folk dances

Discover the stories of India's folk dances

Step into the vibrant world of India’s folk dances. Each dance tells a unique story, reflecting the traditions, customs, and spirit of the communities they originate from. Explore these cultural treasures and connect with the rhythms of India's diverse heritage.

Artist applying intricate makeup for a folk dance performance.
NSDA students performing Bidesia folk dance of Bihar.

Bidesia

A folk dance from Bihar, expressing the tales of migration and longing, often showcased at festivals and weddings.

NSDA students performing Bihu folk dance of Assam.

Bihu

A vibrant folk dance from Assam, celebrating the Bihu festival with brisk steps and lively hand movements.

NSDA students performing Bhagoriya folk dance of Madya Pradesh.

Bhagoria

A folk dance from Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, celebrating spring and bringing youth together during the Bhagoria festival.

NSDA students performing the Bhangra folk dance of Punjab.

Bhangara

A vibrant dance from Punjab, Bhangra celebrates spring and harvest festivals.

NSDA students performing Chari folk dance of Rajasthan.

Chari

A ceremonial dance from Rajasthan's Saini community, symbolizing joy and the ritual of collecting water in a pot.

NSDA students performing Dhangar folk dance of Goa and Maharashtra.

Dhangar

An energetic folk dance from Goa, performed by the indigenous Dhangar community, celebrating their vibrant culture.

NSDA students performing Fugdi folk dance of Goa and Maharashtra.

Fugdi

A lively women's dance from Goa and Maharashtra, performed during festivals to break daily monotony.

NSDA students performing the Garba folk dance of Gujarat.

Garba

A lively dance from Gujarat honoring the feminine divine, mainly performed by women during Navratri.

NSDA students performing Gof-Gunthan folk dance of Saurashtra, Gujarat.

Gof-Gunthan

A 250-year-old Navratri Garba dance from Saurashtra, performed by the Koli and Kanbi communities during Sharada Navratri.

NSDA students performing Jhummur folk dance of Assam.

Jhummur

A folk dance of Assam's tea tribes, performed during harvest and festivals, featuring girls as dancers and men as musicians.

Students in formation on stage during Kalbelia performance.

Kalbelia

Experience the hypnotic, snake-like movements of Rajasthan’s Kalbeliya dance- a celebration of tradition and nomadic spirit.

 NSDA students performing Kavadi folk dance of Tamilnadu.

Kavadi

A ceremonial dance from Tamil Nadu, honoring Lord Murugan through the carrying of ornate bamboo poles filled with flowers.

NSDA students performing the Kodava folk dance.

Kodava

A graceful dance from Karnataka’s Kodagu district, celebrating the heritage and unity of the Kodava community.

NSDA students performing Mayilattam folk dance of Tamilnadu.

Mayilattam

A peacock dance from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, performed during festivals in honor of Lord Subrahmanya.

NSDA students performing Pawara folk dance of Maharashtra.

Pawara

A traditional tribal dance of Maharashtra, performed during festivals to celebrate heritage and unity.

Vandita Parikh and NSDA students performing Rathwa folk dance of Maharashtra.

Rathwa

A tribal dance of Gujarat, performed by the Rathwa community during festivals and rituals to honor tradition.

NSDA students performing Rouf folk dance of Kashmir.

Rouf

A vibrant Kashmiri folk dance celebrating spring, showcasing the region's rich traditions and joyful spirit.

NSDA students performing Sama-Chakeva folk dance of Bihar.

Sama Chakeva

A Bihar folk dance celebrating sibling bonds during the Sama Chakeva festival with colorful clay figurines.

NSDA student performing Samai folk dance of Goa.

Samai

A traditional lamp dance from Goa, performed during festivals and special occasions in Goan communities.

NSDA students performing Shapla folk dance of Bengal.

Shapla

A captivating folk dance from Bengal that celebrates the water lily's beauty with graceful movements and vibrant energy.

NSDA students performing Thang-Ta folk dance of Manipur.

Thang-Ta

A martial art dance form from Manipur, blending sword and spear techniques with dynamic dance movements.

NSDA students standing in formation on stage with decorative sticks.

Tippani

A lively Kutch dance by the Rabari community, performed during weddings and festivals to celebrate their culture.