List of Indian States and Their Folk Dances 2023

What is Folk Dance?

The Dance which is developed by the common people, which reflects Life and Culture of the people of a certain country or region, is called Folk Dance or Lok Nirtya. These are very simple Dances without any Professional training and are performed with Traditional music.

Importance of Folk Dance

• Folk Dances from the 19th century or earlier that have not been patented.
• The style of these dances is Traditional and not an Innovation created by any one individual.
• Its Dancers are common people and not the elite of society.
• There is no Institution controlling it.

Classification of Folk Dances in India

Though it is not easy to classify the different states of India and their Folk Dances/Lok Nirtya, but in general they can be kept in the following four categories:

• Regional Folk Dances: These are Dances related to a particular region i.e. dances that are found only in certain regions; Like – Garba of Gujarat, Bihu of Assam, etc.
• Dances related to Festivals: The Folk Dance which is performed on Festivals or Religious occasions is called a festival or Religious Folk Dance; Like – Karma dance of Jharkhand.
• Commercial Folk Dances: The Folk Dances whose performance has become a means of earning money are called Commercial Folk Dances; Like – Bhawai dance of Rajasthan, the Terhtali dance.
• Caste-based Folk Dances: In Folk Dances, performed by people of a particular caste are called Caste-based Folk Dances; Like – Lambadi dance in Andhra Pradesh.

List of All Indian States and their Folk Dances:

List of Folk Dances of Union Territories of India