Indian folk dances, which typically consist of a few simple steps, are performed throughout the world to celebrate a new season, childbirth, weddings, festivals, and other social occasions. In some Indian folk dances, men and women perform separately; in others, they dance together. On most occasions, the dancers will sing accompanied by musicians. Most folk dances have intricately-designed costumes. Although a number of structured, ancient folk and tribal dances exist, many others are evolving.
Andhra Pradesh
The Sutradhari (సూత్రధారి) is the most important actor in a Yakshagana, and plays multiple characters. Yakshaganam evolved into Harikatha, and they are considered synonymous. Their dances are similar; one person plays from excerpts from Palkuriki Somanatha, Srinatha, and others. Harikatha consists of samvaadam (సంవాదం; discussion), padyam (పద్యం; poetry), and daruvu (దరువు; rhythm). It typically begins with "భక్తజనులారా! వినండి హరికథ! వినగ వేడుక గలిగే" ("O devotees! Listen to this Harikatha and be delighted!") Those involved in Harikatha Kalakshepam (హరికథా కాలక్షేపం) are known as Harikatha Dasu (హరికథ దాసు) or Harikatha Bhagavatar (హరికథ భాగవతార్). In Andhra Pradesh, the first Harikatha artist is believed to have been Gokulapati Koormanathakavi (గోకులపాటి కూర్మనాథకవి) from the state's northern districts, who wrote and popularised the Mrityunjaya Vilaasam (మృత్యుంజయ విలాసం).
Arunachal Pradesh
(Rikhampada))/
Assam
Bihu
Bagurumba
Bhortal dance
Baidima
Goalini
Jhumur
Gumrag
Oja pali
Deodhani
Bihar
Bidesiya is a form of dance-drama that is believed to have been created by Bhikhari Thakur, a barber with a passion for drama. It deals with social issues and conflict between traditional and modern, rich and poor. Domkach is performed in the bridegroom's house by women during a marriage ceremony. Phagua is a dance and also a type of folk song performed during Holi. Jat-Jatin is the most popular folk dance of North Bihar, especially in the Mithila. It is performed by a man and a woman; the man is going far away to work. The dance reflects poverty and sorrow. Jhijhiya is sung and danced during Durga Puja in the Mithila region. Folks dance with an earthen pot with holes that have a lamp inside in their heads. It is invoked to ward off evil as well. Jhumri is similar to Gujarat's Garba. Kajri is popular in Bihar's Bhojpuri-speaking region. It often describes a woman's longing for her lover as the black monsoon cloud hangs in the summer sky, and is sung during the rainy season. Paiki evokes the infantry's agility, courage, and excitement. Danced on flat ground, it highlights the dancers' weapon-handling ability. Sohar (A Maithili Folk Song) is sung and danced by women to celebrate the birth of a child.
Chhattisgarh
Raut Nacha is a traditional folk dance usually done by Yadavs, a caste which considers itself descendants of Krishna, as an expression of worship. Performed for Dev Udhni Ekadashi (the gods' awakening after a brief rest), it resembles Krishna's raslila. Padwani Panthi Suwa dance is also folk dance.
Goa
Deknni
Dhalo
Fugdi in a Goan folk dance performed by the women in the Konkan region during the Hindu religious festivals Ganesh Chaturthi and Vrata or near the end of other dances, such as Dhalo. Khol Mussoll Samayi Nrutya
Gujarat
Dandiya Raas is an energetic, vibrant dance which originated in Gujarat. Often called the "stick dance" because it uses polished sticks (dandiya), it represents a mock fight between the goddess Durga and the demon king Mahishasura. It is nicknamed "the sword dance" because the dandiya represent Durga's swords and are struck together. The combination of garba and raas has become popular at the collegiate level in the United States, and garba-raas competitions are increasing in number. Popular competitions include Raas Chaos (in Washington D.C.), and Raas Rodeo (in Austin, TX). Garba is customarily performed by both sexes, and sometimes includes the stick dance. With circular movements and rhythmic clapping, it is often performed during Navratri. Its name comes from garbha deep, which means "light in the inner temple" or "lamp in a perforated earthen pot" (often used in the dance). The Tippani dance originated in the Chorwad region of Saurashtra. Working women take a wooden rod (sometimes tipped with iron at one end) and beat the floor with it. The Padhar dance is performed by the Padhar community.