanumthirayum This performance is a ritual offering to Goddess Kaali in many places of south Malabar.
Theeyattu This is a solo dance-drama enacted in some Bhagavathy temples of Thiruvalla, Kottayam, Thripunithura and neighbouring areas
in front of the Kalam or Dhooli Chitram (ritual drawing with coloured powders)
Theyyam Also known as Kaliyattam, this ritual dance popular in north Kerala (erstwhile Kolathunadu) features dance, mime and music
embodying rudiments of ancient tribal cultures which attached great importance to the worship of heroes and ancestral spirits
Tholppavakkoothu Literally meaning ‘leather puppet play’, this is a ritual art performed during the annual festivals in the Kaali temples of Palakkad
district
Kalaripayattu This is a martial art form considered highly scientific in its practice.
Velakal This spectacular martial dance is performed by men in some of the temples of southern Kerala.
Madhya Swang This is a lively dance form of the Bundelkhand region. Its performance begins with the beating of mridang and gradually gains
Pradesh momentum dotted with prose and poetic dialogues.
Rai This dance of Baghelkhand is performed by a man disguised as a woman to the accompaniment of musical instruments like
dholak and nagara.
Matki Performed by women on various occasions to the beating of a drum locally called matki, this community dance of the Malwa
region is usually initiated by a lone woman called Jhela, while others join in with their traditional dresses to move in circles with
graceful steps and hand movements
Gangaur This devotional dance form is performed during the nine days of Gangaur festival in the Nimar region in honour of their deity
Ranubai and Dhaniyer Suryadev.
Badhai Popular in the Bundelkhand region, these dances are performed by both men and women on congratulatory occasions like
births and marriages to the tunes of accompanying musical instruments.
Baredi Beginning with the day of Diwali, this dance is performed by a group of colourfully dressed 8-10 young men led by a lead
performer for a fortnight. Usually, a two line devotional poetry called diwari precedes this performance
Naurata This dance is performed by unmarried girls seeking God’s blessings for a good match through the nine days of festivity during
the period of Navratri in the Bundelkhand region.
Ahirai This popular dance form of the Bharia tribe is performed by a group of musicians, who whirl in a circle with aerobic movements
keeping pace with the rising crescendo of the drums and timki (a pair of brass metal platters) all through the night on occasions
such as marriages.
Bhagoria This is a traditional dance of the Baiga tribe wherein beginning with the Dussehra festival eligible male members from one
village visit another village to be welcomed by young girls who would choose from amongst them their suitable partners.
Pardhauni This is another dance popular among the Baigas, who perform it mainly to welcome and entertain the bridegroom’s party
during a marriage.
Maharashtra
Manipur Thang-Ta It is a traditional martial art of the State. The name is derived from two words, Thang (meaning ‘sword’) and Ta (meaning
‘spear’). Its performance combines both rhythm and vigour providing a thrilling spectacle. Both men and women take part in its
performance
Kartal Cholom or It is normally performed by male artists using cymbals and wearing white pheijom or dhoti and spherical turbans. The artists
Cymbal Dance sing and dance to the rhythm of Pung or Mridanga (two-sided drum)
Lai-Haraoba An important form of performing arts of Manipur is Khamba-Thoibi. It is a duet performance by male and female dancers. This
dance along with the Maibi (priestess) and other dances form the Lai Haraoba dance.
Jagoi The legend of Shiva dancing with Parvati in this region beside a lake, nestling among the hills and lit by the sparkle of the ‘mani’
(gem) on the forehead of Shiva’s serpent, inspires this dance form. Performed by the followers of Saivism and the Shakti cult,
this has also led to other ritualistic dances dedicated to Lord Shiva, Nongponkningthu, Parvati and Panthoibi
Raas-leela or Raslila It is the epitome of Manipuri classical dance and reveals both the sublime and the transcendental love between Radha and
Krishna and the Gopis’ devotion towards the Lord. These dances are generally performed at night in a mandap (platform) in
front of a temple and watched with deep devotion. In the temple of Shree Govindjee at Imphal, Raslilas are performed on the
nights of Basanta Purnima, Sarad Purnima and Kartik Purnima. Usually, these performances combine all the three variants of
the dance, namely, solo, duet and group. Apart from their sublimity and grace, the richness of the costumes of the performers
also add to the luster of these performances.
Thabal Chongba This is a kind of Manipuri folk dance, where both men and women hold hands together to sing and dance in a circle
Kabui Naga Dance This is a kind of community dance performed separately by men and women. In its all-men form, the men dressed in red wraps
with traditional designs over white trousers and their heads adorned with large feathers and chests covered with ornaments of
shells and beads dance joyously on the occasion of the Gan Ngai festival that is celebrated in December–January. In the all-
women form of the dance, the women perform in sitting position with their arms making abstract patterns in the air and on the
ground singing all through by themselves.
Tandan Pheichak This is a harvest dance performed by the Kabui Nagas to propitiate the Goddess of harvest.
Lai Chingthokpa to These are sequential dances which begin with an invocation to the spirits of Gods and Goddesses who lie in the waters. Then
Hakchang Shaba follow the showcasing of different stages of life from the birth to death. These are depicted only through movements with no
accompanying narration as the images of the deity Pakhangba are drawn in space
Meghalaya
Mizoram
Nagaland
Odisha
Punjab
Rajasthan
Sikkim
Tamil Nadu
Telangana
Tripura Garia This dance of the tribals is organised on the occasion of New Year festivities and worship of deity ‘Garia’
Holi Hug Dance This is again a similar kind of ‘jhuming’ dance. The dancers hold hands at waist level. It is performed by members of the
 Marsum tribe
Hoza Giri Dance It is celebrated before the selection of site for jhum, to pray for the blessings of Mainuma, (Goddess of wealth) by the Reang
community of Tripura.
Lebang Bomani This is a dance that reflects the game of catching insects. Special sounds through clapping of bamboo stick clappers (tokkas) are
produced while dancing.
Sangrai Mogh Dance This is a dance of Mogh community. Ushering in the New Year, the Mogh community of Tripura celebrates Sangrai (last day of
the month) with music. The Moghs are followers of Buddhism.
Chawn Lam Chawn Lam is a dance performed on the occasion of Chang festival. It is held at the end of a good harvest when an animal is
sacrificed.
Pheiphit Lam This is a dance of victory where the head of an animal or enemy is placed at the centre of a platform. Bamboo trumpets and
flutes are played in addition to pipes of different sizes.
Waikhong Lam This is a commemorative dance which pays tribute and obeisance to the almighty and tribal lords.
Lam-Lam and Dar-Lam It is a gateway dance performed at a funeral.
Khongilaam Dance This dance imitates movement of the hornbill bird. Entry of male dancers is soon followed by that of women, and both dance in
a circle
Inthona Lam Inthona Lam literally means ‘coming out of a cave’. It represents a string of five festivals of the Tarao tribe as they welcome the
entry of the New Year.
Lampak Dance This dance is performed by the Koirang tribe and they imitate the killing of a tiger through dance.
Zangta Lam The word ‘zangta’ stands for enemy. Zangta Lam, therefore, is a dance of the Paithe tribe symbolising victory over the enemy.
Uttarakhand
Uttar Pradesh
West Bengal
Union Territories
Andaman &
Nicobar
Islands
Chandigarh
Dadra and
Nagar Haveli
and Daman
and Diu
The Govt. of
Delhi
Jammu and
Kashmir
Ladakh Jabro This dance, associated with the celebration of Losar, is performed by the Changthang people.
Tukhstanmo This dance is performed in the Zanskar and Bakhamul areas.
 Spao This is a type of warrior dance associated with the legendary hero Gesar.
Loshon This dance is performed at Shey village before the harvesting festival
Shoudol This is the only folk dance which displays backward movement of steps
Mentoq Stanmo This is a type of song and dance performed by the Drukpas bedecked with flowers at Deskit and Da Hanu.
Shon This was earlier a dance performed for the kings of Ladakh but is freely performed today to showcase the rich culture of the
place.
Koshan This dance is performed in Leh preceded by a horse race
Lakshwadeep Kolkali (Stick dance) Most popular folk dance; Kol means stick; dance is performed only by males by holding the sticks in their hands; they form pairs
and dance in a circle in tune with the beatings of the sticks and rhythmic folk songs; and they form different alignments slowly
at the beginning and end in a frenzied tempo.
Parichakali (Shield Paricha means shield; dance is performed with swords and shields made of soft wood; similar to a martial art; accompanied by
dance) songs that usually describe the heroic combats of the ancient warriors; similar to Kolkali, dancers begin slowly and end in a
crescendo of agile movements.
Bandiya (Pot dance) Most popular folk dance among women; Bandiya means pots; dance is performed with brightly coloured pots; traditionally
women used to carry pots to fetch drinking water from ponds attached to Mosques or prayer halls; these pots express emotions
of a bride.
Oppana (Smearing of Popular dance at a wedding ceremony; close friends of the bride perform this dance wearing glittering clothes; they sing and
the henna) dance around the bride after smearing henna on her palms; dance is full of music and dazzling movements.
Lav Most popular traditional folk dance of Minicoy; performed only by males
Puducherry