India, a country that is home to various cultures and traditions, is also home to some of the most incredible folk dances in the world. But more than mere art forms, each of these dances narrates a tale of the respective community and region they belong to. So whether you are practicing in prestigious dance platfroms like India’s International Groovefest for a cultural dance competition, representing your state in some national folk dance competition or simply want to know about India’s enriched past, here are some famous must know Indian folk dances that will show you how diverse this country is.

Bhangra –  Punjab

Bhangra – The soul of Punjab and can reassure you that once danced it becomes infectious! A harvest festival dance which was earlier performed by farmers at the change of every season has today become one of the most popular forms to release energy in parties and celebrations. Dancers wear colourful attire – be it their turbans or Punjabi kurtas while moving on fast paced beats of dhol with robustity and hype.

Garba – Gujarat

Garba – The first love of every Gujarati. Garba is a very popular folk dance performed during the time of Navratri. In this folk dance people wear traditional colourful attires with shimmering mirror work on it. They perform this dance in a circular formation on beats of dhol and harmonium clapping hands and moving around in synchronization. Being one of the easiest folk dance forms it is not only performed in Gujurat but across many states of India. Nowadays many dancers perform Garba to represent their culture at Indian folk dance competitions as well.

Ghoomar – Rajasthan

Ghoomar – It is a Rajasthani folk dance full of grace and self-control. This traditional folk dance was originally performed by the Rajput women on some auspicious occasions, festivals, weddings, etc. This folk dance has won many awards at national folk dance competitions and cultural folk dance competitions. The women performing Ghoomar wear vibrant coloured lehengas or ghagras with either silver or golden zari work on it. It is performed in different styles in different regions of Rajasthan but with same grace.

Lavani – Maharashtra

Lavani is an ever-evolving folk dance from Maharashtra. The main characteristic of this folk dance form is a story told in a very appealing way through moves and music. Lavani conveys messages about social issues, love and compassion or passion through energetic dance moves synchronized well with the songs usually performed by women. They wear a navari saree with ghungroos on their legs. Lavani has become a very popular folk dance in many folk dance competitions. Be it in a group of solo Indian folk dance competitions, Lavani shows the great Maharashtrian culture and its history through the vibrant costume and the expressive movements.

Bihu – Assam

Bihu is a folk dance from Assam. It is performed to celebrate the Bihu festival to mark the beginning of spring and the Assamese New Year. The main characteristic of this folk dance is their quick dance moves and rhythmic foot-work on the cheerful beats of dhol and pepa (a traditional flute used by the Assamese). Teh costumes of the dancers performing BIhu is usually around red color signifying joy and healthiness. Bihu is often performed by the Assamese at cultural events and national folk dance competitions.

Yakshagana – Karnataka

Yakshagana is a traditional folk dance which is performed popularly in the coastal areas of Karnataka and also in some parts of Kerala. This folk dance combines energetic music, dance on songs, and scholastic dialogues narrating the stories from Hindu Mythology. The costume worn by the dancers are full of vibrant colours and amazing makeup. The word Yakshagana has a literal meaning yaksha means spirit and gana means song- which means song of spirit. Many dancers have proudly represented this folk dance at many folk dance competitions and solo folk dance competitions and have won many awards for it.

Conclusion

The folk dances of India are not mere performances; they are an age-old expression of the myriad hues of life itself. Whether you are looking to take part in a folk dance competition or become better at Indian national folk dances or even wish to practice solo Indian folk dance, it is best realized as a celebration of culture and tradition. Every dance form that originates from different corners of the country has a unique story to tell. The dance forms mirror the rich culture of the state and represent what holds significance in lives.

You immerse yourself in a beautiful tradition and evolve with their rhythm. When you learn any form, perform on stage, or watch someone perform, remember how this art form that thousands have been practicing for centuries brings together communities, creates joy and celebrates everything that life stands for!