Folk Dances (Bihu, Garba, Ghoomar, Chhau, Dandiya)
Art & Culture › Dance Forms · Topic 5.6
Folk dances of India are community dances performed at harvests, festivals, weddings and rites, learned by observation and not by formal training. Famous examples are Bihu (Assam, spring festival Bohag Bihu), Garba and Dandiya Raas (Gujarat, Navratri), Ghoomar (Rajasthan, women), Bhangra (Punjab), Lavani (Maharashtra), Chhau (Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal, a martial mask dance listed by UNESCO in 2010) and Kalbelia (Rajasthan, UNESCO 2010). Folk dances differ from the eight classical dances because they follow no single text, use simple steps, and are mostly performed in groups with local music and dress.
5 min read · UPSC Prelims · Art & Culture · Dance Forms
At a Glance
- Assam Bihu
- Gujarat Garba and Dandiya Raas
- Rajasthan Ghoomar and Kalbelia
- Mask dance Chhau, UNESCO 2010
- Punjab Bhangra and Giddha
- Exam link UPSC Prelims, Art and Culture: Dance Forms
Where Does It Fit?
This topic follows the classical dances and shows the other half of Indian dance. Many folk forms gave steps and themes to classical dances, and are named in state-wise questions. Previous topic: Natya Shastra Single hand Asamyuta hasta Double hand Samyuta hasta Count 28 and 23 in Abhinaya…">Mudras and Hand Gestures. Next topic: Modern Dances.
Which Folk Dance Belongs to Which State?
| Dance | State and occasion | Costume and features | Instruments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bihu | Assam. Bohag Bihu (April spring), Kati Bihu, Magh Bihu | Women in mekhela chador in red and white muga silk, men in dhoti and gamosa. Quick hand and hip movements | Dhol, pepa, gogona, toka |
| Bagurumba | Assam, Bodo people | Butterfly-like dance by women | Kham, serja, sifung |
| Garba | Gujarat. Navratri, honouring goddess Amba | Circle around a lamp or image, women in chaniya choli. Name from garbha, meaning womb | Dhol, clapping |
| Dandiya Raas | Gujarat. Navratri, linked to Krishna’s Raas | Pairs strike decorated sticks, with bright dress | Dhol, dandiya sticks |
| Ghoomar | Rajasthan, Bhil and Rajput communities, for festivals and weddings | Women in swirling long ghagra with veil, circular movements | Dholak, nagara, shehnai |
| Kalbelia | Rajasthan, Kalbelia snake-charmer community. UNESCO 2010 | Women in black swirling skirts mimic snakes | Pungi, dholak, khanjari |
| Chhau | Odisha (Mayurbhanj), Jharkhand (Seraikela), West Bengal (Purulia). UNESCO 2010 | Martial and acrobatic with episodes from epics. Seraikela and Purulia use masks, Mayurbhanj does not | Dhol, dhumsa, shehnai |
| Bhangra and Giddha | Punjab, harvest festival Baisakhi | Bhangra by men in lungi and kurta; Giddha by women in suit and phulkari | Dhol, tumbi, chimta |
| Lavani | Maharashtra | Nine-yard sari, rhythmic movements | Dholki |
| Koli | Maharashtra, fishermen communities | Rowing steps in dance | Drums |
| Theyyam | North Kerala | Ritual dance with huge headgear and body paint | Chenda, elathalam |
| Karagattam and Kummi | Tamil Nadu | Karagattam with decorated pot on head; Kummi women’s clapping dance | Thavil, nadaswaram |
| Yakshagana | Karnataka coast | Dance drama with bright headgear | Chende, maddale |
| Raut Nacha and Karma | Chhattisgarh, Yadav community and tribal harvest | Raut Nacha at Dev Uthani | Dholak, nagara |
| Cheraw | Mizoram | Bamboo dance with clapping bamboos | Bamboo |
| Rouf and Dumhal | Jammu and Kashmir | Rouf by women in spring; Dumhal by Wattal men | Daf, rubab |
How Do Folk Dances Differ From Classical Dances?
| Feature | Folk dance | Classical dance |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Local custom and community life | Natya Shastra and treatises |
| Training | Informal, by watching | Years under a guru |
| Performers | Mostly groups of villagers | Trained soloists and troupes |
| Music | Folk songs with drums | Raga and tala based |
| Occasion | Harvest, festival, marriage, rites | Temple, court, stage |
What Else Should You Remember?
- UNESCO: Kalbelia and Chhau were inscribed in 2010, and the Garba of Gujarat was inscribed in the UNESCO list in December 2023, which made it the 15th Indian element; Deepavali in December 2025 became the 16th, the count as of November 2026
- Chhau styles: Purulia (West Bengal), Seraikela (Jharkhand) and Mayurbhanj (Odisha) are the three styles
- Bihu: has three forms: Bohag or Rongali Bihu (April), Kati or Kongali Bihu (October) and Bhogali or Magh Bihu (January)
- Garba spelling: Garba is written Garbha in older texts, and the dance of men with sticks is called Dandiya
- Tribal dances: Santhal dances of Jharkhand, Gaur Maria of Bastar, Hojagiri of Tripura, Nati of Himachal Pradesh and Siddi Dhamal of Gujarat
- Rajasthan: also has Gair, Chari, Terah Tali and Kachchhi Ghodi
- Punjab and Haryana: Jhumar, Luddi and Dhamal
- North-east: Bihu, Bagurumba, Cheraw, Wangala and Nongkrem of Meghalaya, Thang-Ta and Pung Cholom of Manipur
- Goa: Dekhni and Fugdi
- Himachal: Nati, Kinnauri and Thoda
- Safeguarding: the Sangeet Natak Akademi, zonal cultural centres and the National Tribal Dance Festival support folk dance, and tourism gives performers income
- Fusion: Bhangra and Garba have spread through the diaspora and Bollywood, and classical dances such as Kathak borrowed folk rhythms
- Link to other topics: folk music often comes with the dance, as in Folk Music (Baul, Lavani, Bhangra)
Why Does It Matter for the Exam?
- Match the list: dance with state and occasion
- UNESCO: Chhau and Kalbelia 2010, Garba 2023
- Features: Chhau with masks in Purulia and Seraikela, Ghoomar for women
- Festivals: Bihu in Assam, Garba in Navratri
- Common errors: giving Bihu to Manipur, Ghoomar to Gujarat, or saying Chhau is classical
As an analytical point, folk dances preserve the social memory of communities. Their challenge is that commercial stage versions can change the original meaning, so safeguarding should centre on the community.
Why Is This Topic Important?
- State list Most-asked
- UNESCO Listing years
- Occasion Festival link
What Came Next?
The next topic is Modern Dances in India. Next topic: Modern Dances.
Key People and Terms
- Garba Navratri circle dance
- Dandiya Stick dance
- Chhau Mask and martial dance
- Ghoomar Rajasthan women dance
- Kalbelia Snake charmer dance
- Bihu Assam spring dance
Exam Corner
Points to Remember
- Bihu: Assam.
- Garba: Gujarat, Navratri.
- Ghoomar and Kalbelia: Rajasthan.
- Chhau and Kalbelia: UNESCO 2010.
- Bhangra: Punjab.
Do Not Confuse With
- Garba and Dandiya Circle dance with lamp versus stick dance
- Ghoomar and Kalbelia Women’s festival dance versus snake charmer dance
- Chhau and Kathakali Eastern martial mask dance versus Kerala dance drama
Memory Hook
Bihu in Assam, Garba in Gujarat, Ghoomar in Rajasthan, Chhau in the east with masks.
Mains Angle
Questions ask how folk art can be kept alive without losing meaning. These points give a frame.
- Identity Community memory
- Commercialisation Stage versions
- Safeguard UNESCO, SNA, tourism
A Question You May Face
An original practice question, not a past paper question.
“Folk dances are a living expression of community life. Examine the threats and measures for their preservation.”
How to Answer
- Value Community memory.
- Threat Migration, commerce.
- Support UNESCO, SNA, festivals.
- Way Community-led safeguard.
GS Relevance
Frequently Asked Questions
What are folk dances of India?
Folk dances of India are community dances performed during harvests, festivals, weddings and rituals. They are learned informally, follow local customs and use simple steps with local music. Examples are Bihu of Assam, Garba of Gujarat, Ghoomar of Rajasthan, Bhangra of Punjab and Chhau of eastern India.
Which state does Bihu belong to?
Bihu belongs to Assam. It is a folk dance linked to the Bihu festivals, especially Bohag or Rongali Bihu in April which marks the Assamese new year and spring. Women wear red and white muga silk mekhela chador, and the dance has fast hand and hip movements to dhol and pepa.
What is the difference between Garba and Dandiya Raas?
Both are Gujarati dances of the Navratri festival. Garba is a circle dance around a lamp or image of the goddess, danced mainly with clapping and graceful steps. Dandiya Raas is danced in pairs or circles with decorated sticks, linked with the Raas of Krishna.
Which folk dances are in the UNESCO list?
India's folk dance entries on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list include Chhau and Kalbelia, both inscribed in 2010, and Garba of Gujarat, inscribed in December 2023. Other entries linked to dance include Kutiyattam and Sankirtana of Manipur. India had 16 elements on the list as of November 2026, the latest being Deepavali in 2025.
What is Chhau dance?
Chhau is a martial, acrobatic folk dance of eastern India, with three styles: Purulia in West Bengal, Seraikela in Jharkhand and Mayurbhanj in Odisha. Purulia and Seraikela use masks, while Mayurbhanj does not. It tells stories from the epics and was listed by UNESCO in 2010.
Why are folk dances important for UPSC?
They matter because Prelims asks for match-the-list questions on state, occasion and UNESCO listing, and Mains asks about safeguarding intangible cultural heritage. They connect to GS Paper 1 on art forms and to tourism and cultural diplomacy themes.
PYQ Practice — Statement Analysis
1 Chhau is a mask-based martial dance of eastern India.
Listed by UNESCO in 2010.
2 Ghoomar is a folk dance of Gujarat.
It is a folk dance of Rajasthan.
3 Bihu is performed in Assam.
Bohag Bihu marks the spring new year.
4 Garba is performed during the festival of Baisakhi in Punjab.
It is danced in Gujarat during Navratri.
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