India's folk dances represent the vibrant, living traditions of its diverse communities. Unlike classical forms bound by the Natya Shastra, folk dances are spontaneous expressions of daily life—celebrating harvests, seasons, festivals, and social occasions. This note provides a state-wise compilation vital for UPSC Prelims and Mains GS Paper 1.
State-Wise Classification
Andhra Pradesh
Kuchipudi: Classical, but also performed in folk style by villages
Vilasini Natyam: Temple dance tradition
Butta Bomma: Puppet dance
Tappeta Gullu: Devotional dance performed by men
Dappu: Percussion-based dance from Telangana region
Lambadi: Banjara tribe dance with vibrant costumes
Arunachal Pradesh
Buiya: Performed during Solung festival (Adi tribe)
Chalo: War dance of Nocte tribe
Pasi Kongki: Adi tribe harvest dance
Ponung: Women's dance during Solung festival
Roppi / Rimo: Ceremonial dance of Wancho tribe
Assam
Bihu: Most famous—celebrates Assamese New Year (Bohag Bihu)
Bhortal: Drum dance of Barpeta district
Jhumur: Tea tribe community dance
Deodhani: Shakta tradition dance
Bagurumba: Bodo tribe dance (copied by bird movements)
Bihar
Jhijhiya: Women's dance during Durga Puja
Jat-Jatin: Marital theme dance
Panwariya: Village dance
Bidesia: Folk theatre form by Bhikhari Thakur
Chhattisgarh
Pandavani: Narrative singing of Mahabharata (Teejan Bai, Padma Shri)
Danda Nach: Tribal dance related to Jharia festival
Gotul: Dance of Muria Gond tribe
Raut Nacha: Yaduvanshi cowherd dance
Karma: Celebrating the Karma tree festival
Sua: Women's dance during Diwali
Goa
Fugdi: Women's circular dance
Dhalo: Harvest dance performed by women
Dekhni: Semi-classical theatrical dance
Mando: Slow dance accompanied by Goan folk songs
Goff: Stick dance performed during Shigmo festival
Perini Shivatandavam: War dance of Kakatiya empire warriors
Dappu: Percussion dance
Gusadi: Gond tribe dance
Lambadi: Banjara community dance
Tripura
Hojagiri: Dance balancing earthen/glass pitchers on head
Garia: Dance of Tripuri tribe during Garia puja
Mamita: Tripuri tribe harvest dance
Lebang Bumani: Insect-collecting dance
Uttar Pradesh
Charkula: Dance with multi-tiered lamp pyramid on head
Raslila: Krishna-themed folk theatre
Nautanki: Folk theatre style
Kajari: Monsoon dance especially in Mirzapur
Pandav Nritya: Garhwal region's Mahabharata dance
Uttarakhand
Choliya: Sword dance (marriage procession)
Pandav Nritya: Folk rendition of Mahabharata
Jhora: Seasonal community dance
Charpali: Women's worship dance
Bhotia: Tibetan-influenced dance of border communities
West Bengal
Chhau: Mask dance of Purulia district
Jatra: Open-air folk theatre
Gambhira: Devotional dance from Maldah
Kathia: Dance of Kirtan tradition
Brittashree: Contemporary folk fusion from Visva-Bharati
Union Territories
Ladakh
Lama Dance: Masked Buddhist Cham dance
Jabro: Changpa community dance
Shondol: Archery-based ceremonial dance
Puducherry
Garadi: Dance performed during temple festivals
Andaman & Nicobar
Ongal: Nicobari dance of indigenous communities
Car Nok: Car Nicobar community dance
Significance for UPSC
Folk dances are crucial for:
Part of intangible cultural heritage (UNESCO recognition for Kalbeliya, Chhau)
State human development: Part of cultural identity
Tourism promotion: Many dances now packaged as tourist attractions
Government schemes: Support through Zonal Cultural Centres (7 zones under Ministry of Culture)
Social cohesion: Transcend caste and class boundaries in rural areas
Conclusion
India's folk dance diversity reflects the principle of "unity in diversity." Recent government initiatives like the National Mission on Cultural Mapping, financial support through Zonal Cultural Centres, and recognition through awards have helped sustain these traditions. Aspirants should learn at least 4-5 dances per state for Prelims, focusing on those with UNESCO or unique cultural significance.