Folk Dances of India: List of Indian Folk Dances, State-wise

Updated: Thursday, July 9, 2026, 8:07 [IST]

The Republic of India is rich in its culture and heritage with 28 States and 8 Union Territories. All these have their own diverse culture and Art forms which presents a reflection of its unique heritage over the years. Often questions regarding Indian Art and Culture are asked in the examination. So today in this article you will get to learn about Indian Folk dance forms; State-wise and some interesting facts that you should know about

What Is Folk Dance?

The term Folk represents common man or something that is related to a community of common man. Folk art has various forms such as folk Songs or folk lores, folk dances, folk traditions etc. Folk art which is developed by a group of people, presents the traditional life of a particular region or country.

Indian folk art is a product of different socio-economic traditions and set-up which gradually evolved with time. When we talk about folk dance then they are usually performed during celebrations like weddings, festivals, childbirth etc.

Questions On Indian Folk Dance

Here we are listing some questions that are often asked in examinations.

In how many categories Indian Dance forms are classified?

Indian Dance forms are classified mainly in two categories: Classical Dance and Folk Dance.

Which is known as the oldest Folk dance form of India?

Odissi is considered as the oldest dance form of India. This dance is performed by women and includes 50 mudras ( body movements).

What is the name of the textual source of study the technique of body movement in Bharatnatyam Dance?

Abhinaya Darpana is one of the main sources of textual material, for the study of the technique and grammar of body movement in Bharatnatyam Dance.

Dollu Kunitha is a folk dance of which state?

It is a folk dance of Karnataka.

Kolattam belongs to which state?

Kolattam belongs to the state of Tamil Nadu.

Padayani belongs to which state?

It belongs to Kerala.

Mutki Dance is a folk dance form of which state?

Mutki belongs to Madhya Pradesh.

Rouf is a dance of which state?

Rouf is a famous folk dance of Jammu and Kashmir.

In which state Luddi dance is performed?

In the state of Haryana Luddi is performed.

What is the difference between classical and Folk dance forms?

The origin of Classical dance is Natya Shastra while folk dance is reflection of common people's lives.

List Of Indian Folk Dances: State Wise

	A	B
1	State of Origin	List of Folk Dances in India
2	Andhra Pradesh	Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam.
3	Arunachal Pradesh	Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir
4	Assam	Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Naga dance, Khel Gopal.
6	Bihar	Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya
7	Chhattisgarh	Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik
8	Gujarat	Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani Juriun, Bhavai
9	Goa	Tarangamel, Koli, Dekhni, Fugdi, Shigmo, Ghode, Modni, Samayi nrutya, Jagar, Ranmale
10	Haryana	Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor.
11	Himachal Pradesh	Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Mahasu
12	Jammu & Kashmir	Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach
13	Jharkhand	Alkap, Karma Munda, Agni, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua
14	Karnataka	Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga
15	Kerala	Ottam Thullal, Kaikottikali
16	Maharashtra	Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala Dasavtar
17	Madhya Pradesh	Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Selalarki, Selabhadoni
18	Manipur	Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom
19	Meghalaya	Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho
20	Mizoram	Cheraw Dance, Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Chawnglaizawn, Zangtalam
21	Nagaland	Rangma, Zeliang, Nsuirolians, Gethinglim
22	Odisha	Savari, Ghumara, Painka, Munari
23	Punjab	Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand
24	Rajasthan	Ghumar, Chakri, Ganagor, Jhulan Leela, Jhuma, Suisini, Ghapal
25	Sikkim	Chu Faat, Sikmari, Singhi Chaam or the Snow Lion, Yak Chaam, Denzong Gnenha, Tashi Yangku
26	Tamil Nadu	Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi
27	Tripura	Hojagiri
28	Uttar Pradesh	Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chappeli
29	Uttarakhand	Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Raslila