Folk Dance in India
India is a land of the most diverse culture and traditions in the world. India have a vast range of Dance forms weather it is folk or classical dance. Indian folk dances, which typically consist of a few simple steps, are performed throughout the world to celebrate a new season, childbirth, weddings, festivals, and other social occasions.
In some Indian folk dances, men and women perform separately; in others, they dance together. On most occasions, the dancers will sing accompanied by musicians.
Most folk dances have intricately-designed costumes. Although a number of structured, ancient folk and tribal dances exist, many others are evolving.
If you travel across the India you will come to know, in each few kilometers there is a different dialect and almost each state has different language, so India also has diversity in folk dances style, dress, artists etc.
Folk dances are form of expression, performed to reflect the happiness, sorrow and different mood of the society.
This section of static gk is very important part of competitive exams like IAS, SSC, RRB, CPO, KVS, NVS, RPSC, TNSC, MPPSC, UPSC, Railways, Banking and so many other states and central government job entrance exams.
Here we compiled the list of Folk dances of India.You can download pdf file of this article.
List of Folk Dances of India
| S.No. | State | Folk Dance |
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | Kuchipudi, Vilasini Natyam,Andhra Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa,Kolattam, Butta Bommalu. |
| 2 | Arunachal Pradesh | Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung,Popir, Bardo Chham. |
| 3 | Assam | Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal, Tabal Chongli, Canoe,Jhumura Hobjanai |
| 4 | Bihar | Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama Chakwa, Bidesia |
| 5 | Gujarat | Garba, Dandiya Ras, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai. |
| 6 | Haryana | Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor |
| 7 | Himachal Pradesh | Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi |
| 8 | Jammu and Kashmir | Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach, Damali. |
| 9 | Karnataka | Yakshagan, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi |
| 10 | Kerala | Kathakali (Classical),Ottam Thulal, Mohiniattam, Kaikottikali. |
| 11 | Maharashtra | Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar Bohada |
| 12 | Odisha | Odissi (Classical), Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari, Chhau |
| 13 | West Bengal | Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan. |
| 14 | Punjab | Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman,Bhand, Naqual |
| 15 | Rajasthan | Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Kalbeliya |
| 16 | Tamil Nadu | Bharatanatyam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi. |
| 17 | Uttar Pradesh | Nautanki,Raslila,Kajri,Jhora,Chappeli, Jaita. |
| 18 | Uttarakhand | Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila, Chappeli. |
| 19 | Goa | Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayinrutya, Jagar, Ranmale, Gonph, Tonnya mell. |
| 20 | Madhya Pradesh | Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni, Maanch. |
| 21 | Chhattisgarh | Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Bharthari Charit, Chandaini. |
| 22 | Jharkhand | Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua, Hunta Dance, Mundari Dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhitka, Danga, Domkach, Ghora Naach. |
| 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 |
| 28 | Sikkim. | Chu Faat Dance, Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion Dance, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha,Tashi Yangku Dance,Khukuri Naach, Chutkey Naach, Maruni Dance |
| 29 | Lakshadweep | Lava, Kolkali, Parichakali |
Classical Dances of India
India also has variety of Classical Dances along with Folk Dances. All these Classical dances are related to the Hindu Goddess. These are performed by very talented, trained and skilled artists.
Here is the list of some classical Indian Dances :
| S.No. | Classical Dance | Origin State |
| 1 | Bharatnatyam | Tamil Nadu |
| 2 | Kathak | Uttar Pradesh |
| 3 | Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh |
| 4 | Odissi | Odisha |
| 5 | Kathakali | Kerala |
| 6 | Sattriya | Assam |
| 7 | Manipuri | Manipur |
| 8 | Mohiniyattam | Kerala |