INDIAN FOLK DANCES
1.
MATHURI (KOPPU), ANDHRA PRADESH
This dance is performed by the inhabitants of
the Umji and Indravelli forest areas of Utnoor Tehsil in Adilabad district of
Andhra Pradesh. It is traditionally performed during Krishna Janmashtami
celebrations and the themes are taken from the Mahabharata. Though both men and
women perform this dance, the pace is different. Women dance in slow rhythmic
movements, while the men dance at a more vigorous pace. The Nagara is the main instrument used.
2.
BIHU, ASSAM
Bihu is one of the most colourful folk dances of
India. The dance is an integral part of the Bihu Festival celebrated to mark
the advent of Spring and the Assamese New Year. Bihu ushers in the sowing time
and also the season of marriage. he dance
has been noted for maintaining authenticity and at the same time displaying the
traditional Assamese handlooms and handicrafts in their glory and beauty by the
dancers.
3.
JHIJHIA, BIHAR
Jhijhia is usually performed by a group of young women
dancers and portrays the offering of prayers to please the King of Gods-Lord
Indra-for a good monsoon and a rich harvest.
4.
GAUR MADIA, CHHATTISGARH
Basically performed on the occasion of marriage by Gaur Madia
of Abhujmar plateau of Bastar in Chhattisgarh and is called Gaur after Bison.
It may appear to be a hunt-dance with only the imitation of the frisking,
jerking movements of the animals. However, a sense of ritual and deep sanctity
underlies the perfect synchronization of the dance.
5. KAKSAR, CHHATTISGARH
Kaksar is performed by the Abhuj Maria tribes of Bastar in
Chhattisgarh to seek the blessings of the village deity Kaksar for a good
harvest. Performed by a group of young boys and girls dressed in their best,
this dance also provides a platform to young people for choosing their life
partners.
6. CHHOLIYA, UTTARAKHAND
Prevalent in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, the Chholiya
dance has elements of martial craft and is associated with the Kirji Kumbh
celebrations; Kirji Kumbh is a poisonous flower which blossoms every 12 years.
Villagers march in a procession to destroy the flower before it sheds its
poison into the mountain streams.
7. SAMAI, GOA
The metal lamps are traditional handicrafts of Goa and the
Samai dance is performed with these traditional metallic lamps or deepaks. The men and women balance the samai on their heads
and perform various movements. During religious gatherings the dance is
performed to the accompaniment of slow singing.
8.
GARBA, GUJARAT
Garba is one of the most popular dance form of
Gujarat, which is linked with the worship of “Shakti”. The word “Garbo” has originated from Sanskrit word
“Garbhdeep”, an earthen pot with circular holes is popularly known as “Garbo”.
The pot is the symbol of the body and the lighted lamp inside the pot signifies
the divine soul. Garba is performed during Navratri and during weddings. It is
essentially performed by women, dancing in circular motion clapping their hands
to the beats of the Dhol.
9.
DANDIYA RAS, GUJARAT
Ras is one of the ancient and yet most popular
dance form of Gujarat. Its origin has been traced to Lord Krishna. The graceful
dance of Lord Krishna with Gopis in Vrindavan is known to all as Krishnaleela.
Ras is a unique synthesis of folk dance, folk art, colour and folk music.
Circular movements with speed and grace are the main features of Ras. The roar
of the Dhol, the colourful gorgeous costumes, speed together with vigour and
gusto of dancers leaves audience spell bound.
10. DAANG, GUJARAT
Daangis hail from South Gujarat on the border of Maharashtra.
This dance is usually performed during Holi and other festivals. Daang dance
centers around the social life, feasts, fairs, festivals, ceremonies and
rituals connected to worship. It is vigorous, as most tribal dances are, and
highly rhythmic. Interesting circular formation is created centering around the
accompanists who stand in the middle of an open space. The men hold their arms
round the women’s shoulders and women clasp the men by their waists. The dance
builds up gradually and acquires a fast tempo in the end. The women climb on
the shoulders of men and form a human pyramid. The two and three tier formation
moves clockwise and anti clockwise.
11. SIDDHI DHAMAL, GUJARAT
The Siddhies migrated to India from Africa about
750 years ago. They settled in the coastal parts of Gujarat like Bharuch,
Bhavnagar, Junagarh and Surat. They follow Muslim religion and dance to
the beat of drum on the eve of the Urs of their Prophet Baba Gaur. The dancers
gradually pick up tempo and get into trance breaking tossed coconut on their
heads. Just like their ancestors from Africa, Siddhies are master of rhythm
dancing to the tune of huge drums.
12. GHOOMAR, HARYANA
Ghoomar is a dance performed by the girls of
border areas of Rajasthan and Haryana at various festivals like Holi, Gangaur
Puja and Teej. The girls form semi-circles and start singing and clapping.The
dancers then form a circle and the tempo of the dance is accelerated. The
movements are made by holding body weight on one foot and moving forward. as
the tempo increases towards the end, the dancers whirl around in pairs. The
accompanying songs are full of satire and humour and refer to contemporary
events.
13. KINNAURI NATTI, HIMACHAL PRADESH
This dance is in the veins of the Kinnauris.
Their movements of the natural world around them and their music echoes the
sound of the breeze blowing through forests. Important amongst the dances of
the Kinauris is LOSAR SHONA CHUKSAM. It takes its name from LOSAI meaning new
year. The dancers recreate movements of all the agricultural operations of
sowing and reaping ogla (barley) and phaphar (a local grain). Slow movements
with soft knee dips with accentuation of torso is the key step of this dance.
14. PAIKA, JHARKHAND
‘Paika’ is a typical dance of the Munda
community of Jharkhand, and thematically represents rituals connected with
preparations for war. With chest blades, multi-coloured headgear, anklets,
bows, arrows, spears, swords and shields the dancers enact battle scenes,
symbolizing the great war of the Mundas against the British. The fast beat of
the madal, along with the use of other musical instruments like dhol, nagara,
shehnai, and ranbheri make Paika dance performaces truly captivating. Though
performed on various occasions, the Paika dance is most readily associated with
the Dussehra celebrations.
15. ROUFF, JAMMU & KASHMIR
Rauff is the most popular dance in the Kashmir
Valley and is performed by the women folk. The dance is performed during
harvesting season but the most essential occasion is the month of Ramzan when
every street and corner in Kashmir resounds with the Rouff songs and dance. The
girls wear colourful Phirans-Kashmir cloaks and Kasaba-the head gear. The girls
form two rows facing each other and putting their arms around the waist of the
next dancer. They start with rhythmic movements of the feet and weave a few
patterns swaying and swinging backward. Traditionally, no musical accompaniment
is used with Rouff songs as they are sung while doing the daily chores. The
folk instruments like noot, tumbaknari, rabab etc are used when it is performed
on the stage or in some gathering.
16. JABRO, JAMMU & KASHMIR
Jabro is a community dance of the nomadic people
of Tibetan origin living in Ladakh. Jabro is performed by both men and women
during Losar- the Tibetan new year celebrations- and also on other festive
occasions. Because of the extreme cold, the dancers wear heavy gowns made of
sheep skin, lamb skin caps and long leather shoes. Performers stand in two
facing rows, holding each other’s hands, and dance gracefully with slow, gentle
movements as Jabro songs are sung to the accompaniment of the Damien-a stringed
guitar-like instrument and flute.
17. VEERBHADRA, KARNATAKA
The exotic cultural tradition of Veerbhadra was
brought to Karnataka by the South Indian rulers. This ritual is equally popular
in some parts of Karnataka. Veerbhadra is performed on Chaitra Purnima and the
Dhalo festival. The person enacting the role of Veerbhadra is dressed in a
warrior’s costume. He wields swords as he dances. According to legend,
Veerbhadra is supposed to get possessed by a divine spirit. The invocation of
Veerbhadra is recited in Kannada even today.
18. DHOLU KUNITHA, KARNATAKA
Dholu Kunitha is a drum dance performed by the
men folk of the shepherd community known as Kurubas. This dance is noted for
its powerful drumming and vigorous dancing which is replete with acrobatic
elements. The dancers during the course of performance make attractive
formations of all sorts. It provides both spectacular variety and complexity of
skills in the process of demonstration. The high pitch of tala, tappadi,
trumpets, gong and flute reinforce the rich vibrations of dholu. This dance is
popular in some parts of north and south Karnataka.
19. OPPANA, KERALA
This is a bridal dance performed by Muslim girls
of North Kerala and Lakshadweep on wedding occasions. There are separate
dancers for the bride and bridegroom. Brides and grooms are mentally prepared
for marriage and the nuptial night by their close friend through a sequence of
dance and music. This is an occasion of great celebration and merriment and all
arrive attired in gorgeous costumes.
20. PURULIA CHHAU, WEST BENGAL
Chhau dance of Purulia in West Bengal is one of
the most vibrant and colourful folk art forms. Emanating from martial practice,
Purulia Chhau is a vigorous form of dance-drama drawing its themes from the two
great Indian epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Masks and elaborate head gears
are the ornamental apparels of the Chhau dancers. The dance commences with an
invocation of Lord Ganesha before movements begin as per the story. In Chhau
dance, the fight between good and evil always culminates in the triumph of good
over destructive evil. Powerful movements, immense concentration, the dazzling
costumes, the rhythmic drum beating and the shehnai characterize the Chhau
dance form. This dance is popular in Jharkhand also.
21. BADHAI, MADHYA PRADESH
A typical folk dance of Madhya Pradesh, Badhai
is performed to thank Goddess Sheetala for safeguarding people from natural
calamities and ailments and to seek her blessings on happy occasions like
weddings and childbirth. Accompanied by folk musical instruments, the
performers dance gracefully to a rhythm, creating a lively and a colourful
spectacle. This particular rhythm is
known as Badhai from which this folk dance has acquired its name. Animals also
take part in Badhai Nritya and in many villages, mares (female horses) are seen
at such performances.
22. BAREDI, MADHYA PRADESH
It is closely related to the cattle-farm culture
of the country, especially of the Bundelkhand region(MP). The Baredi folk songs
and folk dances are presented during the fortnight commencing from Deepawali
(Kartik Amawasya) to Kartik Poornima. They wear a typical attractive dress
specially meant for this occasion. One of the performers with a rhythm sings
two lines from the poem called Baredi and the other participants present a
vigorous and sprightly performance, the Baredi dance. This dance is presented
with a worship of Govardhan Parvat. It is believed that the Lord Krishna
himself participated in these Baredi dances alongwith his gwal mates.
23. RAEE, MADHYA PRADESH
Raee dance is popular in Bundelkhand regions of
Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. This dance originated during ancient times
for celebrations when the armed forces returned victorious after war. This
dance was performed in merriment celebrating victory. Danced throughout the
year, it conveys the spirit of joy and exuberance of the people of Bundelkhand.
It is primarily, a female dance, where the dancers with veils on their faces,
move their feet and whirl body in rhythm to the accompaniment of vocal and
instrumental music. Algoza, mridanga and dhapali are the main musical
instruments used in this dance.
24. LAVANI, MAHARASHTRA
Traditionally an integral part of the Tamasha
folk theatre of Maharashtra, Lavani is the most popular and best known folk
dance form of the state. Although, there is no restriction regarding the choice
of themes for a Lavani performance, this art form is at its best when dealing
with themes of bravery, pathos, love and devotion, Music, poetry, dance and
drama intermingle with such perfection in the rendering of Lavani, that it is
almost impossible to separate their various components.
25. DHOL CHOLOM, MANIPUR
‘Dhol Cholom’, traditional folk dance of
Manipur, is performed usually on religious occasions to the accompaniment of
songs and dhol (large drum)-the most important component of this dance form.
Usually performed during the Yaoshand festival (or the festival of colours),
the dance expresses love and creativity, with an intricate interplay of dhols
and fireplay. Dhol Cholom belongs to the Manipur sankirtan traditions.
26. LEZIM, MAHARASHTRA
The traditional Lezim dance is performed by the
artistes on religious and social events. Specially it is having base in a
Akhada (Martial Art) tradition of Maharashtra. It is performed in every corner
of Maharashtra. This Lezim Dance includes Ghuti Lezim, Ghoongroo Lezim, Dakhani
Lezim and Palita Lezim. This dance is occasionally performed in Madhya Pradesh
and Gujarat also. The instruments used in this dance are dhol, tasha and jhanj
etc.
27. LEWATANA, MEGHALAYA
Lewatana is a folk song and dance of Hajong
tribe of Meghalaya. Hajongs observe various festivities of the Hindus. The
Lewatana is usually performed by the Hajong during the Diwali festival. In this
dance, the young men and women form a group and while dancing and singing
various folk songs, they compare man with nature.
28. CHERAW, MIZORAM
Cheraw is a lively and a uniquely attractive
traditional dance of Mizoram. Performed on all festive occasions, it is also
known as the Bamboo Dance, as bamboo forms an integral part of this folk form.
Two long bamboo staves are kept crosswise and horizontally, parallel to ground
and the male dancers clap the staves, resultantly producing a sharp sound setting
the rhythm for the dance. The female dancers, on the other hand, attired in
colourful traditional costumes-puanchei, kawrchei, vakira and thinna-step in
and out from between bamboo beats with tremendous skill and precise timing,
maintaining all the while their elegant poise. In addition to the musical
pattern created by the clapping of bamboo staves, drums and gongs are also used
for effect.
29. GOTIPUA, ODISHA
Gotipuas, the young boys dressed up as girls
sing devotional love songs of Radha-Krishna and perform Gotipua dance. In the
present form, the Gotipua dance is more precise and systematic in its
conception. The repertoire of the dance includes vandana-prayer to God or Guru,
sarigama-a pure dance number, abhinaya-enactment of a song, and Bandhya Nritya-rhythms
of acrobatic postures, a unique presentation where Gotipuas dance and compose
themselves in different acrobatic yogic postures creating the images of
Radha-Krishna. Musical accompaniment is provided by mardala-a pakhawaj,
gini-small cymbals, harmonium, violin and flute.
30. RANAPPA CHADDHAIYA, ODISHA
Ranappa dance is popular in the coastal areas of
Ganjam district of Odisha. This is a martial art form of dance where the
dancers walk and dance on sticks (Ranappa) with special gestures on rhythms of
drums. This is an imitation of mock fight. This is something unique, the
dancers exhibit their skills in balance on sticks. Chaddaiya is a part of the
famous ‘Danda Nata’ of Odisha. Performed in the month of Chaitra, it is
associated with the worship of Shiva and akin to the Mayurbhanj Chhau. The
dedicated worshipers participate in the dance holding a ‘Danda’ (Pole) and a
‘Pasa’ (Knot) symbolic of a devout Shaivite, they dance vigorously to the
accompaniment of drums and ‘Mohri’ displaying various elements of martial
practices.
31. BHANGRA, PUNJAB
Bhangra is the most popular folk dance of
Punjab, performed by men on festive occasions, at weddings and fairs and to
celebrate Baisakhi or the harvest festival. Dressed in brightly coloured plumed
turbans, traditional tehmats, kurtas and waistcoats, the dancers perform to the
robust rhythms of dhols, bolis-typically rustic Punjabi folk songs and other
traditional instruments. Energetic and infectiously lively, Bhangra is a
spectacular dance, the popularity of which has crossed the borders of Punjab.
32. GIDDHA, PUNJAB
Giddha is the favourite dance of Punjab in which
women dance at weddings, at the time of birth of a child, the Teej festival and
other happy occasions. The dance consists of singing, clapping, enacting the Boli
as well as pure dance. The dancers form a circle and participating in pairs,
take turns to come centre stage and perform a Boli. Towards the end of the Boli
they dance vigorously in sheer abandon, while those in the circle sing and clap
in unison. The refrain is sung 3-4 times, then the performers withdraw to be
replaced by another pair and a new Boli. The Boli deals with the day–to–day
life situations of rural folk. Giddha is accompanied by the dholak (drum) or
gharah (earthen pot).
33. KALBELIA, RAJASTHAN
This fascinating dance is performed by the women
of the nomadic Kalbelia community whose primary occupation is rearing snakes
and trading in snake venom. On festive occasions, as traditional songs are sung
to the plaintive notes of the ‘been’ and the ‘daf’, the dancers belonging to
the ‘Nath’ sect dressed in their traditional black swirling skirts perform this
dance. The dance highlights the unparalleled virtuosity of the dancers often
reminiscent of the graceful and supple movements of the snake.
34. CHAKRI, RAJASTHAN
The Chakri dance is performed by the women of
the Kanjar community of Rajasthan. The dancers whirl around in circles in
colourful skirts appearing like spinning tops thus deriving its name Chakri,
which means moving in circles, or spinning. Usually performed at weddings and
on festive occasions, Chakri is accompanied by the rhythm of daph, manjira and
nagara. Most famous Chakari dancers come from Baran Kola district in Hadauti
area of Rajasthan but is popular in district of Kota and Bundi also.
35. TAMANG SELO, SIKKIM
Tamang Selo is a Sikkimese folk dance of the
Tamang community. It is also known as Damphu as it is performed to the
accompaniment of a native musical instrument called damphu. Usually performed
during Dasain or Dussehra, it depicts the colourful lifestyle of the hill
people, amply reflected through their lavish festive celebration and dances
full of fun and vigour. Tamang Selo is performed by traditionally attired young
men and women.
36. KAVADI, TAMIL NADU
This dance was supposed to be performed by a
giant named Idumban - with a pole slung across his shoulder. At the two ends of
the pole he was supposed to carry the favourite hills of Muruga, the popular
deity of Tamil Nadu. The carrying of Kavadi by pilgrims is symbolic of Idumban
with the hillocks poised on the pole. There are several kinds of Kavadis. Under
the spell of the hypnotic music provided by the drums, nadaswaram and thavil,
the devotees proceed to the shrine by singing the song "Kavadi
Chindu" with quick and vigorous movements. The Kavadi is never touched by
the dancer while dancing.
37. KADAGAM, TAMIL NADU
A folk dance of Tamil Nadu, Kadagam originated
as a ritual dedicated to the worship of Mariamman, the Goddess of rain and
health. The ritual is performed during the month of August when the idol of
Mariamman is carried in procession. A ritual pot filled with water is adorned
with beautiful decorations, several feet high, and is carried by the priest.
The colourfully attired performers carry decorated vessels vertically on their heads
and dance to the tune of nagaswaram, thavil, muni, udukkai and pambai and also
perform acrobatic feats as they follow the procession. The Kadagam dance is
very popular in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
38. HOZAGIRI, TRIPURA
Hozagiri dance is the most popular and
spectacular dance of the Reang community of Tripura. The occasions in which
Reang women perform Hozagiri are known as Mailuma and Maiktah, signifying the
festival of new harvest and worship of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and
prosperity. The Reangs believe that when the goddess is pleased by entertaining
with dance and songs, she blesses them with bumper crops. Thus, the theme of
this dance is mostly connected with cultivation. Standing on the pitcher, they
move the metal plates while dancing on it while keeping the bottle on the head
atop which is a oil lamp alight or pick up a flower from the ground bowing
their body back. All along the dance they twist their waist with much finesse.
39. DBOBIA, UTTAR PRADESH
The Dhobia dance is performed on the occasion of
birth, marriages and festivals like Dusshehra and Holi, The dance is popular
among the dhobi (Washermen) community of eastern Uttar Pradesh in which only
male dancers participate. The dance is basically in the form of a dance-drama.
It usually begins with the recital of a couplet in praise of the Almighty.
Amongst the dancers, one person wearing a royal costume enters the arena riding
a dummy horse followed by other dancers. The group of musicians also stand
behind the dancers playing their instruments. The dance begins with the music
provided by drums, cymbals and ghunghroos which are tied on waist and ankles. A
traditional wind instrument, called ransingha, which is the centre of
attraction plays a significant role in boosting up the tempo of the dancers.
Hori, Kajri, Chaiti, Kaharwa, Lachari, Thumari, Dadra and Nirgun songs are
adopted in Dhobia dance. The dance is accompanied by Bhojpuri and Awadhi folk
songs.
NOTE: Source from net. Not Created by me.
Very nice
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