Folk Dances of Different States in India

In government exams like SSC, Banking, Railways, etc we find many questions from the Dance forms and drama section. This is a part of the general awareness section and in recent times questions are frequently coming from this topic. we will cover the General awareness section comprehensively so that students can learn and get most of the questions correct in this section. In this article, we will provide a complete list of Folk Dances from different states in India.

Folk Dance: An Introduction

• A folk dance is a dance that reflects the life of the people of a specific country or region. 
  
• All ethnic dances are not folk dances. for example, Ritual dances. Ritual dances are referred to as “religious dances” as they are performed for specific purposes. 
  
• The terms “ethnic” and “traditional” are used when necessary to emphasize the cultural roots of the dance. In this way, almost all folk dances are ethnic. 
  
• In some dances, like the polka,  cross ethnic lines and even cross the line between “folk dance” and “ballroom dancing,” the ethnic differences are often significant enough to mention.    
  
• Each state has its own folk dance. The folk dance also keeps the history of the people alive. Dances are ways in which a community celebrates a special event or an important date in time.

List of Folk Dances: State-Wise

Serial No.	State	Folk Dance
1	Andhra Pradesh	Kuchipudi, Vilasini Natyam, Andhra Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Butta Bommalu
2	Assam	Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal, Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai
3	Bihar	Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama Chakwa, Bidesia
4	Gujarat	Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai
5	Jammu and Kashmir	Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach, Damali
6	Haryana	Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor
7	Himachal Pradesh	Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi
8	Karnataka	Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi
9	Kerala	Kathakali (Classical), Ottam Thulal, Mohiniattam, Kaikottikali
10	Maharashtra	Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada
11	Odisha	Odissi (Classical), Savari, Ghumura, Paika, Munari, Chhau
12	West Bengal	Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan
13	Punjab	Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand, Naqual
14	Rajasthan	Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Kalbelia
15	Tamil Nadu	Bharatanatyam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi
16	Uttar Pradesh	Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita
17	Uttarakhand	Garhwali, Kumaoni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila, Chappeli
18	Goa	Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale, Gonph, Tonnya mell
19	Madhya Pradesh	Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni, Maanch
20	Chhattisgarh	Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Bharthari Charit, Chandaini
21	Jharkhand	Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua,Hunta Dance, Mundari Dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhitka, Danga, Domkach, Ghora Naach
22	Arunachal Pradesh	Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo Chham
23	Manipur	Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Khamba Thaibi, Nupa Dance, Raslila, Khubak Ishei, Lhou  Sha
24	Meghalaya	Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho
25	Mizoram	Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, Par Lam, Sarlamkai/Solakia, Tlanglam
26	Nagaland	Rangma, Bamboo Dance, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim, Temangnetin, Hetaleulee
27	Tripura	Hojagiri, Lebang Boomani, Garia, Bijhu, Hai-Hak, Wangala, Welcome, Cheraw, Sangrai
28	Sikkim	Chu Faat Dance, Sikmari, Singhi Chham or the Snow Lion Dance, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi Yangku Dance, Khukuri Naach, Chutkey Naach, Maruni Dance.
29	Lakshadweep	Lava, Kolkali, Parichakali.