• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

State-Wise List Of Indian Dance Forms:  India's diverse dance forms are the essence of its rich culture and heritage. Every Indian state has its own set of traditions, cultures, languages, attire, cuisines and even dance forms. Each of these dance forms holds a meaning that mirrors its rich heritage. Dance forms across the nation are of two kinds, classical and folk forms. For example, the South Indian classical dance form, Kathak, is all about the skilful footwork. On the other hand, Rajasthan's Ghoomar has its unique vibrancy and skills. Now, let’s take a look at the full list of state-wise Indian dance forms, along with their costumes, according to the official data by the Ministry of Culture.

List Of State-Wise Indian Dance Forms And Their Dance Costumes:

State Major Dance Forms (Classical & Folk) Typical Dance Uniform/Costume
Andhra Pradesh Kuchipudi, Vilasini Natyam, Veeranatyam, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Lambadi Kuchipudi: Pleated saree (for women), dhoti with pleats (for men), temple jewellery, flowers in hair.
Arunachal Pradesh Chham, Buiya, Ponung, Popir, Wancho Tribal attire: Colourful woven skirts, sashes, headgears, beaded jewellery (varies by tribe).
Assam Sattriya, Bihu, Bagurumba Sattriya: Pat silk dhoti & chadar (men), ghuri & chadar with kanchi (women), Assamese jewelry.
Bihar Jata-Jatin, Bidesia, Jatra Folk: Saree or dhoti-kurta with local embroidery, jewellery, and turbans.
Chhattisgarh Panthi, Raut Nacha, Karma, Gaur Maria Folk: Bright sarees, bead jewellery, headscarves for women; dhoti, turban for men.
Goa Fugdi, Dhalo, Kunbi Kunbi: Red checked saree draped in Goan style, flowers in hair.
Gujarat Garba, Dandiya Ras, Bhavai Garba: Chaniya choli (women), kediyu & dhoti (men), mirror work, jewellery, dupatta.
Haryana Jhumar, Phag, Dhamal Ghagra-choli with odhni (women), dhoti-kurta with turban (men).
Himachal Pradesh Kinnauri, Chamba, Jhora Woollen skirts, shawls, caps, silver jewellery (women); churidar, waistcoat (men).
Jharkhand Chhau, Jhumar, Paika Chhau: Vibrant costumes, elaborate masks, dhoti, angavastra, jewellery.
Karnataka Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha Yakshagana: Colourful layered costumes, elaborate headgear, face paint, jewellery.
Kerala Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Ottam Thullal Kathakali: Heavy, colourful costumes, elaborate makeup, and headgear. Mohiniyattam: White saree with gold border, temple jewelry.
Madhya Pradesh Tertali, Jawara, Matki, Grida Folk: Colourful sarees, ghagra-choli, bead jewellery, turbans.
Maharashtra Lavani, Tamasha, Koli Lavani: Nauvari saree, heavy jewellery, nose ring; Koli: Saree in fisherwoman style.
Manipur Manipuri, Lai Haraoba, Thang Ta Manipuri: Kumil (cylindrical skirt), choli, translucent veil, jewellery.
Meghalaya Nongkrem, Laho, Shad Suk Mynsiem Jainsem (wrap-around skirt), tapmohkhlieh (shawl), silver jewellery.
Mizoram Cheraw, Khuallam Puan (handwoven wrap skirt), blouse, headgear, bead jewellery.
Nagaland Bamboo Dance, Zeliang Tribal shawls, skirts, beads, feathered headgear, and cane accessories.
Odisha Odissi, Chhau, Ghumura Odissi: Silk saree with pleats, silver filigree jewellery, belt, headpiece. Chhau: Colourful costumes, masks.
Punjab Bhangra, Giddha Bhangra: Kurta, lungi, vest, turban, phulkari; Giddha: Salwar-kameez, dupatta jewellery.
Rajasthan Ghoomar, Kalbeliya, Chakri Ghoomar: Ghagra-choli, odhni, mirror work, jewellery; Kalbeliya: Black swirling skirt, embroidered blouse.
Sikkim Singhi Chaam, Yak Chaam Brocade dresses, sashes, masks, and headgear.
Tamil Nadu Bharatanatyam, Karagam, Kummi Bharatanatyam: Pleated silk saree, blouse, temple jewellery, belt, flowers in hair.
Telangana Perini Shivatandavam, Lambadi Perini: Angavastram, dhoti, jewellery; Lambadi: Colourful skirts, blouse, mirror work, jewellery.
Tripura Hojagiri Rignai (traditional wrap skirt), risa (scarf), blouse, bead jewellery.
Uttar Pradesh Kathak, Nautanki, Raslila Kathak: Anarkali or lehenga-choli, dupatta, churidar, jewellery for women; dhoti, angarkha, scarf for men.
Uttarakhand Chappeli, Jhora, Raslila Saree or ghagra, shawl, jewellery, cap (women); kurta, pyjama, cap (men).
West Bengal Chhau, Gambhira, Alkap Chhau: Mask, bright costume, dhoti; Folk: Saree/kurta, local jewellery.

List Of Popular Indian Dance Forms:

Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)

Bharatanatyam is a temple dance featuring a poised upper body, bent legs, expressive emotions, and complex footwork. The dance form mostly narrates the stories of love and devotion.

Kathak (Uttar Pradesh):

Kathak is a North Indian classical dance, featuring rapid turns, rhythmic footwork, and facial expressions. It is also a dance form which comes along with lots of storytelling.

Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)

Kuchipudi is a dance form filled with drama and tradition. It is all about fast rhythms, smooth movements, and dramatic narration.

Odissi (Odisha):

Odissi is the oldest classical dance form is all about independent movements of the head, chest, and pelvis, along with lyrical, graceful poses.

Kathakali (Kerala)

Kathakali is a colourful dance-drama, which includes embellished costumes, makeup, and facial expressions to narrate mythological tales.

Sattriya (Assam):

Sattriya is a religious dance that was first danced by monks in the monasteries. It is all about mythological themes in both male and female styles.

Manipuri (Manipur):

A charming Manipuri dance is all about smooth, flowing movements with little expressions. The dance forms usually narrate the tale of Krishna and Radha.

Mohiniyattam (Kerala):

A solo dance about feminine elegance is performed elegantly with sway movement and expressive narration dedicated to the enchantress Mohini.

Chhau (Odisha, Jharkhand, West Bengal)

Chhau is a semi-classical dance form that combines martial arts, acrobatics, and colourful masks to portray epic stories and folklores.

Read Also: Top 10 Coconut Producing States In India: Why Coconut Water Is Referred As Magic Water

Read Also: List Of Top 10 Safest States In India: Know Where Delhi And UP Rank