Folk dances of India
India is a land of the most diverse cultures and traditions in the world. India have a vast range of Dance forms weather it is folk or classical dance. Here the dialect change almost after 100 km, so does the folk dances style, dress, artists, etc change. We also have four season so we have dances for different season. There is one dance in almost every state for the time of harvest. Folk dances are form of expression, performed to reflect the happiness, sorrow and different mood of the society. These folk dances have evolved and become a folk dance over the years, bringing the uniqueness and novelty to the Indian culture. Here is the information of various State and folk dances of India
Gujarat
GARBA
Garba is customarily performed by women, the dance involves circular patterns of movement and rhythmic clapping accompanying the foot movements symbolizing the cyclical pattern of life. The word represents “garbha”, the womb hence the devotion to mother Goddess is the predominant theme of the lyrics along with depiction of varied human emotions. The lamp represents the enlightened soul of the devotee who dances through the long hours of night and experiences trance due to the circular movements similar to Sufi tradition. The State of Gujarat, situated in Western India, celebrates this divine festival for nine nights, called Navratri, World’s Largest and longest dance Festival celebrated in all the streets and squares, everywhere in Gujarat in honor of the feminine form of divinity.
HUDO
The Hudo dance form is popular among the Panchal region of Gujarat and also well known for its folk fair “Tarnetar”. The beauty of the dance lies with gorgeous costumes adorned by the dancers. One interesting part of the costume is the presence of an umbrella. It is not only a simple umbrella but its beautifully embroidered pattern and the stylistic lace and mirror work is simply stunning. Hudo is mainly performed with the hard working Shepherd men and women.
Tippani Folk Dance
Tippani Dance:The laborer women while doing the labor task of beating the floor to make it hard with the help of wooden rod ,which had iron/wood piece at one end, sing their folk- lore and dance to overcome the fatigue caused by strenuous labor. Originated from the Chorwad region of Gujarat, the dancers performe in rows in this dance form which is full of energy and agility with sharp movements.
Punjab
BHANGARA
Bhangra is the most famous dance form in Punjab and across the world. Wherever Punjabi’s reside they have carried their trademark dancing style with them. Bhangra is one of the oldest & most traditional Punjabi dance forms originated in the Majha area of Punjab.
This dance form was originally associated with the harvesting season of Punjab and traditionally performed during the festival of Vaisakhi. The Bhangra outfit is a Lungi and buttonless jacket and women who perform Bhangra wear traditional Salwar Kameez. This dance form is performed during all the important functions across Punjab.
Giddha
It is also a popular dance form among the women of Punjab. This dance form is derived from the ancient dance form regarded as ring dance. It displays the vigour and vitality of Punjabi’s women. It is an immensely colourful dance form where a group of women wear colour traditional Punjabi dresses and dance together. While performing the Giddha “Boli” or ” Boliya” is being sung to utilize emotions.
Rajasthan
Ghoomar
Ghoomar Dance:Traditionally, performed on auspicious occasions only by Rajput women of State of Rajasthan situated in North –West region of India, the dancers while singing traditional songs perform circular movements gracefully, enthusiastically and charmingly. They sing in praise of their beautiful attire and decorative ornaments and through melodious songs, indirectly woo their male folks and express their congenial – happy relationship . The unique feature of Ghoomar dance is the swaying and circling movements on fast rhythmic tempo and catchy gestures.
Kalbeliya
Kalbelia or Kabeliya is one of the most famous dance forms of Rajasthan, Kalbeliya is performed by the women of the namesake tribe. Women deck up in traditional costume, which is angrakhi (a jacket-like garment), odhani (veil) and black swirling ghagra (long skirt), and dance sensuously and sinuously to the music played by the men using traditional instruments, such as dholak (two-headed hand drum), khanjari (percussion instrument) and pungi (a woodwind instrument). The dance movements are mostly serpent-like, hence it is also referred as ‘Snake Charmer dance’ or ‘Sapera dance’.