Folk Dances of Different States in India

India is the land of the most diverse traditions and cultures across the world. India also has a diverse and vast range of Dance forms, whether it is classical or folk dance. Here, the dialect changes almost after 100 km. Thus, the folk dances style, artists, dress etc., will change. We also have four seasons, and so, we have many dances for different seasons. There is a dance in almost each and every state for the harvest time. 

Folk dances are a form of expression, which are performed to reflect the sorrow, happiness and other different moods of the society. These folk dances have evolved and thereby creating folk dances of all states of India over many years, which novelty and uniqueness to the Indian culture. The List of different folk and State dances that help in multiple examinations like State PSC, UPSC, Bank Exams, SSC and more. Let us see the lists of folk dances of different states in India.

Importance of Folk Dances in India

As we know, India is a land of diverse traditions and cultures. Basically, Indian tribal and folk dances are simple, and they are performed to express joy during the birth of a child, arrival of seasons, festivals and weddings. Folk art is one of the common possessions of a group of either people or a specific locality. The originators’ identity is forgotten, whereas the style is preserved down the ages.

The majority of the time, dancers sing themselves, joined by musicians playing instruments. Every form of Folk dance contains a particular rhythm and costume, and also some costumes are very colourful with extensive designs and jewels. Knowledge of all these multiple folk and state dances help in different examinations like State PSC, UPSC, Bank Exams, SSC, etc. Let us know the folk and classical dance of all states in India and the lists of states and folk dances of India.

Classification of Dance Forms

In India, the dance forms can be broadly divided into 2 categories as classical and folk dance forms. Read this article to know the state-wise dance of India.

These dance forms have originated from various parts of the Indian country as per the local tradition. Let’s know dance in India state wise here.

This whole article will highlight the multiple Indian dance forms- folk and classical in brief. The Indian dance forms are the important aspects of the art and culture syllabus for the IAS exams as well.

UPSC included a question on Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi in the 2012 Civil Services and IAS Prelims test. In 2014, UPSC asked about the Sattriya dance. Let us have a glance at some of these dances in detail.

Dance Forms in India

Folk and classical dance are the two most common types of dance in India. The primary difference between Folk and Classical dance is the origin. Folk dance has emerged from the local tradition of the respective states, geographic or ethnic regions.

Classical dance, on the other hand, contains a deep-rooted relationship with the Natya Shastra, where the particular features of each of the dance forms (Classical) have been mentioned.

Classical Dance in India

The classical dance forms are the ones, which originated from the Natya Shastra. There exist 8 classical dance forms in India as per the scholar, source and information. The Chhau dance has also been added to the list of classical dances by the Indian Cultural Ministry, bringing the total number of classical dance forms to nine.

The 8 basic technicalities, which are expressed in classical dance which are depicted as below:

• Shringar: Love

• Karuna: Sorrow

• Hasya: Humorous

• Veer: Heroism

• Raudra: Anger

• Bibhats: Disgust

• Bhayanak: Fear

• Adbhoot: Wonder

The below table shows the folk dance of India state wise.

These are a few of the classical and folk dances of India state-wise or the famous dance of all states of India.

Some Classical State-Wise Dance in India

Let us look at some classical dances of India in detail.

Bharatnatyam (Tamil Nadu)

It is rich in hand movements (mudras), expressions (eye, neck movements and facial), body movements (leg, hand) – one of the striking facts - this dance was suppressed during the colonial time (which means the British rule period).

This is also a classical dance form that was initially performed in the ancient temples, which is as a devotion to God. It dates back to 1000 BC, by finding its roots in the Tamil Nadu - state of India. It has also been a tradition in Indian society. It has a set of rules, rhythms and style in itself.

Kathakali (Kerala)

The other classical dance form, which originated in Kerala years ago, focuses majorly on “story-telling”- in general, performing the extracts from Ramayana and Mahabharata (the two epics in the Indian History).

The dance form can be differentiated via its elaborate costumes, facial masks, movements and makeup. The facial expressions are very important in this form of dance to exhibit the fight between evil and good.

Kathak (Uttar Pradesh)

Originating from North India, this classical form of dance has two types of Gharanas – Lucknow Gharana and Jaipur Gharana. The Lucknow Gharana showcase the authenticity of the courtesan’s dance form.

Wandering on the storylines, this dance was primarily performed for Nawabs in the Lucknow region. It is called the dance of love courtesy between the well-known Radha and Krishna. Kathak is the one and only classical dance, which matches its rhythm to North Indian or Hindustani music.

Odissi (Orissa)

Originating from East India (i.e., Orissa) this classical dance form finds its roots in mythological stories and ancient temples, portraying Lord Surya and Shiva.

It is performed in the classical music genre of Odra Magadhi, this dance can often be found with its roots in Vaishnavism and Shaktism. It is mostly a women-centric dance form, With its vivid expressions, and males perform this too.

Manipuri (North East)

This particular classical form specialises in “Rasleela”, showcasing the romantic encounters of Krishna and Radha. The roots of Manipuri can be traced back to the state of Manipur (from North-East), India. Manipuri, which is also known as Jagoi, has varied themes, at times, such as themes that are related to Shaktism and Shaivism.

The costumes that they by displaying graceful measures through movements.