India is a land of varied cultures and traditions. Diversities in all spheres make the Indian culture quite unique. Indian folk and tribal dances are product of different socio-economic set up and traditions. In India we have festivals and celebrations virtually every day. Since every festival is accompanied by celebration, folk dances have become an integral part of our social milieu.
Indian folk dances are full of energy and vitality. The dance may be either done by males and females separately or together, it may be accompanied by singing by the dancers themselves or other people. Each form of folk dance has a specific costume and rhythm. Most of the costumes, worn for folk dances, are colorful with extensive jewels and designs.
Follk dances of India are inspired by the village way of life, rural or mythological folklore and fables and country music. Every region or state in India has a specific folk dance associated with it. The prominent types of folk dances include Dandiya and Garba from the state of Gujarat, Bhangra and Gidda from Punjab, Tamasha or Lavani from Maharashtra, Manipuri dance from Manipur and Rajasthani dance from the colorful land of Rajasthan.
Many folk dances are performed by ordinary people rather than professional dancers. It is very usual that on special occasions, the villagers will gather and sing and dance, accompanying themselves on a variety of folk instruments. Such special occasions include harvesting, planting, marriages and religious holidays.
Some very popular folk dances of India are:
Folk Dances of Assam: Every element of the Assamese culture, be it the language, traditional crafts, performing arts, festivity and beliefs, there are many other local elements which are always present in a Hinduised / Sanskritised form. Thus, such a culture has given rise to several local traditional art forms, like the Bihu Dance and the Ankiya Nat, which are famous in Assam.
Folk Dances of Gujarat: Gujarat is identified by its preserved rich tradition of songs, dances and dramas. The Gujaratis have a natural talent for singing and dancing. The best known among these is the Dandia, Tippani Dance and Garba Ras. Even the folk drama in Gujarat is known as Bhavai.
Folk Dances of Goa: The Goan folk dances bear a tradition of thousands of years, characterized by innumerable forms performed by and reflecting lifestyles, cultures and aspirations of different strata, religions and castes of Goan society. The prominent ones include the Dashavatara, Ghode Modni and the Goff Dance.
Folk Dances of Haryana: Though small in area, the Haryana state has a wealth of preserved folk culture, in which dances are main point of attention. Many Haryana songs and dances are related to harvest and festivals. Prominent folk dances include the Saang, Chhathi, Khoria, Dhamal, Ghoomar, Raslila, Jhumar, Gugga and the Loor Dance.
Folk Dances of Maharashtra: Various folk dances in Maharashtra have generally been evolved from the rural areas. Maharashtra has been famous for its vibrant music and the folk forms like Koli dances, and Dindi . The Tamasha is also a part of the Maharashtra folk dance, and it includes the traditional lavani and dance along with the music.
Folk Dances of Punjab: The folk dances of Punjab can be simply classified according to male or female folk dances, where the Jhummer, Luddi, Julli, Dankara and Dhumal are male folk dances while Sammi, Giddha, Jaago & Kikli are the female folk dances. Apart from the above ones, the Bhangra dance is the most important dance, which is actually the trademark of the Punjabi culture.
