List of Indian folk dances
Indian folk dances,[1] 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 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).
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.
[7] Samayi Nrutya Nati is the traditional dance of Himachal Pradesh's Sirmaur, Kullu and Shimla districts.
Dancers wear long, colourful robes and tall, conical caps studded with beads and shells.
[34] Laudi Khela, traditionally performed by young Gopal men during the Dola festival, has been waning in popularity.
Male dancers paint their skin with yellow and black stripes, like a tiger, and attach a tail.
[36] Ghumra dance, originally performed during wars to encourage soldiers, is accompanied by a drum and is popular in Kalahandi district.
[37] Keisabadi, performed by men, is based on the story of Radha and Krishna and accompanied by singing in Sambalpuri.
Its origin is a product of mythology; when Rama (hero of the epic Ramayana) defeated Ravana, the vanars (monkeys) danced to celebrate his victory.
Kikkli is performed by two colourfully-dressed girls who hold crossed hands and twirl each other in a circle (balancing their positions), accompanied by folk songs.
The dance gets its name from ghoomna, the spinning which displays the colourful, flowing ghaghara (the long Rajasthani skirt).
The Kalbelia folk songs and dances were added to UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
Maruni, also popular in Nepal, Darjeeling, Assam, Bhutan and Myanmar, is accompanied by musicians playing the Naumati Baja.
[46] Kummi, one of Tamil Nadu's oldest folk dances, is accompanied by hand-clapping rather than musical instruments.
Oyilattam is most popular in the southern districts and the Kongu Nadu region, and the dance has a variety of styles.
[51] Theru Koothu is normally performed by men in an intersection during village festivals in the months of Panguni and Aadi.
The dancers twist and turn, sometimes dancing on an earthen pitcher or balancing a bottle on their heads with a lighted lamp on it.
The Raslila, danced in North India (primarily Uttar Pradesh), is based on the life of Krishna.
Haryana Jhumar, Phag Dance, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor, Gagor .
Maharashtra Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar or Bohada, Tamasha, Mauni, Powara, Gouricha .
Madhya Pradesh Tertali, Maanch, Matki, Gaur Maria, Ahirai, Bhadam, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni, Jawara etc.
Assam Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal.
Nagaland Chong, Khaiva, Lim, Nuralim, Bamboo Dance, Temangnetin, Hetaleulee.Rangma, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim 19.
Manipur Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Rakhal, Nat Rash, Maha Rash, Raukhat, Dol Cholam, Khamba Thaibi, Nupa Dance, Raslila, Khubak Ishei, Lhou Sha.
Mizoram Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam, Par Lam, Sarlamkai/ Solakia, Tlanglam, Khanatm, Pakhupila, Cherokan 21.
Andra Pradesh Ghantamardala, (Ottam Thedal, Mohiniattam, Kummi, Siddhi, Madhuri, Chhadi.
Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam.
