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Home >> Indian Dance >> Folk & Tribal Dances Of Indian States & Uts
Folk & Tribal Dances Of Indian States & Uts
||Introduction|| ||Classical dances|| Folk/Tribal Dances||Modern Dances||Great Dancers & Choreographers||
Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is famous for several folk and tribal dances like Andhranatyam, Bathkamma dance, Dappu Dance, Gurayyalu, Ghanta Mardala, Kolattam, Lambadi, Mayura dance, Perini, Puli Vesham and Siddi dance.
Andhranatyam: This dance is a 2000-year old temple dance performed by devadasis as a form of worship. Agama Nartanam, Carnatakam and Darbari Aatam are different forms of Andhranatyam. During the period of Hinayana Buddhism, this art form was practised as Nruthyam - a form of worship to God. Dr Nataraja Ramakrishna and Nagalakshmi are dedicated to this art form.
Bathkamma:
It is a folk dance practised in the Telangana region by newly married women.
Dappu Dance:
This dance owes its name to the use of dappu, a percussion instrument. The local dappu player plays an important role during village festivals or when calling villagers to the Panchayat.
Kolatam: Kolatam, Kolannalu or Kol Kolannalu is a form of the "stick dance" performed by men and women, which can be traced back to the 7th century AD. In the Jada Kolatam, a group of 16 to 18 dancers weave a plait, while playing on the sticks and making intricate movements.
Mayura Dance: It is practised by the Kondh tribe during marriages and in the April festivals. 'Pirodi' is the flute used during this dance.
Perini:
The Perini Thandavam is a war dance performed by males and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It gained popularity under the rule of the Kakatiyas. Dr Nataraja Ramakrishna is responsible for the renaissance of Perini.
Puli Vesham:
Puli Vesham or the "Tiger Dance" is one of the most popular folk dance forms in Andhra Pradesh and is usually performed in open-air during Dusshera or Muharram in villages, and during other festivals in big towns.
Siddi Dance:
It is practised by Siddis (Abyssinians/Habshis) of Hyderabad, who are people of Arabic origin.
Tappetagullu:
It is a festival and processional dance form performed dominantly by the men folk in the Yadava community mainly in the north coastal districts of Srikakulam, Vizianagaram and Visakhapatnam to invoke the blessings of goddess Gangamma.
Veer Natyam:
Veer Natyam is performed to worship Veerbhadra, who was believed to have been created by Lord Shiva from his Jatajhuta or hair. It is commonly performed in Draksharama, which is supposed to be the birthplace of Veerbhadra. The dance is accompanied by musical instruments like Tambura, Soolen, Dholu, Thasha and Veeranam.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Nikobarese Dance: This dance is performed by the Nikobarese tribals from the Car Nicobar Islands. It is performed during the Ossuary Feast or the Pig Festival, which is dedicated to the departed head of the family.
Arunachal Pradesh
Buiya Sodan: It is a tribal dance.
Hornbill Dance:
It is another tribal dance.
Lion and Peacock Dance:
This tribal dance spreads the message of harmony and peace.
Assam
Bihu: The Bihu is the most widespread folk dance of Assam. The dance is part of the harvest festival of Bihu that comes in mid-April, and continues for about a month. The participants are young men and girls, who dance together; but there is no mixing of the sexes. The dancers use drums and pipes in the dance.
Chaudang Hussari: It is a group dance performed by boys and girls of the Ahom tribe.
Keli Gopal: It is a folk dance depicting Lord Krishna.
Khamba Lim: It is a performed during harvests by a male and female dancer.
Lakhon Puza: It is a dance of the Lalung tribe.
Mishing Bihu: This dance is associated with the Ali-Ali Lignos festival of the Mishmi tribes of Assam. It depicts the various stages of cultivation from sowing till reaping.
Nat Puja: It is performed with a sword in the hand to please Lord Shiva.
Nruira Lim: It is a cock-fight dance.
Rakhal Lila: It is performed during holi.
Table Chongbi: It is also performed during holi.
Bihar
Dances from Bihar can be divided into tribal (Munda, Santhal, Oraon, Kharia, Ho) and non-tribal (Bhojpuri, Majhi, Maithili). The themes of these dances generally center around agricultural or hunting occupations or religious subjects. The most important dances are Chhau, Karma, Jatra and Paika.
Chau: The Chhau dance is indigenous to the eastern part of India, especially Bihar. It originated as a martial art and contains vigorous movements and leaps. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many of the princely rulers of the Orissa region took a keen interest in the development of this art. The Chhau dance is so called because the chhau or mask is an essential feature of this art. The word 'chhau' is generally traced to the Sanskrit root, chhaya, meaning shade. The techniques of Chhau dance incorporated certain basic steps, which seem to have stemmed from the pharikhanda system of exercise, which has been an important part of the training of the Sipahis, or Pharikhanda. The depiction of birds and animals is a distinctive feature of Chhau. This has given rise to several sub-forms such as Mayura Nritya or Peacock dance, Sagara Nritya or Ocean dance and Sarpa Nritya or serpent dance. There are also heroic dances using swords, bows or shields, with which the dancers demonstrate their dexterity. In such forms, the themes include the depiction of mythological heroes, such as Parashurama, Mahadev, Indrajit and others from the Mahabharata and Ramayana Epics. Over the course of time, female characters and more diverse themes got added. The drums, Nagra and Dhol and Shehnais provide the main musical accompaniment to the Chhau dance. The tunes are based mainly on the ragas of the Hindustani music. Chhau is generally performed with the onset of the month of Chaitra Parva, which comes about the middle of April every year.
There are three main recognized styles of Chhau: Seraikella, Purulia and Mayurbhanj. Mayurbhanj Chhau dancers do not wear masks. In recent times, Mayurbhanj Chhau has become popular as a medium of choreography, with its wide range of postures and movements that adapt well to modern as well as traditional treatment.
Jadur: It is performed by the Oraon tribe.
Jata Jatin: It is performed in moonlight by the Mithila women.
Karama: It is performed by the boys and girls of the Kol tribe during rainy seasons.
Paika Dance: The Paika Dance is performed by the Munda and Oraon communities of Bihar. It is a stylized presentation of war dance. However, it is danced as a festive dance during weddings and the Dussehra days. The gestures suggest removal of obstacles in the way and of giving protection to honored guests. The martial nature of the dance has been retained through the use of swords, ‘steeds’ and shields while performing acrobatic feats. The accompanied musical instruments include Dhol, Nagara, Shehnai, Ranbheri and Mandal.
Sarbul (Sarhul): It is a summer dance of the Oraon tribe.
Dadra & Nagar Haveli
The native tribals of Dadra & Nagar Haveli have their own traditions and dances. Tarpa is a melodious dance performed on moonlit nights. Mask dance or Bhavada is another colourful folk dance.
GOA
The popular dances of Goa include Courridinho, Dekhni, Fugdi & Dhalo, Ghode Modni, Mando, Jagor and Kunbi.
Ghode Modni: It is a dummy horse presentation, where the dancers, attired gorgeously and armed with swords, recapitulate, through step and movement, the valour and deeds of the Goan warriors of old times.
Mando: It is another folk dance of Goa.
Samai Dance: Samai Dance is performed with traditional metallic lamps or deepaks from Goa. In southern and middle Goa, Samai dance is performed during the Shigmo Festival. The men and women balance the Samai on their heads and perform various movements. During religious gatherings the dance is accompanied by slow singing.
Gujarat
Garba, Garbi, Garbo, Ras and Dandiya Raas are important folk dances of Gujarat. The chief feature of folk dances from Gujarat is the use of sticks.
Dandiya Raas: It is a simple rhythmic dance performed by young people moving around in a circle in measured steps to the beat of dandiya sticks they carry.
Dharmar & Hamchi Dances: These are energetic and fast tempoed dances are performed by the Siddis or Abysinnians who came from Africa centuries ago.
Garba: Garba, the leading dance of women in Gujarat, is associated with the fertility cult. For the nine nights of Navaratri, women come out into the open and with perforated earthen pots holding lighted lambs poised on the head and sing, clap and dance a simple, circular dance, in honour of the goddess Amba.
Garbi: This is similar to Garba but is performed by men.
Gheria Dance: It is performed by members of the shepherd community, while holding a stick in one hand and a peacock feather in the other.
Gof Gunthan: It is a variation of the Dandiya Raas in which the dancers carry sticks only in one hand and a length of coloured string in the other.
Jhumar: It is a folk dance performed by women.
Matka Nritya: It is a variation of the Dandiya Raas in which the performers strike their fingers against empty pots to generate a distinctive beat.
Mer Dance: It is another variation of the Dandiya Raas in which the dance begins with a slow tempo but gains momentum gradually.
Padhar Dance: A rural community living around Nal Lake performs this dance in which the dancers simulate the rhythmic movements of undulating sea.
Thakaria: It is a post-harvest dance performed by Adivasis.
Tippani: It this dance, women from some parts of Saurashtra beat the floor with wooden mallets, and sing to the pace, while others dance in swirling skirts.
Haryana
There are many folk dances from Haryana like Dhamal, Phag, Guga, Loor and Khoria.
Dhamal (Dhamyal): It is the leading dance of Haryana, often also known as the Duph, practised during the sowing season. It is notable for the sounds of pounding feet and beating daffs. This dance is especially popular in the Ahir areas of Gurgaon.
Daph Dance: This dance is performed during the harvests and in the Spring Season.
Khoria: This dance is performed by women at weddings and is marked by happy cajoling and joyful teasing. It resembles the Ghoomar dance of Rajasthan.
Lahoor: This dance is generally performed by women during the Spring season when work in the fields is over.
Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh has a wide range of the ethnic groups, each having their own characteristic dances.
Bakayang: The Kinnauri men and women perform this dance as a prelude to the Dakyang. In this dance men and women enter in a single file and then form a circle.
Bonyangchu: It is a carefree dance of the Kinnauri men.
Birshi Naati: This is a folk dance of Rampur district.
Burah: This is a macho martial dance in which men flourish their dangras (axes) in big open movements. Ballads telling of battles and legendary heroes are sung to the beat of the hulki (an hourglass-shaped drum).
Chham Chhanak: It is the devotional Buddhist dance of the Lahul Spiti region.
Charba: It is performed by the Gaddi women.
Chohara: This is a joyful dance of the Kinnauras, which is performed on almost all the festive occasions with the participation of both men and women. The dancing is accompanied by the tribal songs.
Dakyang: It is usually performed in the gompas during festivals. Stories relating to the lamas are told through this dance.
Dangi: Dangi is a lively women’s dance of the Chhatrari village in Chamba.
Dodra Kawar: This is an agricultural dance of Lahaul and Spiti.
Gafila: It is a dance for couples performed in Lahaul and Spiti.
Gee Dance: The Gee dance of Sirmaur is performed during the festival of Lohri.
Losar Shona Chuksam: The Losar Shona Chuksam is an agricultural festival dance performed by the Kinnauris.
Kariyala: It is a dance drama, more like a theatrical performance by professional artistes.
Kayang: Kayang is a folk dance of the Kinnaur district where men and women dance in semi-circles around the musicians. It is based on a legend from the epic Mahabharata.
Lama Devil dance: It is one of the most attractive dances of the Kinnauri tribals, where the dancers are masked. Two of them are dressed as lions. The dance depicts the taming of the lion that represents evil spirits.
Losar Shona Chuksam : This is an agricultural dance of Kinnaur that takes its name from losar or the Tibetan New Year. This dance is held in the months of April/May.
Mahasu: It is performed by the Gaddis (shepherds) of Himachal Pradesh.
Naati: The Naati is a favourite male dance of Kullu.
Namagen: This dance is performed in September to celebrate the autumn. The dancers themselves sing while musicians play the instruments. The most picturesque amongst these are the dances of the Gaddis.
Rasa: The Rasa is another dance from Sirmaur, where the dancers form chains (pindi-bandhas) or concentric circles and sing songs depicting love stories. This dance is different from the Rasa dances of Braj and Manipur.
Shaboo: The Shaboo is danced on festive occasions in Lahaul and Spiti.
Shunto: It is a male dance of Lahaul-Spiti, where the dancers sing a song is in praise of Lord Buddha.
Sikri: This is a women’s dance performed during the Suhi Fair held in the Spring Season. The accompanying song tells of the beauty of flowers and the season, especially the flowering of the Marua flower.
Singhi: The Singhi or snow lion is a Buddhist dance performed to ensure peace and prosperity.
Thoda: It is a dance of archery.
Kharait, Ujagjama and Chadhgebrikar are martial dances of men in Kullu. The Ludi Banthde, Dhili Pheti and Bashari are other joyous events of people in Kullu.
Jammu & Kashmir
Dumhal (Ras Dhamali): This dance is performed by the men-folk of the Wattal tribe of Kashmir on specific occasions. The performers wear long colourful robes and tall conical caps, which are studded with beads and shells.
Hikat: Hikat, danced by women, is a modification of a game played by children. Forming pairs, the participants extend their arms to the front gripping each other's wrists and with the body inclined back, go round and round at the same spot.
Kud: This dance, which is typical of Jammu, exhibits swaying, sinuous movements.
Ras Dhamali Dance: This is performed by the Wattal Tribes from Jammu & Kashmir.
Rauf: It is a seasonal dance in which dancers link their arms and glide forward and backward.
Karnataka
Balakat dance, Bhoota (or Kola), Chowdikeyavaru (Dharwad), Devil dance, Dholu Kunita (Drum-Dancers), Doddata (Hero of Bayalata, Bijapur), Halage Mela (Wooden Plank Musician), Haremela (Uttara Kannada), Helavaru (Folk Artist), Huttari Dance (Coorg District), Jaga-Halage (Giant Rolling Drum Dance); Jagateya Kunubi (South Kanara), Karade-Vadya (Dharwad), Karaga, Keelu Kudure (Hinged Horse Dance), Kittur Chennamma (Fancy Dress), Kunubi of Dakshina Kannada, Mudukana Maduve, NandiKolu (Mysore), Onake Obavva (Fancy Dress), Patada Kunitha, Preta Nritya (South Kannara District), Somana Kunita (Sun Dance) and Suggi Kunitha.
Balakat Dance: The Dodavas tribes perform this dance during the harvest time.
Bhoota (or Kola): This is a ritual dance, similar to Teyyam of Malabar Coast, typical of the South Kanara district of Karnataka.
Kavadis: These are ritual dances revolving around worship of Lord Subramanya.
Kunitha: Karnataka region has immense treasure house of ritualistic dances, all denoted by the generic term Kunitha. In Puja Kunitha, there is a wooden structure with a deity on the head. Devare Thatte Kunitha, Yell-ammana Kunitha, Suggikunitha and others take their name from the deity or the symbol or instrument which is balanced on the head, or held in the hand of the dancer. The Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance of Karnataka.
Kerala
Chakiarkoothu: This form is believed to have been introduced to Kerala by the early Aryan immigrants and is performed only by the members of the Chakiar caste. A highly orthodox type of entertainment, it can be staged inside temples only and witnessed by the Hindus of the higher castes. The theatre is known as Koothambalam. The only accompaniments are the cymbals and the copper drum known as the miazhavu.
Cherumarkali: It is a harvest dance in which the dancers, both men and women move in a swift rhythm, linked in a back lock or holding arms. The costumes are in striking red and white.
Kavadiyattam: It is a ritual dance offering in Subramanya temples. The group of devotees wearing bright yellow or saffron costumes with ash smeared all over the body, dance in a frenzy carrying kavadis (colourful bow shaped wooden structures) on their shoulders.
Kolkali: It is a group dance form of the farming community in Kerala.
Kummattikali: It is a temple folk art and an awe-inspiring mask dance.
Kumbhamkali (Kumbhamthullal): Kumbhamkali or Kumbhamthullal (pot dance) is a folk ritual dance of devotees carrying pots on the head.
Kummi: It is performed by the women.
Kuthiottam: It is a song and dance ritual exclusive to the Devi temples of South Kerala.
Oppana: It is a Muslim bridal group dance.
Ottantullal: It is a solo dance form of Kathakali, referred as 'poor man's Kathakali'.
Padayani or Padeni: It is one of the most colourful and spectacular folk dances associated with the festivals of certain temples in Alleppey, Quilon and Kottayam districts of southern Kerala. It involves a series of divine and semi-divine impersonations wearing huge masks or kolams of different shapes, colours and designs. The most important of the kolams usually presented in a Padayani performance are Bhairavi (Kali), Kalan (god of death), Yakshi (fairy) and Pakshi (bird).
Purapaddu: It is performed by the male and female dancers.
Theyyam: Theyyam or Kaliyattom is a ritual dance typical of the northern Malabar. It is not merely a dance but a cult, which is inseparable from the Hindu practices of the region. Elaborate description of such rituals are found in the Tamil literature of the Sangam period (500 BC-500 AD). As a performing art, Teyyam offers an unusual experience. The painting of the face, the gorgeous attire and the imposing headdresses all speak of a developed artistic sensibility. Every Teyyam presentation has two parts, the Tottam or Vellattam, which involves preliminary ceremonies, and the spirited calling upon the deity for inspiration, and the dance. The accompanied instruments include drums, pipes and cymbals.
Thidampu Nritham: It is the 700 years old ritualistic art form of North Kerala. In this, the dancer moves to the rhythmic beats of the chenda carrying the thidampu (the idol of the deity) on his head.
Thiruvathirakali: is a dance form which is a pointer to the old customs followed in Nair tharawads (joint families) where the women of the house dance elegantly around the ceremonial lamp or floral decoration on festive occasions to the accompaniment of the Thiruvathira pattu (song).
Thullal: It is characterised by simplicity of presentation, wit and humour. Kunjan Nambiar, one of the leading poets of Malayalam, originated this dance form. The dancer himself sings the lead to the accompaniment of the maddalam and elathalam. It is of three types -- Ottanthullal, Seethankam thullal and Parayanthullal.
Tira: This is also a ritual dance similar to Teyyam but existing only in the northern part of Kerala.
Todyam: It is performed behind the stage.
Vadithallu: It is a folk dance in which artistes tap the short sticks held in both hands.
LAKSHADWEEP
Lava Dance: It is typical of the Minicoy Island.
Zikar Dance: It is performed by men in Lakshadweep
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||Introduction|| ||Classical dances|| Folk/Tribal Dances||Modern Dances||Great Dancers & Choreographers||
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