Folk Dances
Arts & Culture · लोक नृत्य
📋Quick Overview
Folk dances are the most frequently asked topic in Indian Art & Culture. Each state has unique folk dances performed during festivals, harvests, and celebrations. Matching folk dances with their states is the most common exam question format.
⭐
Bhangra (Punjab), Garba (Gujarat), Bihu (Assam), Ghoomar (Rajasthan) and Lavani (Maharashtra) are the top 5 most asked folk dances.
📖State-wise Folk Dances
| State | Folk Dances | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | Bhangra, Giddha | Bhangra (men, harvest), Giddha (women) |
| Rajasthan | Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Chari, Terah Taali | Ghoomar (women, swirling), Kalbelia (snake charmer tribe, UNESCO) |
| Gujarat | Garba, Dandiya Raas | Navratri festival, circular dance with sticks |
| Maharashtra | Lavani, Tamasha, Koli | Lavani (women, romantic), Koli (fishermen) |
| Assam | Bihu | Harvest festival dance, Rongali Bihu (April) |
| West Bengal | Chhau (Purulia), Jatra | Chhau uses masks, martial arts based |
| Jharkhand | Chhau (Seraikela) | Mask dance, UNESCO Intangible Heritage |
| Odisha | Chhau (Mayurbhanj), Gotipua | Mayurbhanj Chhau has NO masks |
| Kerala | Thiruvathira, Kaikottikali | Thiruvathira (women, Onam festival) |
| Karnataka | Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha | Yakshagana (dance-drama), Dollu (drum dance) |
| Uttar Pradesh | Raslila, Charkula, Nautanki | Raslila (Krishna theme, Mathura) |
| Himachal Pradesh | Nati | Guinness record for largest folk dance |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Rouf, Dumhal | Rouf (women), Dumhal (Wattal tribe men) |
| Goa | Fugdi, Dekhni, Mando | Fugdi (women, breathless dance) |
| Mizoram | Cheraw (Bamboo dance) | Bamboo sticks crossed on ground |
| Manipur | Thang-ta, Lai Haraoba | Thang-ta (martial), Lai Haraoba (ritual) |
| Madhya Pradesh | Rai, Jawara, Matki | Rai (Bundeli region) |
| Chhattisgarh | Panthi, Raut Nacha, Sua | Panthi (Satnami community) |
| Nagaland | Chang Lo, War Dance | Tribal harvest celebrations |