Traditional Folk Dances Of India

1.Chhau- Chhau dance is a semi classical Indian dance with martial, tribal and folk tradition. It is found in three styles i.e. the Purulia Chhau of Bengal, the Seraikella Chhau of Jharkhand, and the Mayurbhanj Chhau of Odisha. The Chhau dance is mainly performed during festivals in the region of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Odisha, especially the spring festival of Chaitra Parva and in which the whole community participates. The Purulia Chhau dance is celebrated during the Sun festival.

2.Lavani- Lavani is performed in the state of Maharashtra. Lavani has contributed substantially to the development of Marathi folk theatre. In Maharashtra and southern Madhya Pradesh and North Karnataka, it is performed by the female performers wearing nine-yard long sarees. According to a tradition, the word Lavani is derived from the word lavanya which means beauty. According to another tradition, it is derived from Marathi lavane.

3.Rouff- Rouff is performed in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a folk dance form which is mainly practiced by the women folk of the Kashmir valley. There are several folk dance forms which have particularly originated and flourished in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In this beautiful dance form, there are women who line up in two rows facing each other and perform this beautiful dance during the spring time in beautiful costumes.

4.Rasleela- The Rasleela is most popular form of folk dance of India, especially during the festivals of Janmashtami and Holi in the regions of Uttar Pradesh. Raas Leela is also observed as one of the State Festivals of Assam which usually is celebrated during Late November or Early December.

5.Matki dance- Matki danceis mostly performed in theMalwaregion ofMadhya Pradesh,India. It is asolo danceperformed by ladies on special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or any other special occasion. In theHindilanguage, matki means a small pitcher or a small earthenware pot. In this dance, the ladies are dressed insareesor inlehangadecorated with many ornaments. The main musical instrument used in this dance is thedhol. Matki dance is generally performed in a circular position.

6.Pulikali- Pulikali is performed in the state of kerala on the occasion of onam an annual harvest festival, celebrated mainly in the Indian state of Kerala. The dancers get dressed in a tiger costume.