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Folk Dances of India 2026: Complete State-wise List & Classical Dances

Manish
Jun 13, 2026 07:33 AM
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Folk Dances of States in India

India is globally celebrated for its immense cultural diversity, a richness most vividly expressed through its myriad dance forms. From sophisticated classical traditions to high-energy folk performances, India's dance heritage is as expansive as the nation itself. Much like India's linguistic diversity, which evolves every 100 kilometres, folk dance styles, vibrant costumes, musical arrangements, and rhythmic patterns transform across every region, bringing unique cultural stories to the stage. 

Driven by the changing seasons, Indian folk dances are deeply connected to the agricultural calendar, with most states featuring specific performances to celebrate the harvest and nature's bounty. These dances serve as powerful expressions of communal joy, sorrow, and cultural identity. Over centuries, these art forms have evolved into an inseparable pillar of Indian heritage. Read the complete article below to access the full state-wise list and strengthen your General Knowledge for upcoming competitive exams.

State-wise Folk Dances of India

Review our comprehensive state-wise classification of Indian folk dances. Questions regarding the relationship between specific states and their traditional dance forms frequently appear in competitive examinations. Mastering this list of Indian state-wise folk and classical dances is essential for candidates preparing for UPSC, State PSC, SSC, and various Bank Exams. 

Folk dances of India- State-Wise List
StateFolk Dances
Andhra Pradesh➤ Kuchipudi, 
➤ Vilasini Natyam,
➤ Andhra Natyam, 
➤ Bhamakalpam, 
➤ Veeranatyam, 
➤ Dappu, 
➤ Tappeta Gullu, 
➤ Lambadi, 
➤ Dhimsa, 
➤ Kolattam, 
➤ Butta Bommalu.
 
Assam➤ Bihu, 
➤ Bichhua, 
➤ Natpuja, 
➤ Maharas, 
➤ Kaligopal, 
➤ Bagurumba, 
➤ Naga dance, 
➤ Khel Gopal, 
➤ Tabal Chongli, 
➤ Canoe, 
➤ Jhumura Hobjanai
Bihar➤ Jata-Jatin, 
➤ Bakho-Bakhain, 
➤ Panwariya, 
➤ Sama Chakwa, 
➤ Bidesia.
Gujarat➤ Garba, 
➤ Dandiya Ras, 
➤ Tippani Juriun, 
➤ Bhavai.
Haryana➤ Jhumar, 
➤ Phag, 
➤ Daph, 
➤ Dhamal, 
➤ Loor, 
➤ Gugga, 
➤ Khor, 
➤ Gagor.
Himachal Pradesh➤ Jhora,
➤ Jhali, 
➤ Chharhi, 
➤ Dhaman, 
➤ Chhapeli, 
➤ Mahasu, 
➤ Nati, 
➤ Dangi.
Jammu and Kashmir➤ Rauf, 
➤ Hikat, 
➤ Mandjas, 
➤ Kud Dandi Nach, 
➤ Damali.
Karnataka➤ Yakshagan, 
➤ Huttari, 
➤ Suggi, 
➤ Kunitha, 
➤ Karga, 
➤ Lambi.
Kerala➤ Kathakali (Classical), 
➤ Ottam Thulal, 
➤ Mohiniattam, 
➤ Kaikottikali.
Maharashtra➤ Lavani, 
➤ Nakata, 
➤ Koli, 
➤ Lezim, 
➤ Gafa, 
➤ Dahikala Dasavtar
➤ Bohada.
Odisha➤ Odissi (Classical), 
➤ Savari, 
➤ Ghumara, 
➤ Painka, 
➤ Munari, 
➤ Chhau.
West Bengal➤ Kathi, 
➤ Gambhira, 
➤ Dhali, 
➤ Jatra, 
➤ Baul, 
➤ Marasia, 
➤ Mahal, 
➤ Keertan.
Punjab➤ Bhangra, 
➤ Giddha, 
➤ Daff, 
➤ Dhaman, 
➤ Bhand, 
➤ Naqual.
Rajasthan➤ Ghumar,
➤ Chakri, 
➤ Ganagor, 
➤ Jhulan Leela,
➤ Jhuma, 
➤ Suisini, 
➤ Ghapal, 
➤ Kalbeliya.
Tamil Nadu➤ Bharatanatyam, 
➤ Kumi, 
➤ Kolattam, 
➤ Kavadi.
Uttar Pradesh➤ Nautanki, 
➤ Raslila, 
➤ Kajri, 
➤ Jhora, 
➤ Chappeli, 
➤ Jaita.
Uttarakhand➤ Garhwali, 
➤ Kumayuni, 
➤ Kajari, 
➤ Jhora, 
➤ Raslila, 
➤ Chappeli.
Goa➤ Tarangamel, 
➤ Koli, 
➤ Dekhni, 
➤ Fugdi, 
➤ Shigmo, 
➤ Ghode, 
➤ Modni, 
➤ Samayi nrutya, 
➤ Jagar, 
➤ Ranmale, 
➤ Gonph, 
➤ Tonnya mell.
Madhya Pradesh➤ Jawara, 
➤ Matki, 
➤ Aada, 
➤ Khada Nach, 
➤ Phulpati, 
➤ Grida Dance, 
➤ Selalarki, 
➤ Selabhadoni, 
➤ Maanch.
Chhattisgarh➤ Gaur Maria, 
➤ Panthi, 
➤ Raut Nacha, 
➤ Pandwani, 
➤ Vedamati, 
➤ Kapalik, 
➤ Bharthari Charit, 
➤ Chandaini.
Jharkhand➤ Alkap, 
➤ Karma Munda, 
➤ Agni, 
➤ Jhumar, 
➤ Janani Jhumar, 
➤ Mardana Jhumar, 
➤ Paika, Phagua, 
➤ Hunta Dance, 
➤ Mundari Dance, 
➤ Sarhul, Barao, 
➤ Jhitka, 
➤ Danga, 
➤ Domkach, 
➤ Ghora Naach.
Arunachal Pradesh➤ Buiya, 
➤ Chalo, 
➤ Wancho, 
➤ Pasi Kongki,
➤ Ponung, 
➤ Popir, 
➤ Bardo Chham.
Manipur➤ Dol Cholam, 
➤ Thang Ta, 
➤ Lai Haraoba, 
➤ Pung Cholom, 
➤ Khamba Thaibi, 
➤ Nupa Dance, 
➤ Raslila, 
➤ Khubak Ishei,
➤ Lhou Sha.
Meghalaya➤ Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, 
➤ Nongkrem, 
➤ Laho.
Mizoram➤ Cheraw Dance, 
➤ Khuallam, 
➤ Chailam, 
➤ Sawlakin, 
➤ Chawnglaizawn,
➤ Zangtalam, 
➤ Par Lam, 
➤ Sarlamkai/ Solakia, 
➤ Tlanglam.
Nagaland➤ Rangma,
➤ Bamboo Dance, 
➤ Zeliang, 
➤ Nsuirolians, 
➤ Gethinglim, 
➤ Temangnetin, 
➤ Hetaleulee.
Tripura➤ Hojagiri.
Sikkim➤ Chu Faat Dance, 
➤ Sikmari, 
➤ Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion Dance, 
➤ Yak Chaam, 
➤ Denzong Gnenha, 
➤ Tashi Yangku Dance,
➤ Khukuri Naach, 
➤ Chutkey Naach, 
➤ Maruni Dance.
Lakshadweep➤ Lava, 
➤ Kolkali, 
➤ Parichakali.

These traditional folk dances are performed by men, women, or community groups, each reflecting the social customs of their respective regions.

Classical Dances of India

A holistic understanding of Indian culture requires studying Classical Dances alongside Folk Dances. Rooted in the ancient Natya Shastra and often centered around spiritual or mythological themes, Indian classical dances are performed by highly disciplined, skilled, and extensively trained artists.

The list of recognized classical dances in India is provided below:

List of Classical dances in India State of Origin
BharatnatyamTamil Nadu
KathakUttar Pradesh
KuchipudiAndhra Pradesh
OdissiOdisha
KathakaliKerala
SattriyaAssam
ManipuriManipur
MohiniyattamKerala

Folk Dances of India

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