Famous Folk Dances of India

Can you list me the names of some of the famous Folk Dances performed in India as I want my children to learn that art of Dancing?

[Kiran Chandar]

Folk dances in India are performed for every possible occasion to celebrate the arrival of seasons, birth of a child, a wedding and festivals.

They are full of energy and vitality. Some dances are performed separately by men and women while in some performances men and women dance together.

On most occasions, the dancers sing themselves, accompanied by artists with instruments.

Each form of folk dance has a specific costume and rhythm.

Most of the costumes, worn for folk dances, are colorful with extensive jewels and designs.

Famous Folk Dances of India

• Assam: Khel, Gopal, Rakhal Lila, Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Nongkrem, Ankiya Nat, Kirtania Natak, Ojapali,Bihu

• Bihar: Jadur, Kathaputli, Bhako ,Jhijiya, Karma, Jatra, Natna, Bidesia, Senkela Chhau, Jat-Jatni Bidpada, Ramkhelia.

• Gujarat : Bhavai garba .Tippani dance

• Haryana : Swang, Naqqal

• Himachal Pradesh : Kariyala, Bhagat, Ras Ihanld, Harnatra Haran or Harin.

• Jammu and Kashmir: Bhand Pathar or Bhand lashna, Vetal Dhamali.

• Karnataka: Yakshagana, Bedara Vesha, Dollu Kunitha, Santa, Doddata-Bayalata, Tala Maddle or Prasang. Dasarata, Radhna.,veeragase

• Kerala: Kodiyattam, Margam Kali, Mudiattam, Thirayattam, Chavittu Nadakam, Chakyar koothu,

• Madhya Pradesh: Maanch, Nacha.

• Maharashtra: Tamasha, Lalit Bharud, Gondha, Dashavatar, Lavni.

• Orissa: Pala Jtra, Daskathia, Mayurbhanj Chhau, Mangal Ras, Sowang.

• Punjab: Naqqal, Swang bhangra

• Rajasthan: Khyal, Rasdhari, Rammat, Turra Kilangi, Gauri, Nautanki, Ihamtara.

• Andhra Pradesh: Veethi Natakam, Burrakatha, lambadi, koya.

• Tamil Nadu: Therukuttu, Veethi Natakam, Bhagwat Mela Natakam, Kurvaanji, Pagal Vasham, Kavadi Chindu.

• Telangana: Bathukamma

• Uttar Pradesh: Bhagat, Sang-Swang, Naqqual.

• Goa : Fugadi,Dashavatar,Perni jagar,Musal khel,Samai nrutya,Gonph dance,Dekhni,Kunbi dance,Ghode modni,Dhalo,Tonya mel,Talgadi

• West Bengal : Chhau (Purulia), Santhali