Indian Folk Dances

 State-Wise Folk Dances of India

1. Andhra Pradesh

• Kuchipudi: A classical dance form known for its graceful movements and strong narrative, originating from the village of Kuchipudi.
• Veeranatyam: A vigorous ritualistic dance dedicated to Lord Shiva, performed by men in temples.
• Dappu: A vibrant and energetic dance involving drums, commonly performed in rural areas.
• Butta Bommalu: A unique dance featuring large, colorful masks representing different characters.

2. Arunachal Pradesh

• Bardo Chham: A traditional dance of the Sherdukpen tribe that represents the fight between good and evil.
• Wancho Dance: A traditional dance performed during tribal festivals, showcasing the lifestyle and culture of the Wancho tribe.
• Pasi Kongki: Performed by the Adi tribe during celebrations, reflecting their rich cultural heritage.
• Popir Dance: A popular dance of the Galo tribe, often performed during harvest festivals.

3. Assam

• Bihu: A lively and vibrant dance associated with the Bihu festival, marking the Assamese New Year and celebrating the harvest season.
• Bagurumba: Known as the butterfly dance, performed by the Bodo community, mimicking the graceful movements of butterflies.
• Sattriya: A classical dance form rooted in the Vaishnav monasteries of Assam, combining music, dance, and drama.
• Jhumur: A traditional dance of the tea tribes of Assam, performed during festivals and celebrations.

4. Bihar

• Jat-Jatin: A dance that portrays the love and quarrel between a rural husband and wife, popular in the Mithila region.
• Jhijhiya: A ritualistic dance performed by women to appease the rain goddess during drought.
• Kajari: Performed during the monsoon season, this dance is accompanied by soulful folk songs celebrating the beauty of rain.
• Sohar-Khilouna: A dance associated with the celebrations surrounding childbirth, filled with joy and festive spirit.

5. Chhattisgarh

• Panthi: Performed by the Satnami community, this dance celebrates the teachings of Guru Ghasidas and reflects the cultural richness of Chhattisgarh.
• Raut Nacha: A traditional folk dance of the Yadava community, celebrating the legend of Lord Krishna with vigor and devotion.
• Sua Nacha: A dance performed by women during the sowing season, symbolizing fertility and prosperity.
• Karma: Performed during the Karma festival, this dance is dedicated to the god of fate and involves rhythmic movements and vibrant music.

6. Goa

• Dekhni: A semi-classical dance form symbolizing the blend of Konkani and Portuguese cultures, often performed by young women.
• Fugdi: A traditional Goan folk dance performed by women during festivals and religious ceremonies.
• Mando: A dance that reflects the cultural amalgamation of Goan and Portuguese influences, often performed at social gatherings.
• Dhalo: A popular dance performed by women, usually during weddings and religious events, involving rhythmic clapping and singing.

7. Gujarat

• Garba: A lively dance performed during the Navratri festival, where dancers move in a circle around a central lamp or image of Goddess Durga.
• Dandiya Raas: A folk dance involving the rhythmic clashing of sticks (dandiyas), also performed during Navratri.
• Tippani: A folk dance performed by women using long sticks (tippanis), originally used in construction work, now a popular cultural performance.
• Padhar: A dance of the Padhar community, closely associated with their lifestyle and traditions related to water and fishing.

8. Haryana

• Saang: A dramatic folk dance that incorporates storytelling and dialogue, often depicting social and cultural issues.
• Phag: A springtime dance performed during the Phalgun month, celebrating the joy of the season.
• Dhamal: A vigorous dance performed by men during Holi and other festivals, characterized by energetic movements and drum beats.
• Jhumar: A traditional harvest dance, known for its slow and graceful movements, often performed during weddings and celebrations.

9. Himachal Pradesh

• Nati: One of the most popular folk dances of Himachal Pradesh, performed during festivals and fairs, known for its slow and rhythmic movements.
• Chhamb: A traditional war dance performed by the Gaddi tribe, showcasing their martial traditions and bravery.
• Lahauli Dance: A dance from the Lahaul region, performed during festivals and weddings, reflecting the local customs and traditions.
• Dangi: A folk dance performed by women, depicting various aspects of rural life and the beauty of nature.

10. Jharkhand

• Chhau: A martial dance form that blends elements of tribal and folk traditions with heroic themes, performed with masks and elaborate costumes.
• Paika: A dance performed by the Munda tribe, symbolizing military preparedness and bravery, often accompanied by war cries and drumbeats.
• Jhumar: A harvest dance performed by the Santhal tribe, celebrating the abundance of crops and the joy of rural life.
• Phagua: A vibrant dance celebrating the festival of Holi, with participants singing and dancing in groups, marking the arrival of spring.

11. Karnataka

• Yakshagana: A traditional theatre form combining dance, music, and dialogue, depicting stories from Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
• Dollu Kunitha: A drum dance performed by men, characterized by vigorous movements and synchronized drumming, often performed during religious festivals.
• Veeragase: A dynamic dance dedicated to Lord Shiva, known for its high energy and elaborate costumes, performed during festivals and celebrations.
• Kamsale: A folk dance associated with the worship of Male Mahadeshwara, involving the use of cymbals and rhythmic movements.

12. Kerala

• Kathakali: A classical dance-drama known for its elaborate costumes, makeup, and expressive gestures, enacting stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
• Thiruvathirakali: A graceful dance performed by women during the festival of Onam, characterized by elegant movements and traditional attire.
• Theyyam: A ritualistic dance representing gods and spirits, performed with elaborate costumes and makeup, deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of Kerala.
• Mohiniyattam: A classical dance form known for its soft, graceful movements and feminine themes, often depicting stories of love and devotion.

13. Madhya Pradesh

• Matki: A solo dance performed by women during special occasions, balancing a pot (matki) on their heads, showcasing their grace and balance.
• Tertali: A ritualistic dance performed by the Kamar tribe, involving cymbals tied to different parts of the body, creating rhythmic music as they move.
• Jawara: A dance celebrating the harvest, performed by women with pots filled with grains on their heads, symbolizing prosperity and abundance.
• Grida Dance: Performed during the sowing season, this dance reflects the joy and hope of farmers, with participants singing and dancing in groups.

14. Maharashtra

• Lavani: A popular dance form combining traditional song and dance, known for its powerful rhythm and often performed by women in a sensuous manner.
• Tamasha: A folk theatre form that includes dance, music, and humor, often used to depict social and cultural issues in a light-hearted manner.
• Koli: A dance performed by the Koli fishing community, reflecting their lifestyle and traditions, often performed during festivals and celebrations.
• Povada: A folk dance-drama that depicts the heroic deeds of the Maratha warrior Shivaji, filled with energy and patriotic fervor.

15. Manipur

• Manipuri: A classical dance form that is devotional in nature, often enacting stories from the life of Krishna, characterized by gentle and flowing movements.
• Thang Ta: A martial dance form that involves the use of swords and spears, showcasing the combat techniques of the Manipuri warriors.
• Lai Haraoba: A dance associated with the Lai Haraoba festival, celebrating the creation of the universe and the relationship between humans and gods.
• Pung Cholom: A drum dance that is performed during religious ceremonies, known for its acrobatic movements and rhythmic drumming.

16. Meghalaya

• Shad Suk Mynsiem: A dance performed during the spring festival, symbolizing the joy of harvest and the community's connection with nature.
• Laho: A traditional dance performed by both men and women, often accompanied by music and songs, showcasing the unity and harmony of the community.
• Wangala Dance: A harvest dance performed by the Garo tribe, celebrating the abundance of rice, with dancers moving in sync to the beat of drums.
• Nongkrem Dance: A religious dance performed during the Nongkrem festival, seeking blessings for a good harvest and the well-being of the community.

17. Mizoram

• Cheraw: Also known as the bamboo dance, where dancers skillfully move in and out between bamboo poles, creating intricate patterns with their feet.
• Khuallam: A dance performed during social ceremonies, symbolizing the welcoming of guests, often accompanied by traditional songs and music.
• Chheih Lam: A dance performed around a bonfire, often involving singing and chanting, reflecting the community's social and cultural values.
• Sarlamkai: A war dance performed by men, reflecting the martial traditions and history of the Mizo people, often depicting battles and victories.

18. Nagaland

• Chang Lo: A traditional war dance of the Chang tribe, performed during the Naknyulum festival, symbolizing strength and courage.
• Zeliang Dance: A traditional dance of the Zeliang tribe, performed during the annual harvest festival, reflecting the community's agricultural practices.
• Aoling Dance: A dance performed by the Konyak tribe, marking the beginning of the Aoling festival, celebrating the arrival of spring and new life.
• Mokhu-Kushu: A dance of the Angami tribe, performed during the Sekrenyi festival, showcasing the tribe's customs and traditions.

19. Odisha

• Odissi: A classical dance form originating from the temples of Odisha, known for its intricate footwork, expressive gestures, and sculpturesque poses.
• Gotipua: A traditional dance performed by young boys dressed as girls, known for its acrobatic movements and devotional themes.
• Ghumura: A martial dance performed with a drum called Ghumura, often depicting scenes from Hindu epics and battles.
• Chhau: A traditional dance from the Mayurbhanj district, involving elaborate masks and themes from Hindu mythology.

20. Punjab

• Bhangra: A vigorous dance associated with the harvest festival of Baisakhi, involving energetic leaps and kicks to the beat of the dhol.
• Giddha: A traditional women's dance that involves clapping and folk songs, narrating stories from everyday life and celebrating womanhood.
• Jhumar: A slow, rhythmic dance performed during weddings and other celebrations, reflecting the joy and unity of the community.
• Sammi: A dance performed by women, particularly in the Sandalbar region, characterized by its rhythmic clapping and simple movements.

21. Rajasthan

• Ghoomar: A traditional dance performed by women, characterized by graceful swaying movements and colorful attire, often performed during festivals.
• Kalbelia: A dance performed by the Kalbelia tribe, mimicking the movements of a serpent, known for its fluid and sensuous movements.
• Bhavai: A dance where women balance multiple pots on their heads, showcasing remarkable balance and grace, often performed during weddings and festivals.
• Kathputli: A puppetry dance where puppeteers control the movements of dolls to tell stories, often involving folklore and historical tales.

22. Sikkim

• Singhi Chaam: A masked dance representing the snow lion, a revered animal in Sikkimese culture, performed during the Pang Lhabsol festival.
• Maruni Dance: A popular dance performed during the Tihar festival, showcasing the influence of Nepalese culture in Sikkim.
• Tamang Selo: A dance of the Tamang community, usually performed to the beat of the damphu, reflecting their cultural heritage.
• Yak Chaam: A dance depicting the movements of a yak, performed during festivals and celebrations, symbolizing strength and endurance.

23. Tamil Nadu

• Bharatanatyam: A classical dance known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, and intricate footwork, often depicting stories of devotion and mythology.
• Kummi: A circular dance performed by women, often accompanied by rhythmic clapping, popular during festivals and social gatherings.
• Karagattam: A folk dance where performers balance pots on their heads, dedicated to the rain goddess Mariamman, performed during religious festivals.
• Mayilattam: A peacock dance where performers dress as peacocks, mimicking their movements and celebrating the beauty of nature.

24. Telangana

• Perini Shiva Tandavam: A dynamic dance dedicated to Lord Shiva, characterized by vigorous movements, traditionally performed by men.
• Lambadi: A dance of the Lambadi tribe, showcasing their vibrant attire and jewelry, often performed during festivals and celebrations.
• Bonalu Dance: A dance performed during the Bonalu festival, dedicated to the goddess Mahakali, involving rhythmic movements and drum beats.
• Bathukamma: A dance performed by women, revolving around floral arrangements during the Bathukamma festival, celebrating the goddess Gauri.

25. Tripura

• Hojagiri: A dance performed by the Reang tribe, where young girls balance on earthen pitchers and dance to folk tunes, reflecting their cultural heritage.
• Garia Dance: A dance performed during the Garia Puja, celebrating the agricultural season and the community's connection with the earth.
• Lebang Boomani: A dance performed by the Tripuri community, mimicking the movement of locusts, symbolizing the protection of crops.
• Mamita Dance: A dance celebrating the harvest season, performed with rhythmic movements and songs, expressing gratitude to the deities.

26. Uttar Pradesh

• Raslila: A traditional dance-drama depicting the life and playful acts of Lord Krishna, particularly popular in the Braj region.
• Charkula: A traditional dance where women balance large multi-tiered oil lamps on their heads, celebrating the birth of Krishna and other festivals.
• Kajari: A dance performed during the monsoon season, celebrating the arrival of rain and the beauty of nature, often accompanied by folk songs.
• Nautanki: A folk theatre form involving dance, music, and storytelling, popular in rural areas, depicting social issues and historical tales.

27. Uttarakhand

• Choliya: A sword dance performed by the Kumaoni people, traditionally associated with weddings and processions, symbolizing bravery and honor.
• Jhora: A community dance performed during festivals and social gatherings, involving simple rhythmic movements and folk songs.
• Ramola: A dance performed during religious ceremonies, dedicated to the local deities, reflecting the spiritual traditions of the region.
• Tandi Dance: A dance performed by the Bhotiya tribe, usually during the winter months, symbolizing the community's connection with nature.

28. West Bengal

• Chhau: A dance from the Purulia district, involving elaborate masks and themes from epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
• Santhal Dance: A tribal dance performed by the Santhal community, celebrating nature and life events, with vibrant music and energetic movements.
• Gambhira: A dance-drama form depicting the interaction between a deity and the common people, often performed during religious festivals.
• Kathi Dance: A folk dance involving sticks, performed during festivals and celebrations, symbolizing the strength and unity of the community.

  This comprehensive list encompasses the vast array of folk dances from each state in India, reflecting the rich cultural diversity and traditions across the country. Each dance carries a unique story, tradition, and cultural significance, making them invaluable to India's heritage.