Popular Folk Dances of India

Bhangra
The most popular instinctive dance of men in Punjab, Bhangra , if not the most robust, is one of India's popular folk dances. This dance is performed during the Baisakhi festival to the accompaniments and songs of Dholak. The dancers snap their fingers, do balancing tricks and indulge in acrobatic feats. They recite witty couplets known as bolis and out of sheer exuberance mouth meaningless sounds such as hoay, hoay. The dancers are dressed in lungis and turbans. The drummer usually takes his place in the centre of the circle. The counterpart of the Bhangra is the

Gidha, danced by womanfolk. The dance is a group number, but often individual dancers or pairs detach themselves from the group and perform while the rest keep clapping in rhythm. In this as in the Hikat of Kashmir, pairs of dancers go round and round with the feet planted at one place. The festival of Teeyan, to welcome the rains is the principal time for the Gidha.

Dhamyal is the leading dance of Haryana, often also known as the Duph. The Duph is a circular drum, played nimbly by the men dancers, while the dance can be performed by men alone or along with women.

Lahoor, the women's dance of Haryana is generally performed during Spring, when work in the fields is over. The dance is often accompanied by witty questions and retorts rendered in a sing-song manner.

The folk dances of Rajasthan clearly shows the colourful nature of this desert state. Dandiya is one of the popular folk dance and in this, a large group of men dance around vigorously playing with big sticks in their hands. There would be a drummer in the centre who plays the 'Meddale' skillfully. The dancers shout ho, ho joyously and perform this dance during Holi festival and other occasions.The Bhils of Rajasthan have a variety of dances, which correspond to the agricultural cycle. The Ghumer dance, Raika and Jhoria are some. The Gher dance is a favourite dance of the Mina tribe who are akin to the Bhils. Valar is typical dance of the Garasias.

The Kamar tribe performs the Tera Tali which is an elaborate ritual with many elements of dance. It is generally performed by two or three women who sit on the ground. Manjiras, or small metal cymbals are tied to different parts of the body, mostly the legs, and with a cymbal in either hand the dancer strikes these in rhythm. The head is covered with a veil, and at times a small sword is clenched between the teeth and an ornamental pot balanced on the head.