Dances of India - State Wise

India has 28 states and 8 union territories. Many states have their own unique forms of dance. This article will highlight the different types of dance forms popular in different states of India.

Andhra Pradesh – Dances of India

Andhra Pradesh is known for its classical dance form and folk dance forms.

Kuchipudi – Classical dance

• One of the most famous classical dance forms of India is the Kuchipudi dance which originated in Kuchipudi village located in Krishna district in Andhra Pradesh.
• Kuchipudi village is also known as Kuchelapuram.
• Kuchipudi dance form attained glory with the help of Siddhendra Yogi.

Dhimsa – Folk Dance

• Dhimsa is a folk dance performed by tribes of Araku valley located in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.

Arunachal Pradesh – Dances of India

Each tribe in the state of Arunachal Pradesh has its own traditional dance which is performed during marriages and festivals. Traditional dances of Arunachal Pradesh are listed below:

• The Wancho tribe performs the Ozele dance.
• Moh festival dance performed by the Tangsa
• Loku-Bawang dance of the Nocte tribe.
• Lion and Peacock dance and Ajhi Lhamu Pantomime dance of the Monpa and Sherdukpen tribes.
• Igu dance of the Idu Mishmi tribe.
• Rikhampada dance of the Nyishi tribe
• Pakku-Itu dance of the Apatani tribe
• Niechi-dou dance of Hrusso.
• Tapu dance of the Adi tribe.

Assam – Dances of India

There are many dance forms in the Indian state of Assam. Some of them are given below:

• Bihu is a group dance performed by men and women in traditional attire.
• Bagurumba is a group dance performed by the Bodos.
• Jhumar or Jumur is a group dance performed by the Adivasis.
• Ka-pai, Ka-pan, and Ka-yon-kong of the Tai Phakes tribes.
• Sagramisawa dance of the Tiwas tribes.
• Lewatana and Jakhamara of the Hajongs tribe.
• Banjar-Kekan, Nimso-Kerang and Hachcha-Kekan dance of the Karbis tribe.
• Ali-Ai-Ligang and Po-rag of the Mishings tribes.
• Satriya or Sattriya dance

Bihar – Dances of India

The different dance forms of Bihar are given below:

• Kamala is a dance performed by fishermen of the Mithila region.
• Jiya or Jhijhia is a very eminent dance of Bihar.
• Jata-Jatin Naach
• Dance of Suthre Sain
• Dance of the ‘bai’ or ‘Dance of Gajoch’
• Dance of Nrityakali
• Chamara and Kamala Damph Basuli Naach performed by the chamar community.
• Maharai is a dance form performed by boatmen (mallah) of Bihar.

Chhattisgarh – Dances of India

The different dance forms of Chhattisgarh are given below:

• Raut or Rawat Nacha is a group dance performed by a large number of male dancers.
• Karma dance is a group dance performed by both female and male dancers in praise of the Karam tree.
• Suwa or Soowa (parrot) dance is a group dance performed by females to please the Goddess of wealth.
• Saila dance is a group dance performed by men who dance with bamboo sticks after cutting crops.

Goa – Dances of India

Goa has many folk dances. Some of the different folk dances of Goa are given below:

• Divlyan Nach (Lamp dance)
• Veerabhadra
• Romta Mel
• Ranamale
• Perni Jagar
• Muslam Khel
• Kunbi
• Jagar
• Goff
• Ghodemodni
• Fugdi
• Dhangar
• Dhalo
• Dekhni
• Dashavatara

Gujarat – Dances of India

Gujarat has a very rich tradition of dances performed in different regions of Gujarat, performed by different communities. Some of the dances of Gujarat are given below:

• Raasda dance is performed by women and men of the Bharawad and Koli communities. Women in the Saurashtra region perform Raasda.
• Kaakda Nritya
• Gheriya Nritya dance is performed by the Tadvi community of Vadodara, Bharuch, and Panchmahal.
• Holi Nritya
• Hinch Nritya is a dance performed by Dalit women of Bhal, Rajputani of Vadhiyar and Karadiya and Koli women of Kutch.
• Shikaar Nritya is a dance performed by Adivasi men of the Dharampur region.

Haryana – Dances of India

• Phag is a popular dance of Haryana. It is performed in the month of February to March in the month of Phalguna to celebrate the colourful festival of Holi.
• Jhumar dance – derives its name from the ornament ‘Jhumar’. The dance is also known as ‘Hariyanvi Gidda’.
• Gugga is a dance performed by male dancers.
• Khoria is a dance performed by women only.
• Chupala is a devotional dance. This dance is performed by both men and women.
• The Mewati tribe performs a dance known as Ratvai.
• In the Gurugram region there is a popular dance known as Dhamal.
• Loor or Lahoor is another popular dance performed in Haryana. This dance is performed by women.
• Dhamyal is another community dance of Haryana.
• Ghoomar is another popular dance performed by girls in the areas bordering.

Himachal Pradesh – Dances of India

• Sikri dance is a dance performed by women of Chamba on the occasion of Sushi Mata Mela held during Spring time.
• Dangi dance
• Dance of the Gaddi shepherdesses is called the ‘Peasant dance’ and is performed by two groups of women in separate circles.
• Dandras is a male dance performed by shepherds of Bharmaur in the Chamba district.
• Chhatrari dance is the dance that takes its name from a village located in Haryana.

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