All dance forms together organized by state and with

general information grouped made by Shahid

Andhra Pradesh
● Dhimsa: A folk dance performed by Porja tribes of Araku valley. A tribal dance form
performed by Porja caste women.
● Lambadi: A folk dance form of the Banjara tribe.
● Veera Natyam: A ritual dance form.
● Veedhi-Bhagavatam: A famous dance form.
● Kolannalu: A folk dance popularly known as the "stick dance". Similar to the stick dance.
● Kuchipudi: A classical dance that originated in Andhra Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh
● Rikham Pada: A dance form from this state.
● Tapu: Performed by the Adi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. A dance performed in Arunachal
Pradesh.
● Aji Lamu: A folk dance performed by Monpa Tribes.
● Ponung: A folk dance.
● Popir: A dance form.
● Buiya: A dance form associated with the state.
Assam
● Sattriya: A classical dance form recognized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2000.
Influenced by Bihu dance.
○ One act play of Sattriya is called Ankiya Nat.
○ Chali, Jhumura, and Nadu Bhangi are forms of Sattriya.
○ Mati-Akhora: Associated with Sattriya dance.
○ Developed from the Vaishnavite monasteries.
○ Borgeet, a musical composition, is used in Sattriya.
● Bagurumba: A folk dance performed by the Bodo tribe. Performed by Bodo community
people.
● Bhortal: A famous folk dance.
● Nat Puja, Bihu, Chongli: Folk dances.
● Jhumur: Performed by the 'Kulis' (people who work in the tea gardens) during autumn.
Performed by 'Kulis' during autumn.
● Deodhani: Associated with the snake goddess Manasa.
● Natpuja: A folk dance.
● Bihu: A folk dance form.
Bihar
● Jhijhiya: Performed to please the god of rain ‘Indra’ for good rain and crops. Performed
during Dussehra in Mithila region. A famous cultural dance.
● Jat-Jatin: A popular folk dance.
● Jat-Jatin, Bidesia, Jhijhiya: Dance forms of Bihar.
Chhattisgarh
● Gaur Maria: A dance form from this state. A folk dance. A dance form belonging to
Chhattisgarh.
● Saila, Panthi, Pandwani, Raut Nacha: Dances associated with the state. Performed by
boys after the harvest season.
 ● Saila: Performed with bamboo sticks.
● Suwa: A folk dance where women act like parrots.
● Panthi: A dance form.
● Tapali & Dagla: Folk dances.
● Raut Nacha: A famous tribal dance.
Goa
● Ghode Modni: Known as the 'Warrior Dance'. A folk dance.
● Koli: A folk dance (also found in Maharashtra).
● Gonph: A famous folk dance.
● Fugdi: Another folk dance form. A folk dance celebrated in the month of Bhadrapada by
Konkan women.
● Tarangamel: A folk dance.
● Dhangar: A worship dance form performed by the shepherd community during Navratri.
● Dhalo: A popular ritual folk dance.
● Mando: A folk dance.
Gujarat
● Siddhi Dhamal: A unique dance performed by the Siddhi community. Associated with
Gujarat.
● Trippani, Hudo, Mer Ras, Palli Jag Garbo: Folk dances of Gujarat.
● Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani Juriun: Popular folk dances. Performed during Navratri.
● Bhavai (Vesha or Swang): A popular folk theater form. A folk dance involving balancing
pots on the head.
○ Goddess Amba is the presiding deity.
● Hallisaka: A group dance.
● Dandiya: Associated with Gujarat.
● Tippani: A well-known dance.
● Rathwa ni Gher: Performed on the occasion of Holi by the Rathwa tribe.
Haryana
● Gugga: A folk dance performed by men. A traditional folk dance.
● Gugga, Khoria, and Phag: Dances associated with Haryana.
● Fag: A folk dance.
Himachal Pradesh
● Ghurehi: A folk dance performed by women.
● Dangi: A folk dance.
● Nati: A folk dance that ends with a Yagya.
● Chharhi: A dance form originating from Himachal Pradesh.
● Kharaiti: A martial dance performed with swords.
● Jhali: A folk dance.
Jharkhand
● Paika: Performed by the Munda tribe, specifically in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region.
Performed by a tribal community, holding a sword in one hand and a shield in the other. A
famous dance.
● Mundari: Associated with the Munda tribe. A famous dance. A dance associated with
Jharkhand.
● Seraikella Chhau: A popular dance form.
● Agni, Mardana Jhumur, Phagua: Dances associated with Jharkhand.
● Sarhul: A festival dance performed by the Oraon tribe.
● Birhor: A tribal folk dance.
 ● Janani-Jhumur: Performed mainly by tribal women during the cultivation season.
● Jamda: A folk dance.
● Hunta: Associated with the Santhal tribal community.
● Karma: A dance form.
● Jhika Dashain: Performed by the Santhal tribe.
● Chhau: Saraikela is a subtype of Chhau.
● Alkap: A traditional dance-drama (also found in West Bengal).
Karnataka
● Dollu Kunitha, Bhoota, and Balakat: Dances associated with the state. Folk dance
performed for Lord Shiva.
● Kamsale: A folk dance. A traditional dance form.
● Yakshagana: A folk dance. A traditional theater.
● Bhoota Kola: A spirit worship ritual dance.
● Suggi: A famous folk dance form.
● Ummatt-aat: A folk dance form performed in Coorg.
● Veeragase: Performed during the Dussehra festival.
● Bhootada Kola: A spiritual folk dance.
● Bayalata: A dance form.
● Bolak-aat: A dance form belonging to Karnataka.
● Huli Vesha: A popular folk dance.
Kashmir
● Bhand Pather: A dance form of Kashmir. A theater tradition.
● Dumhal: A dance form belonging to Jammu & Kashmir.
● Kud: A folk dance.
● Rouf: A folk dance. Folk dance related to Jammu and Kashmir.
Kerala
● Mudiyettu: A ritual drama recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. A
traditional folk theatre form.
● Thullal: A dance form originating from Kerala.
● Kathakali: Known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and headdresses. A classical
dance form that begins with a drum-playing performance called Kelikottu. A harmonious
combination of five fine art forms.
○ Sevakali is a practice session that precedes Kathakali.
○ Uses various colors on the face to symbolize characters.
○ A South Indian classical dance form that means 'Story-Play'.
○ Associated with God Krishna.
○ The classical work 'Hastalakshan Deepika' is related to Kathakali.
○ Kalasam: A dance sequence in Kathakali.
○ The Nalacharitham play: Associated with Kathakali.
● Kolkali: A folk art performed in the North Malabar region. A popular dance form.
● Chavittu Kali: Associated with Kerala.
● Mohiniyattam: Performed by women in honor of Lord Vishnu.
○ Tevitichiyattam, Nangai Natakam, and Dasiyattam are forms of Mohiniyattam.
○ Mentioned in the ancient text of Vyavahar Mala.
○ According to 'Natya Shastra', Mohiniyattam is a form of Lasya Dance.
○ Mohiniyattam dance often uses songs in the Manipravalam language.
○ Associated with God Vishnu.
○ The main percussion instrument used in Mohiniyattam is Edakka.
 ● Padayani: A folk dance performed at Bhadrakali temple. A ritual dance art form
performed at the Bhadrakali temple.

● Kathakali:
○ Classical dance with elaborate costumes, makeup, and headdresses.
○ Begins with a drum-playing performance called Kelikottu.
○ Considered a harmonious combination of five fine art forms.
○ Dancers use various colors on their faces to symbolize different characters.
○ Associated with the Hindu god Krishna.
○ Related to the classical work 'Hastalakshan Deepika'.
○ Kalasam: A specific dance sequence in Kathakali.
○ The Nalacharitham play: A famous story often depicted in Kathakali.
● Mohiniyattam:
○ Classical dance performed by women in honor of the Hindu god Vishnu.
○ Mentioned in the ancient text of Vyavahar Mala.
○ According to Natya Shastra, it's a form of Lasya Dance (gentle and feminine).
○ Dances often incorporate songs in the Manipravala language (a mix of Sanskrit
and the regional language).
○ Main percussion instrument used is the Edakka (a type of drum).
● Mudiyettu:
○ Ritual dance drama based on the mythological tale of a battle between the
goddess Kali and the demon Darika.
○ Recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
● Thullal:
○ Solo dance form that originated in Kerala.
● Chavittu Kali:
○ Another dance form associated with Kerala.
● Theyyam:
○ Ritual art form where performers embody deities.
● Elelakkaradi:
○ Tribal dance form from Kerala.
● Kummattikali:
○ Popular mask dance from the South Malabar region of Kerala.
● Padayani:
○ Ritual dance art form performed at Bhadrakali temples.
● Krishnanattam:
○ Traditional theatre form where eight plays are performed for eight consecutive
days

Ladakh
● Balti: A dance form related to this region.
● Shondol: The 'Royal Dance of Ladakh'.
 ● Spao: A dance belonging to Ladakh.
● Buddhist chanting: Inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2012.
Lakshadweep Island
● Kolkali: A popular dance form.
● Parichakali: A popular folk dance.
Madhya Pradesh
● Grida: A folk dance. A folk dance.
● Matki: A dance in Madhya Pradesh.
● Terah Tali: Performed by the Kamar tribe.
● Ahirai: A folk dance of the Bharia tribe.
● Bhagoriya: Performed by Bhils.
● Jawara: A popular harvest dance in Bundelkhand region.
● Rai: Primarily a folk dance.
● Kathi: A popular folk dance from Nimar region.
● Moniya: Prevalent on the occasion of Deepawali in the regional areas of Sagar.
● Turra-Kalangi: A folk drama famous in the Nimar region.
Maharashtra
● Lavani, Powada, Koli, Waghya Murali, and Dhangari Gaja: Folk dances. A popular
dance.
● Songi Mukhawate: Celebrates the victory of truth over falsehood.
● Lavani: Performed by women.
● Waghya Murali: Associated with Lord Khandoba.
● Tamasha: A folk dance.
Manipur
● Manipuri: A classical dance form based on Rasleela themes of Radha and Krishna.
○ The masculine aspect is known as Choloms.
○ Ras, Sankirtana, and Thang-Ta are popular forms.
○ Lai Haraoba is considered the earliest form.
○ Nat is the traditional singing style associated with Manipuri dance.
○ Jagoi and Cholom: The two main divisions of Manipuri dance.
○ Charu Sija Mathur: A name synonymous with Manipuri dance.
○ Ras-Lila: Recognized as a classical dance form of Manipur.
○ Lai Haraoba: The earliest form of Manipuri dance.
○ The artist never establishes eye contact with the audience.
○ Associated with the Vaishnavism of the Meitei people.
○ Nupa: A dance associated with Manipur.
○ Scenes of Lord Krishna are performed.
○ Pung Cholom: The drum prominently used as part of the dance movements. A
dance form.
○ Lai Haroba: A festival that is part of Manipuri dance.
○ Performers wear a cylindrical skirt named 'Potloi'.
○ Often depicts scenes from the life of Lord Krishna.
● Jagoi and Thabal Chongba: Famous dances.
 ● Jagoi: A famous dance form.
● Thabal Chongba: A folk dance.
Meghalaya
● Ka Shad Mastieh: The victory dance of the Khasi tribe.
● Laho: Performed by the Jaintiya tribe. A popular dance. A dance of Meghalaya.
● Wangla: A famous folk dance.
● Cheraw: A folk dance.
● Chad Sukra: A traditional dance festival celebrated as a sowing festival.
Mizoram
● Cheraw: The bamboo dance. A folk dance. The traditional bamboo dance.
● Zang Talam: Performed by the Paihte tribe.
● Zangtalam, Chailam, Cheraw: Dances belonging to Mizoram.
● Khuallam: A folk dance. Participated exclusively by village guests.
Nagaland
● Chang Lo: A tribal dance performed by the Chang tribe. Performed by the Chang tribe.
● Sadal Kekai: Performed as preparation for a hunting expedition.
● Changai: A dance associated with Nagaland.
● Aaluyattu: A folk-dance form.
● Rengma: Primarily a folk dance.
● Changsang: Performed by the Chang tribe during Naknyulum festivals.
● Zeliang: A tribal folk dance.
● Leshalaptu: A dance form.
Odisha
● Odissi: A classical dance form where Pakhawaj syllables conclude the performance.
Related to the worship of Lord Jagannath. The only Indian dance form featured in Michael
Jackson's 1991 music video 'Black or White’.
● Konark dance festival: Organized every year for 5 days.
● Mayurbhanj Chhau: Performed in Odisha. Native to Odisha.
● Danda-nacha: Narrates the story of Lord Shiva.
● Daskathia: A tribal dance.
● Paika, Ghumra, and Dhap: Folk dances.
● Rangabati: A folk dance.
● Ranpa: A folk dance depicting the life of Lord Krishna.
● Gotipua: Performed by young boys. A folk dance. A traditional dance form performed in
honor of Lord Jagannath.
● Mahari: A dance style that is a form of Odissi dance.
Punjab
● Bhangra, Luddi, Giddha: Folk dances.
● Luddi: A folk dance.
● Gatka: A traditional fighting style of the Nihang Sikh warriors.
● Giddha: A folk dance form.
Rajasthan
 ● Kalbelia: The 'Snake Charmer Dance' performed by the Kalbelia community. Also known
as the Sapera dance.
● Gair: A folk dance performed by the Bhil community. A folk dance form.
● Chari: A folk dance primarily performed by women.
● Gavari: A dance-drama.
● Ghoomar: Traditionally performed by the Bhil tribe. A folk dance. Developed by the Bhil
tribes to worship Goddess Saraswati. The traditional folk dance.
● Lotia: Regional music.
● Bhavai: A folk dance involving balancing pots on the head.
○ Goddess Amba is the presiding deity.
● Jhulan: A folk dance form.
● Chakri: Performed by the Kanjar tribe.
● Tertali: A dance form.
● Agni: (Fire dance) performed by the Jasnathi Siddha Sect.
Sikkim
● Chu Faat: A folk dance.
● Tashi Sabdo: Associated with Sikkim.
● Rechungma, Gha To Kito, Chi Rmu: Dance forms of Sikkim.
● Chaam: An amazing mask dance.
● Maruni: A dance associated with Sikkim. A group dance of the Nepali community.
● Zo-Mal-Lok: Associated with the Lepcha community.
● Chu-Faat: Traditionally associated with the Lepcha community.
Tamil Nadu
● Kummi: A dance associated with Tamil Nadu.
● Karagam: A folk dance. A folk dance.
● Bharatanatyam:
○ Performed in the temples by the Devadasis.
○ Ekaharya: Where one dancer performs many roles in a single performance.
○ The gopurams of the Chidambaram temple depict the poses of Bharatnatyam.
○ The music belongs to the Carnatic system.
○ Dedicated to temples and was earlier known as Sadir.
○ First of India's traditional dances to be refashioned as a theatre art.
○ A Bharatnatyam dance recital is done by a Nattuvanar (a dance master).
○ A classical dance form.
○ Revealed by Lord Brahma to sage Bharata, who codified this dance in Natya
Shastra.
● Kavadi attam: Performed during the worship of Murugan, the Hindu God of war.
● Karakattam: A traditional dance.
Telangana
● Mathuri: A folk dance practiced in Telangana.
Thailand
● Khon: A masked drama dance performance depicting the glory of Lord Rama.
Tripura
● Maimata: A popular folk dance. A popular dance of the Kaloi community.
● Lebang Boomani: The harvest dance.
● Hai-Hak: A dance associated with Tripura.
● Sangrai: A folk dance.
● Hojagiri: A tribal dance form of the Reang community.
Uttar Pradesh
● Kathak: A classical dance form associated with Hindustani classical music. Influenced by
Mughal tradition.
○ Thumri music is associated with Kathak.
○ Natwari Nritya is associated with Kathak.
○ The word 'Kathak' is derived from the word for 'story'.
You're right to keep me on track! I apologize for the interruption. It seems I still have some room
to grow when it comes to handling these extensive lists. Let me pick up where I left off with the
merged and comprehensive list of Indian dances:
Uttar Pradesh
● Kathak: A classical dance form associated with Hindustani classical music. Influenced by
Mughal tradition. The classical dance of storytellers.
○ Thumri music is associated with Kathak.
○ Natwari Nritya is associated with Kathak.
○ The word 'Kathak' is derived from the word for 'story'.
○ The prime themes of Kathak are tied with Vaishnavism.
○ Jugalbandi: The competitive play between dancer and tabla player in Kathak.
○ The Raigarh Gharana: Associated with Kathak.
○ Kajari: A folk song and dance that originated in Uttar Pradesh. Related to the
monsoon season.
○ Gharanas of Kathak: Jaipur, Lucknow, Benaras, and Raigarh.
○ Oldest gharana of Kathak: Banaras Gharana.
● Charkula: A famous dance form.
Uttarakhand
● Choliya: A martial dance. A sword dance depicting the martial art tradition of the
Kumaoni tribe. Associated with Uttarakhand.
● Hurka Baul: Performed during maize and paddy cultivation. A famous dance.
● Jhora: Performed as a springtime celebration.
● Mukhota: Usually performed to worship God Bhumitayal.
● Hurkiya Baul: A folk dance.
West Bengal
● Purulia Chhau: Performed in West Bengal.
● Brita: Performed after recovering from smallpox.
● Chhau: Purulia is a subtype of Chhau.
● Alkap: A traditional dance-drama (also found in Jharkhand).
● Gambhira: Performed using various wooden masks.
General/Multiple Regions
● Chhau: Exists in 3 main styles: Saraikela (Jharkhand), Mayurbhanj (Odisha), and Purulia
(West Bengal). Included in the UNESCO Heritage Dances in 2010.
● Bharatanatyam:
○ Originally known as Sadir Attam.
○ Varnam: One of the stages in Bharatanatyam.
○ Evolved from 'Ekaharya Lasyanga’.
○ Expresses South Indian religious themes and spiritual ideas of Shaivism.
○ The classical dance style inscribed on the Gopuram of Chidambaram temple.
○ Theoretical foundations have been found in Natya Shastra.
○ Vazhuvoor: One of the styles in Bharatanatyam.
○ Kalakshetra: A style associated with Bharatanatyam.
○ Alarippu: A dance piece from Bharatanatyam.
○ Ancient dance teachers or gurus of Bharatanatyam: Popularly known as
Nattuvanars.
○ The dance movement characterized by bent legs while feet keep rhythm is present
in Bharatanatyam.
○ Traces its lineage to the ancient dance of Sadir Attam.
○ The gestures used are known as Mudras.
○ The Gopurams of the Chidambaram temple contain numerous poses of
Bharatanatyam.
● Kuchipudi:
○ Bhama Kalapam: A classical dance-drama associated with Kuchipudi.
○ Tarangam: The element in Kuchipudi where the performer balances their feet on
the edge of a brass plate.
○ Combines speech, mime, and pure dance. Accompanied by Carnatic music.
○ The dance-drama Bhamakalapam is based on Kuchipudi.
○ Composed by Siddhendra Yogi (a Vaishnava poet).
○ 'Manduka Shabdam', a story of the frog, is performed in Kuchipudi.
● Raasleela: A form of folk theatre based on the life of Lord Krishna.
● Dhunuchi Naach: A freestyle dance where performers dance with clay pots filled with
burning incense.
● Mudra: Hand gestures used in Indian classical dances.
● Shringaara rasa: The rasa in which love can be best expressed.
● Triangle Mudra: Associated with Odissi.
● Hi-Dance: Created by Uday Shankar.
● Bhadam: Popular among the Bharia tribe.
● Hojagiri: A folk dance associated with North-East India. A tribal dance form of the Reang
community associated with Tripura.
● Biraha: Depicts the anguish of women whose partners are gone from home.
● Chari: Women perform with chairs on their heads with lighted diyas.
● Ratvai: Associated with the Mewati tribes.
● Tillana: A style associated with Bharatanatyam.
● Khajuraho Dance Festival: Instituted in 1975 by the collaboration between the
Government of India and Madhya Pradesh Kala Parishad.
● Mayilattam: The dance of South India, also called the Peacock dance.
● Mohiniyattam: Means "Dance of the Enchantress". The Hindu god associated with
Mohiniyattam is Lord Vishnu. The musical instrument used is the Edakka.
● Kadsa: Performed carrying a 'Kalasha'. A dance style performed carrying a 'Kalasha'.
● Chhau, Kalaripayattu, Lazim: Traditional dances of martial art forms.
● Nati: India made its entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for Nati in 2015.
● Jatra: Folk theatre of Eastern India.
● Sonal Mansingh: A famous Odissi dancer.