There are various types of Classical and folk dance in different states of India. The folk dances are performed on various occasions, like in festivals, marriages, harvesting time or to welcome the season etc. Most of the flock dances are performed by the different tribes. In this dance form both male and female take part but in some folk dances only men or women take part.
Dance forms of states of India are very vibrant. On these occasions they sing and dance in the music of various classical instruments. Each form of Folk dance tribes wore very colourful dresses and jewels. And this Dress colour and jewels are of the same type.
To know about the classical and folk dance, for the aspirant preparing for the competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Railway is important as their syllabus are art and culture of the General Knowledge in this type of competition exam.
Different dance forms of the state of India are listed down. It is listed in the tabular form so that the aspirant may easily study this topic.
Classical dance form of India
There are a total of Eight classical dances as per the Sangeet Natak Academy. They are -Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri and Mohiniyattam. But Drid Williams adds Chhau, Yakshagana and Bhagavata Mela to the list so in his list there are eleven classical dances of India.Additionally, the Indian Ministry of Culture includes Chhau in its classical list.
The list of Classical Dance of India:
| Classical Dance | State in which it’s performed |
|---|---|
| Bharatanatyam | Tamil Nadu |
| Kathakali | Kerala |
| Mohiniyattam | Kerala |
| Kuchipudi | Andhra Pradesh |
| Kathak | Uttar Pradesh |
| Odissi | Odisha |
| Sattriya | Assam |
| Manipuri | Manipur |
Dance form of states in India
Here is the list of various folk dances that are performed in different parts of India. In this table State and their dance form are listed. It will be easy for you to go through all the dance forms of India.
| State | Folk Dance |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Kuchipudi, Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Butta Bommalu |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo, Chham |
| Assam | Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Jhumura Hobjanai |
| Bihar | Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Sama Chakwa, Bidesia |
| Gujarat | Garba, Dandiya Ras, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai |
| Haryana | Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor |
| Himachal Pradesh | Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu, Nati, Dangi |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach, Damali |
| Karnataka | Yakshagan, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga, Lambi |
| Kerala | Kathakali (Classical), Ottam Thulal, Mohiniattam, Kaikottikali |
| Maharashtra | Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada |
| Odisha | Odissi (Classical), Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari, Chhau |
| Goa | Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar,Ranmale, Gonph, Tonnya mell |
| Madhya Pradesh | Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni, Maanch |
| Jharkhand | Karma Dance, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua, Hunta Dance, Mundari Dance, Sarhul, Barao, Jhitka, Danga, Domkach, Ghora Naach |
| Manipur | Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Khamba Thaibi, Nupa Dance,Raslila Khubak Ishei, Lhou Sha, Meghalaya, Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho |
| Mizoram | Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, Par Lam Sarlamkai/Solakia, Tlanglam |
| Nagaland | Rangma, Bamboo Dance, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim, Temangnetin, Hetaleulee, Tripura,Hojagiri |
| Lakshadweep | Lava, Kolkali, Parichakali |
| Chhattisgarh | Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik, Bharthari Charit, Chandaini |
| Punjab | Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand, Naqual |
| Rajasthan | Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal, Kalbeliya |
| 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 |
| Teleangana | Perini Shivatandavam, Keisabadi |
| Tamil Nadu | Bharatanatyam, Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi |
| Uttar Pradesh | Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli, Jaita |
| Uttarakhand | Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila, Chappeli |
| West Bengal | Kathi, Gambhira, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Marasia, Mahal, Keertan |