A comprehensive compilation of folk dances of india( state-wise)

ANDHRA PRADESH

Bonalu DanceDappu Dance - Dhimsa Dance -Gussadi Dance -Thapetta Gullu Dance -VeeraNatyam Dance - It is also called Veerangam and Veerabhadra Nrityam.Mathuri ( Koppu) Dance - .

Kollatam Dance - .

ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Lossar Monpa Dance -Lion and Peacock Dance -Nyida Parik or Horn Bill Dance - .

Rikhampada Dance -Yak Chham Dance - .

Goya Sedong Se Dance -Taapu Dance -Ponung Dance - .

ASSAM

Bihu Dance - .

Mishing Gumrak Bihu Dance -Bordoichikla Dance - .

Bagrumbha Dance -Kahin Ghuruwa Dance -

BIHAR

Jhijhiya Dance - .

Domkach Dance -Panwaria Dance -

CHATTISGARH

Panthi Dance -Baiga Karma Dance -Gaur Maria Dance -

Kaksar Dance - .

Saila Dance -

GOA

Goff Dance -

Samai Dance - .

Ghode Modheni Dance -

Tarang Mel Dance - .

Dekhani Dance -

GUJARAT

Daang Dance -

Garba Dance -

Janviyo Dhol -Mewasi Dance - .

Rathwa Dance -Siddhi Damal Dance Tippani Dance -Dandiya Ras Dance -

Padhar Ras Dance -

HARYANA

Dhamal Dance - .

Bum Rasia Dance - ..

Ghoomar Dance -Jangam Dance -

Khoria Dance -Loor/ Lahoor Dance - .

Phag Dance -

HIMACHAL PRADESH

Gaddi Nati Dance - .

Chham Chhank Dance -Gujjari Nati Dance -

Jhamakada Dance - .

Kinnauri Nati Dance -Kullu Nati Dance -Lahauli Dance - The Lahauli dance seems to have more affinity with the Ladakhi dances than with the Himachali ones. The dance is performed on Surna and Damman, the most essential musical instruments of Ladakh. But the songs and ceremonial movements in this dance are specially Lahauli.

Mahasu Nati Dance - Nati dances are performed in varying styles all over Himachal Pradesh. The present districts of Shimla and Solan are known as Mahasu. In this region, Nati is traditionally performed near the temple precincts by both men and women.Jammu and Kashmir

Dhamali Dance- Devotional dance performed by men in Kashmir. it is very popular with the pilgrims going on Ziarat.

Dogri Dance - It is a dance restricted to the womenfolk and is always performed while singing various songs. It is held after the men folk leave the house with the bridegroom to bring the new bride.

Flower Dance - The Flower dance is performed by the inhabitants of Nubra Valley of Ladakh. They offer first flower of the spring season to God and present the second to their beloved.

Jabro Dance - Jabro is popular folk dance of the Changpa tribe of Changthang region of Laddakh.

Kud Dance - 'Kud' means a fair or mela and the dance performed during fair is known as Kud dance. This is a typical community dance performed in the middle mountain ranges of Jammu.

Mentok Stanmo Dance - Mentok Stanmo, the flower dance, is performed by the inhabitants of Nubra Valley of Ladakh.

Ruff Dance - Ruff is the most popular dance in the Kashmir Valley and is performed by thewomen folk. This dance is performed during harvesting season but the most essential occasion is the month of Ramzan when every street and corner in Kashmir resounds with the Ruff songs and dance.

Jharkand

Karma Dance - This traditional dance gets its name from Karma tree which stands for fortune and good luck.

Domkach Dance - Domkach is a distinctive folk dance of the Chhotanagpur area of Jharkhand and is performed by women of the bridegrooms family after his Baarat has left for the brides house.

Hunta Dance - The hunter dance of Santhals who live in the hilly plateau of Chhota Nagpur of Santhal Parganas is known as Hunta Dance.

Paika Dance - The Paika dance form is mostly prevalent amongst the Munda Community of Jharkhand.

Saraikaella Chhahu Dance - This is one of the three Chhau dance prevailing in the Eastern region and in the states of WestBengal, Orissa and Jharkhand. This is a martial art dance of Saraikella in Jharkhand embedding the Veera rasa of the Indian dramatic spectrum.

KARNATAKA

Dollu kunitha Dance - Dollu Kunitha is a drum dance performed by the menfolk of shepherd community called Kourkas.

Gorwara Kunitha Dance - Gorwara dance of Karnataka is a religious dance performed during the festival of Mylaralinga. Mylara is a Shaivite centre situated in North Karanataka.

Kamsale Dance - Kamsale is a simple metallic instrument to produce rhythmic sound while the artists sing and dance. They sing in praise of Shiva and his devotees. Mostly found in Mysore and Mandya districts of Karnataka.

Puja Kunitha Dance - This is a dance of worship to propitiate Goddess Shakti. It is very popular in Mandya, Bangalore and Kolar districts.

Suggi Kunitha Dance - Suggi Kunitha is an art form perfected by the Halakki Vokkaligas of North Karnataka.

Ummattata Dance -The other name of this dance is Mohini. Kodava women folk perform this. At the centre one women stands with a pot full of water. She represents water deity Kaveri. Kodava people worship the Kaveri deity as their community goddess.

Veeragase Dance -Veeragase is popular folk dance from Karnataka. It is a symbolic presentation of the heroism and valour of Veerabahadhra at the time of Dakshyagnya.

Yakshagana Dance - Yakshgan is a traditional performing art form of Karnataka . It is a combined art of dance, music and literature. The whole play is performed under the direction of 'bhagvatha' .

KERALADhafmuttu Kali Dance - This a group dance of the Parayas of Maippuram district.

Garuda Parva Dance - This dance form is performed in Vaikom, Udayanapuram, Vadayar Elankavu, MoothedathKavu, Mankompu, Alleppey, Brahmamangalam, Trippunithura and some other temples where the deity Badrakali is installed.

Kalaripayat Dance - Kalaripayat is the exclusive martial arts legacy of Kerala which was taken to China by the Buddhist monks. The literal meaning of Kalaripayat is acquired skill of art. Kalari means school or arena, and Payat is skill, training, exercise or practice.

Kol Kali Dance - Kol Kali is a joyous dance performed to the accompaniment of songs sung by the leader first and repeated next by the dancers in a chorus.

Moplah Kali Dance - The Moplahs are a sect living on the coasts of kerala in Malabar. The dancers sing in praise of the prophet Mohammed.

Oppana Dance - This is a bridal dance associated with the Muslim wedding ceremony in Kerala and Lakshadweep.. Brides and grooms are mentally prepared for marriage and the nuptial night by their close friends through a sequence of dance and music.

Theyyam Dance - THEYYAM, otherwise known as KALIYATTAM, is an ancient socio-religious ceremony performed in Kerala since very remote times. As the word KALIYATTAM denotes, this is a sacred dance performance for KALI. KALIYATTAM is sometimes called THERAYATTOM because every THERA or village was duly bound to perform it.

Velakalli Dance - Velakali of Kerala originated from martial practices and has subsequently acquired ritualistic overtones. The dance is generally performed by special hereditary Nair families who have exclusive rights of performance.

LAKSHWADEEP

Lava Dance - This is perhaps the most colourful dance sequence of Lakshadweep but confined to Minicoy Island.

Parichakali Dance - This is one of the most popular dance among men in the islands.

MADHYA PRADESH

Bhagoriya Dance - Bhagoriya is a well known dance of the Bheels, a large tribe of Madhya Pradesh. This dance is associated with a festival known as 'Bhagoria' and a fair called Bhagoriya haat. Unmarried girls and boys dressed in their best festive clothes come to the fair to choose their life partners.

Baiga Pardhuani Dance - This dance is popular amongst the Baiga tribe, performed to welcome the wedding procession.

Baredi Dance - Performed by male dancers of Ahir (cowherd) community from Bun-delkhand region.

Bhadham Dance - Bhadam, one of the most popular tradition dance forms of Bharia tribe from Madhya Pradesh, is performed on the occasion of marriage.

Gaur Maria Dance - Basically performed on the occasion of marriages by Gaur Maria of Abhujmar plateau of Bastar and is called Gaur after Bison.

Gudum Dance - Gudum is a traditional instrument which is more popular amongst the Dhulia tribal of Dindori, Mandla and Shahdol districts in Madhya Pradesh.

Baiga Karma Dance - The Baiga tribe living in close proximity to nature, eulogizes its beauty through their karma songs and demonstrate it through the graceful karma dance.

Kathi Dance - Kathi dance is a very powerful form of folk of Nimar region in Madhya Pradesh and is performed by Balahi Harijan community.

Mataki Dance - Mataki dance has its own traditional importance in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh. One of the particular rhythm of dhol or dholak is known as Mataki.

Raee Dance - Raee dance is popular in Bundelkhand regions of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Saila Rina Dance - Saila is the corrupt form of the original word 'Shaila' which means a hill. Saila dance is popular amongst the Gonds and Baiga tribals of Madhya Pradesh which includes the stick performance, the Danda Pata. Rina dance is performed by women which usually follows Saila dance. Whichever village Saila dancers go to perform, the girls from that village join the dance. When joined by girls, this is called Saila Rina dance

MAHARASTHRA

Banjara Dance - The 'Banjaras' or gypsies, a nomadic people, reside in the border area of Southern Maharashtra. Their attractively dressed womenfolk, laden with varied ornaments are distinctive feature of this community which earns its livelihood through hard work and physical labour. On festivals and auspicious occasions the women bedecked in traditional finery dance all night in celebration.

Dhangari Dance - The Dhangars (Shepherds)of Sholapur district rear sheep and goats to make their living. The dance is meant to please their God and to ask his blessings. They dance in traditional Marathi dresses Dhoti, Angarkha and Pheta with colourful Kerchiefs in their hands around a group of drum players.

Koli Dance - The Koli dance carries with it the fragrance and aroma of sea life. The Kolis inhabit the seashore and perform a variety of dances revolving around the life of fishermen near the seashore.

Lavani Dance - Lavani is the most popular and best known folk dance form of the State. Music, poetry, dance and drama intermingle with such perfection in the rendering of Lavani, that it is almost impossible to separate the various components.

Lingo Dance - This traditional dance form hails from Gadchiroli region and is very popular among Gond tribes. Juggo and Lingo are two Goddesses of the Gond tribe.

Songi Dance - The Songi Mukhawate dance of Maharashtra is an integral part of the worship of Devi at the time of Chaitra Purnima. Associated with the worship of Devi, this dance is performed to drive away evil spirits during auspicious ceremonies.

MANIPURLai Harobai Dance - The ancient Manipuris have developed a very comprehensive form of dance, which is popularly known as Lai Haraoba, which mirrors the Pre-Vaishnavite culture.

Luivat Pheizak - It is one of the most popular dances of the Tangkhul Nagas of Manipur.

Mao Naga - It is a popular dance of Mao Nagas of Mainpur performed by boys and girls on any village festivals. Mao is a tribe residing on the Northern mountains of Mainpur,

Pung Cholom Dance - Holi, the colourful festival of spring in India, is known in Manipur as 'Yaosang. This particular dance is performed during this festival. Pung Cholom or the drum dance, is a visual interpretation of various rythmic patterns played on pung, the Manipur drum.

Thang-ta Dance - It is the martial art of Mainpur practised with sword and spear. The movements with the Thang (Sword) are to ward off evil spirit, while the Ta (spear) is held in a position to protect.

Meibul Dance - The tradition of 'Thang-Ta', the martial art has an important place in the histroy of Manipur. Initially, there was the sword and spear fight, now other items have also been revived, such as Meibul Haiba, an interesting art of Fire Play.

MEGHALAYA

Wangala Dance - The Wangala dance is the most popular and important dance of the Garos.

Chorkhela Dance - The social life of Hajongs is associated with many indigenous festivals of their own. One of such festival is called Chor and the Chorkhela is known as a dance and music festival of the Hajongs.

Hoko Dance - Koches are the unique tribe of North East India. This is the tribe, who ruled western part undivided Assam and North Bengal from 15th century onwards. They are also found in good numbers in Meghalaya. Hoko, a ritual dance, has a great significance for the Koches.

Lahoo Dance - The Lahoo Dance is one of the traditional dances of the Jaintia tribe of Meghalaya.

MIZORAMCheraw Dance - This is one of the most popular folk dancers of Mizoram. It is a community dance. it is also commonly known as the bamboo dance. Actually it has no connection with the bamboo. In earlier days, the dancers usually danced over dressed wooden sticks.

Chawnglaizawn Dance - This is a popular folk dance of one of the Mizo community known as Pawi.

ORISSA

Gotipua Dance - Gotipuas, the young boys dressed up as girls sing devotional love songs of Radha-Krishan and perform Gotipua dance.

Chadheyia Dance - The Chadheyia dance is a component of the Dandanata tradition of Orissa.

Ghoomra Dance It is a folk dance which is more popular in Kalahandi district of Orissa. It is also prevailing in Bolangir, Sambalpur and Cuttack districts of Orissa. This dance is named after the main instrument 'Ghoomra', a pitcher-shaped drum which slings from the shoulder.

Ruk Mar Nacha Dance - Ruk means to defend and Mar means to attack. Thus the dance is a highly stylised mock fight. It is prevalent in the Mayurbhanj district of Orissa and is believed to be the rudimentary form of the evolved 'Chhau' Dance of the region.

Sambhalpuri Dance - Sambhalpur is a land of myths which owes its origin to the legendary Goddess Samleshwari. This dance is also called ''Chutkachuta' dance which is based on the various ragas of Sambhalpuri folk tradition and dedicated to Goddess Samleshwari Devi.

Mayurbhanj Chhahu Dance - In Orissa, Chhau dance of Mayurbhanj region has its own speciality in its style and rhythmic form. There are three styles of Chhau dance prevailing in the eastern region of the country. Other than the Chhau of Mayurbhanj, the two are Saraikella and Purulia. The Mayurbhanj Chhau is performed without mask and the theme of the dance centres around the tales from epics like Ramayan and Mahabharata, while in Saraikella and Purulia masks are used. Nowadays, this dance is stylized and set to choreographic framework

PUNJAB

Bhangra Dance - Bhangra is the most popular and virile folk dance of Punjab. It is closely linked with harvesting. Danced on moonlit nights, the dance begins in slow rhythmic movements and reaches a crescendo. The leader of the dance is the drummer who plays at the centre of thedancers. Traditional songs are sung by the dancers and there is immense scope for improvisation. With each new couplet, the dancers change their steps, accompanying them with refrains like 'Bale' 'Bale' and "Oe Oe".

Bazigarnia da Gidda It is the popular and favourite way of celebrating any happy occasion on wedding and birth of a new born by the vagrant tribe of Gipsy woman folk of Punjab. Gidda comprises singing ritual or wedding songs in the chorus, clapping, acting and dancing in the group of 15-20 women to entertain the people on these happy occasions.

Gatka Dance Gatka is a distinctive martial art of Punjab, is arespleadent part of our cultural heritage. Guru Gobind Singh , the tenth Guru of Sikhs created the Khalsa, liberated the people from the shackles of casteism and inaugurated the tradition of Sant Sipahi. The warriors made use of these weapons to vanquish the enemy in the battle, they also used them to show their feats as an expression of their joy and triumph..

Gidda Dance - "Gidda" is the favourite dance of Punjabi women and is danced at weddings, at the birth of a child, the "teej" festival and other happy occasions. The dance consists of singing, clapping, enacting the "boli"as well as pure dance. The "boli" deals with day-to-day life situations of rural folk. 'Gidda' is accompanied by the 'Dholak' or 'Gharah' it may also be performed to the rhythm of clapping. 'Gidda' is uniformly popular all over Punjab, however, the 'Gidda' of Malwa area is famous for its gusto and speed.

Jhoomer Dance - Jhoomer is a distinct folk dance of the erstwhile Southern Punjab (presently part of Pakistan) performed by men to a specific Jhoomer rhythm. The name is derived from Ghoomer i.e. performance in a circle or spinning around. The accompanying songs are thetraditional folk poetry which is based on basically feminine romantic emotions.

Tipari Dance -Tipri is a very popular male dominated folk dance which is performed in the Northern India particularly in Punjab and Haryana belt. It is performed on the occasion of Bavan Dwadshi a religious festival. It is a male dance.

RAJASTHAN

Bheel Dance - The Bheels tribals of Rajasthan perform this dance in faith of their folk hero Pabuji. The dancer balances two flat but wide plates on open palms and maintains the balance also while showing several dancing tricks.

Chakari Dance It is an eminent dance form of the Kanjars of Hadoti region in Rajasthan. Kanjar girls; the nomad females dance on festive occassions on the beats of dholaks, nagara and manjira.

Chari Dance - Chari is a Popular dance from Kishangarh in Rajasthan performed by females of the Gurjar Community on festive occassions.

Ger, Geer or Gher Dance - The Ger dance of Mewad in Rajasthan, is very popular folk dance of desert, known as Dandia Ger in Jodhpur. The favourite dance Ger of Bhil Mina tribe is performed on festive occasions like Holi by the menfolk of Rajasthan.

Khalbelia Dance - This fascinating dance is performed by the women of the nomadic Kalbelia community whose primary occupation is rearing snakes and trading in snake venom.

Langa Manganiyars Dance - The Langas and Mangniyars are folk singers of western Rajasthan, mainly hail from the districts of Jaisalmer and Barmer, who remember thousands of songs which are sung on various occasions like marriages, child birth, festivals, etc. in the houses of their patrons.Though Muslims by birth, they are closely linked since generations to both Muslim and Hindu families of their patrons called Jajmaans.

Languria Dance - Languria dance is performed by the Meena community in the Kaila Devi fair. Rasia songs of the Braj are usually used for this type of free, simple, unsophisticated and unchoreographed dances.

Matka Bhavai Dance - Matka Bhavai is a popular dance of Rajasthan in which the performer dances with numerous pots balanced on his head. At the same time, he also performs footwork on pieces of glass, nails and swords.

Terah Tali Dance - This dance is popular amongst the Kamad community of Rajasthan, who perform this as a ritual dance for prosperity and better yield. Rhythm is produced by striking majiras in thirteen different styles and that is how the dance gets its name `Terahtali'.

SIKKIM

Yak Chham Dance -This dance depicts the Yak and projects the simple life style of the herd men in the mountains.

Tamang Selo Dance - Tamang Selo is a Sikkimese folk dance patronised by the Tamang community of the state. A traditional musical instrument of the Tamangs called the Damphu, accompanies the dance.

TAMIL NADU

Devarattam Dance -Devarattam is one of the rare forms of folk dances . It is a ritualistic and social dance of the 'Kambala Naikar' community who migrated from Andhra Pradesh to Tirunelveli, Chidambaram, Kamarajar, Madurai, Trichi,Coimbatore, Salem and Dharmapuri districts of Tamil Nadu.

Irula / kasava Dance - Irula is a vigorous dance which is performed on funeral to drive away ghosts and goblins lurking around the dead body.

Kargam Dance - Kargam is a folk dance of Tamil Nadu which originated as a ritual dedicated to Mariamman the goddess of health and rain-she is also the protector from the dreaded small pox and cholera.

Kota Dance - This is a community dance of 'Kota' tribe who mainly live in the hills of Nilogiri district of Tamilnadu.

Oyilattam Dance - The dance symbolises the fight between Mahishasura and Durga Devi. The fight between the oyilattam and snake is also very popular.

Peacock Dance - Also known as "Poila Kuthneathaim" this is a joyous dance from 'Tamil Nadu associated with rejocing during the harvest festival 'Pongal'.

Puravi Attam, Dummy Horse Dance - In Puravi Attam, the dancers stand in a frame of a horse made of bamboo or light wood, brilliantly painted and draped. The dancers balance themselves as they dance for hours on wooden legs fitted inside the frame.

Sevaiattam Dance - Sevaiattam, a male dominated special tribal dance, is done before tribal deities by the tribal people residing in Yelagiri hills of Vellore district in Tamil Nadu.

Thapattam Dance -Thappattam is a folk dance of Tamil Nadu also known as Paraiattam in ancient Sangam Literatures.Periamalem Dance -Periamelam is a traditional art form of Tamil Nadu. The Periamelam dance is performed as ritual mostly during festival time. The dancers not only play big drums but also dance vibrantly on the tunes of music provided by instruments Melams, hence this dance is called Periamelam.

TRIPURA

Bizu Dance -Chakmas are the fourth largest tribal group in Tripura. This particular form of dance is characteristic of the Chakma community. Bizu means Chaitra-sankranti, which denotes the end of the Bengali Calendar year. It is during this period that the Chakmas bid good-bye to the year just being ended and welcome the new year.

Hai Hak Dance - The Hai-Hak dance is performed by the Halam community of Tripura. The Halams worship Goddess Lakshmi. Like other tribal communities, the social and economic life of the Halam community also revolves around the jhum cultivation. At the end of the harvesting season, the community traditionally adores Goddess Laxmi. To please the deity, they perform dance with music at the site of worship.

Hojagiri Dance - Next to the tripuris, the Reangs constitute the second biggest group among the tribal population of Tripura. Hojagiri dance is the most popular and attractive dance of this tribe. The movement of the hands and the upper part of the body is somewhat restricted. Whereas the movement from the waist to the feet creates a wonderful wave. The dancer stands on an earthen pitcher with a bottle on her head. A lighted lamp is balanced on the bottle.

Lebang Bomani Dance - Lebang Bomani is a fascinating harvest dance of Tripura. The dancers play bamboo clappers with a drone that attracts grasshoppers which are collected by the dancers. It is believed that the more grasshoppers they catch the more will be the yield of the crops.

UTTAR PRADESH

Charkula Dance - This traditional dance is associated with the Braj area of Uttar Pradesh and in particular with the village of Mukhrai in Mathura. This female dominated dance is performed during the monsoon and the other occasions of festivity.

Chaular Dance - A male dominated dance of Mirzapur district in Uttar Pradesh became extinct and later revived. The Chaular dance is supported by famous Kajri singing of Mirzapur.

Saira Dance - The traditional Saira dance hails from Bundelkhand region of Uttar pradesh and is very popular in the districts of Hamirpur, Jhansi and Lalitpur. This dance is performed with the sticks in the hands of dancers by the young girls and boys of peasant community during the rainy seasons.

Karma Dance - The Karma dance is performed throughout the tribalbelts of U.P., M.P. and Bihar. This traditional dance gets its name from Karma tree, which stands for fortune and good luck. The Kol tribe of Sonebhadra, U.P., dance a Karma that narrates the story of the Karma tree and Karma Devta.

Dharkaharikahari Dance - This dance is performed by the people belonging to the dharkaharikar tribe of Sonebhadra district in Uttar Pradesh. This dance, an integral part of life, is a means of livelihood for the impoverished dharkaharikaharis. In this dance, the songs reflect their poverty and also advocate detachment from worldly matters.

Natwari Dance - One of the popular folk dances of Awadh region , Natwari, is prevalent in Sultanpur district & its adjoining areas of the eastern UP. It is generally performed during Janmashtami and Holi in honour of Lord Krishna

Pai Dandha Dance - Pai danda dance is reported to have been developed from the days of Lord Krishna`s cowherd boy stage in which Lord Krishna gets involved into mock battles with his friend circle employing the use of small sticks. This play has gradually taken a form, now known as Pai Danda dance.

Mayur Dance - Mayur dance of Braj in Uttar Pradesh is performed during monsoon to celebrate the gaiety and greenery of nature during rainy season. The dance is named after the national bird Mayur (peacock) and is also known as Mayur - Morani dance. In this dance the performers dress themselves like peacock and pea-hen and their dancing movements and gestures signify the gait of a pair of peacock.

Chouphula Thadiya Dance - The Chouphula a traditional folk dance of Garhwal, is performed by men and women dancers. The meaning of Chauphula is blossoming of flowers all around. In this sense , this dance depicts revealing all round happiness and beauty . The name Thadia

denotes `courtyard' where dance is enacted by womenfolk on happy occasions and during leisure, when they return to their parental home from in-laws house . It is also danced to welcome the spring season.

Ghasiyari Dance - An agricultural folk dance, performed by female dancers expressing the daily routine of their life particularly while clearing the grass on the way to their fields before harvesting crops. The female dancers wearing beautiful traditional costume - ghagra, blouse and waist coat - present a delightful performance.

Jagar Dance - Performed in the Kumaon hill region of Uttranchal , Jagar is a popular ritualistic dance.

Jaunasari Harul Dance - Harul is a traditional dance form of Jaunsari tribe of Jaunsar Bavar in Uttarakhand. This ritual dance is observed in honour of the valiant Pandavas.

Kirjikumbh Kumbh Chholiya Dance - Prevalent in the Kumaon region of Uttaranchal , the Chholiya dance has elements of martial craft and is associated with the kirjikumbh Kumbh celebrations; kirjikumbh Kumbh is a poisonous flower which blossoms every 12 years. Villagers march in a procession to destroy the flower before it sheds its poison into the mountain streams.

Taandi Dance - Tandi is a social traditional dance of Jaunsar Bavar region in Uttaranchal. In this dance, young married couples depict and express all round happiness and sorrows of life while dancing.

Chhapeli Dance -Chhapeli dance is a social dance of the Kumaon region of Uttaranchal. The dance known as pair dance, is performed during fairs and festive occasions.

WEST BENGAL

Purulia Chhahu Dance - Chhau Dance of Purulia, West Bengal is our proud possession and one of the most vibrant and colourful folk art forms. Emanating from martial practices, Purulia Chhau is a vigorous form of Dance - Drama, drawing its themes from the two great epics-Ramayana and Mahabarata.

Bratachari ( Raibenshe ) Dance - These acrobatic feats performed by a male group are part of the repertoire of the 'Bratachari' of West Bengal, a unique and simle form of folk songs and dances evocative of valour and prowess of the people, owing its existence to the famour "Raibenshe" dances of ancient Bengal.

Dhali Dance - The Dhali (Shield dance), as its name implies, is a war dance. It was the war dance of the Dhali (Shieldmen) troops in the armies of the ancient potentates of Bengal.

Rabha Dance - The women of the Rabha Community perform the Rabha dance, popular in the Northern part of West Bengal.

Santhali Dance - The santhals are an integral part of the Bengal folk. The Santhali dance form is seen in the districts of Birbhum, Bankura, Malda and Bardhaman. Dance is an integral part of all festivities of the Santhal community. The Santhali dances are usually performed on a full moon night and are connected with the celebration of certain rituals.