India is one of the most important cultural hubs in the world. And not without a solid reason. Tourists flock to this country to witness the plethora of culture and spirituality that India embodies. Dance and music is a crucial part of our celebrations. India takes pride in the age-old cultural traditions that she has managed to preserve. Folk dances in India are not just a visual treat, every folk dance has a lot of emotional connect attached to it. India is primarily an agrarian economy. And these folk dances are mainly performed to celebrate the harvest. Here are 10 Most Famous Folk Dances of India that represent the diversity in our culture with grace and a lot of energy.
Bihu
Wikipedia.org
Bihu is a very spirited folk dance of Assam, performed by men and women of all ages. Assam has three agricultural Bihus. The beats and rhythm of this dancing form are very fast-paced and has a very happy vibe to it. The costumes are mainly bright and the musical instruments consist of the dhul, gogona, pepa and taal. The changes in the tempo, pace, rhythm, and mood give that extra kick to this lively and energetic dance form.
Chhau
wikipedia.org
Chhau dance or Chhau Nritya from Purulia, West Bengal, is one of the most unique folk forms in India. It is a form of tribal martial arts dancing. The smooth movements of this form are based upon the movements of animals and birds. Some of the steps are even based on the domestic chores of everyday life. Chhau Nritya is performed during regional festivals and especially during the spring festival of Chaitra Parva.
Bhangra Dance
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This is traditionally practised and performed by the men and women of Punjab in the month that leads to Vaisakhi, the harvest festival of Punjab. We all are familiar with the crazy Punjabi Bhangra beats. Zesty rural spirit and joy are highlighted by the singular beats of the drums. The fiery beats and vibrant costumes make this dance popular not just in India but in the entire world.
Garba
dnaindia.com
Garba from Gujarat is, yet again, a very popular folk dance form. It is mainly performed by women in which they move in circular motions. Clapping hands on the rhythm adds a very happy and light touch to Garba. It is an integral part of Navratri. The attire worn during the performances is stunning with intricate embroidery giving them a very special touch.
Ghumura Dance
wikiwand.com
Ghumura is a very popular folk dance form of Odisha even though a dispute has arisen regarding the classification of the mudras into folk and not classical. However, the Ghumura dance has not one but many mythological myths, According to the Mahabharata, the Ghumura was a musical instrument used by Gods and Goddesses during wars.
Lavani
medium.com
Lavani from Maharashtra is a very energetic dance form that has a very fast rhythm. The main instrument used here is the dholki which is a percussion instrument. This form of folk dance is not only popular in Maharashtra but all over India. As the traditional songs make this form of the folk form popular. Lavani from Maharashtra has costumes that are vibrant and ornaments that are iconic to the dancing form and the state.
Matki Dance
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
The Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh is the place of origin for the Matki dance form. This folk form is usually performed by the women with earthenware pots balanced on their heads and on special occasions. Furthermore, the costumes are bright and are either sarees or lehenga cholis with many lustrous ornaments. The main instrument that the Matki folk is based on is the dhol.
Rasslila
schoolchalao.com
The Rasa Lila or Rass Lila dance form originates in Uttar Pradesh. This popular dance form is one of the main cultural delights of the state as it has a popular story behind it. Raslila depicts Lord Krishna’s love for his companion, Radha, and the other milkmaids of the town. Most importantly this form of dance has a more sentimental touch to it because it has a mythological connection. Therefore, making it more than just a mere folk dance for the people.
Cheraw Dance
The Cheraw or Bamboo Dance from Mizoram is a visual delight as men and women display coordinated movements of the feet to the movement of the bamboo sticks. The men beat the bamboo sticks according to the rhythm of the music and the women dance gracefully between the sticks. It is one of the oldest dance forms in Mizoram and a part of every festival or special occasion.
Dandia Raas
youngisthan.in
Dandia is a very popular dance form that originates from the state of Gujarat. Dandi sticks look fun, don’t they? Besides, did you know that there are an inner meaning and story to Dandia’s? It represents the fight between Goddess Durga and the Demon King Mahishasura. They symbolize the sword of the Goddess Durga. Therefore, the dandiya sticks are more than just sticks used for dancing. In addition, the attires worn during the performances catch the eyes of the audience because of its vibrant colours. The attires worn during the performances catch the eyes of the audience because of its vibrant colours.
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