Apart
from this various world famous classical dances, India also is the hub of
innumerable
folk dance forms that have survived since ages and are
popular even today. They are the mirror of our ancient culture, civilization
and history.
Every region of India is rich with a variety of folk dance forms.
Folk Dances in North India
Dumhal is an important folk dance of the Kashmiris. This
dance is performed both by men and women in colourful costumes.
Hikat and Namagen are well known folk dance forms of
Himachal Pradesh. In both the folk forms man and women perform in close
associations.
Hurka Baul is a folk dance form of the state of Uttar
Pradesh. This dance form is performed during the paddy and maize
cultivation.
Chholiya a famous dance form of Kumaon in Uttar Pradesh is
performed during marriages.
Who hasn't heard of the folk dance of Bhangra, of course if not in real
life most of us have experienced it seeing on the silver screen. Bhangra is
the folk dance of Punjab and is famous worldwide because of vibrancy and
energy level. Jhoomer and Luddi apart from Bhangra are also famous folk
dances of Punjab.
Folk Dances in North East India
Bihu, Hajgiri, Nongkrem, Dhol-Cholam are some of the popular
folk dance forms of north east India.
Folk Dances in North West India
Dandiya is the folk dance of Rajasthan. This dance shows the
great energy and vigour of the people of Rajasthan. The performers are
dressed up in colourful attires and play skillfully carrying big wooden
sticks in their hands. Ghumer dance, Raika and Jhoria are other dances of
the 'Bhils' of Rajasthan. Similar to the Bhils are the Mina tribe who are
known for the Gher Dance, while the Garasias are famous for the 'Valar'
dance.
Tera Tali is another folk dance of Rajasthan where two or
three women of 'Kamar' tribe perform the Tera Tali. They dance with manjiras
tied to their bodies and mostly on the legs. The women folks cover their
heads with a veil.
Folk Dances in South India
Kummi and Kolattam are the famous folk dance forms of Tamil
Nadu, performed by the tribal women of the state during festivals.
Kargam is another folk dance of Tamil Nadu. This dance is
mostly performed by men who through their dance try to please the Goddess of
health and rain.
Padayani is the most colourful and enchanting dances of
south Kerala. It is associated with the festivals of many temples.
