15 Most Famous Traditional Folk Dances of Indian States-I

Diverse culture of India has the treasure of a variety of folk and tribal dances in regions across the country. Apart from 8 Indian classical dances, these Indian folk dances are practice in the rural areas and performed during the religious or seasonal festivals. 

Some of the most popular folk dances performed across the Indian villages and cities are Bhangra, Rouff, Garba, Kalbelia,Lavani,Chhau, Bihu and Raut Nacha – Read more about Popular Folk Dances of 13 States

Rouff – Jammu and Kashmir

The traditional folk dance from the beautiful Kashmir Valley region of Jammu and Kashmir. Dumhal is another folk dance of Jammu and Kashmir,performed on set occasions and at set locations.

Bhangra – Punjab

The folk dance of from the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, mostly performed during the harvest festival of Baisakhi. Bhangra and Giddha are two most famous folk dance of Punjab, practice and perform out of India as well.

Ras Leela – Uttar Pradesh

Rasalila is the most popular form of folk dance of India, especially during the festivals of Krishna Janmashtami and Holi in the regions of Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.

Garba – Gujarat

The traditional garba dance from Gujarat state, performed around the statue of the Goddess Shakti during the festival of Navratri. Garba and Dandiya raas are two most famous dance form from Gujarat as well in the world.

Ghoomar – Rajasthan

The traditional folk dance from the royal Rajasthan, performed by women’s of the Bhil tribes along with other Rajasthani communities. Ghoomar in among the list of world’s top 10 most amazing local dances from India.

Bihu – Assam

The folk dance from the state of Assam,performed during the festival of Bihu, one of the three cultural festivals of Assam. Bihu dance is a group dance performed with traditional Bihu music.

Lavani – Maharashtra

A combination of traditional song and folk dance performed to the beats of Dholki in the state of Maharashtra. Lavani folk dance is also popular in other states of Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Raut Nacha – Chhattisgarh

The art and folk dance forms of Chhattisgarh, performed by yadava and an essential part of the tribes of Chhattisgarh. Raut Nacha is tribal dance that represents the traditional folk culture of the tribal region of Chhattisgarh.

Ghumura – Odisha

Ghumura Folk Dance is a tribal dance, performed with traditional folk music in the tribal state of Orissa. Ghumura dance form has also represent the nation in various international dance events.

Pulikali – Kerala

The Folk art Pulikali or Tiger dance is one of the most popular folk dance in Kerala during Onam festival in the Cultural Capital of Thrissur. Pulikali is a colorful recreational folk art from, performed on the occasion of annual harvest festival of Onam.

Karakattam – Tamil Nadu

Karakattam is ancient tamil folk dance, performed balancing a pot on the head in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu offers the many folk dance such as Chakkai Attam,Kali Attam,Ottan Koothu and Thappaattam.

Matki Dance – Madhya Pradesh

Matki Folk Dance Of Madhya Pradesh is considered as an important dance art from the state, performed usually on wedding occasions. Madhya Pradesh is well known state for its dances, traditions and cultures.

Dollu Kunitha – Karnataka

Dollu Kunitha is a major form of folk dance from the state of Karnataka, The main dances of Karnataka include several variations of folk dances as well as some of the most important forms classical dances.

Veeranatyam – Andhra Pradesh

Veeranatyam is an ancient form of dance from the state of Andhra Pradesh associated with religious significance. Other folk dances of Andhra Pradesh such as Kolatam,Vilasini Natyam and Lambadi.

Chhau – West Bengal

Chhau Dance is one of the most important and famous folk dance of West Bengal, originated from Purulia district and performed during harvesting festivals. The Indian tribal martial dance is also popular in the states of Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal.

The above list of Indian folk dances are incomplete without the seven sister states and Himalayan hill regions along with rest of renaming states. Stay tuned to know more about these beautiful dance form of 29 Indian states.