Top 10 Dances of India

Because of its vast and diversified culture, India is adorned with various styles of classical and folk dances. Folk dances are commonly used to mark the festivities of various seasonal or spiritual holidays. They are an essential component of our social pleasure. Most folk dances have changed and matured with time, providing originality and freshness to Indian culture.

Bhangra- Punjab

Bhangra is a loud and vigorous Punjabi folk dance. Its origins are unknown. Some claim it is a martial kind of dance, while others claim it was started by farmers to celebrate the Baisakhi celebration or crop season. In Punjab, no festival is completed without Bhangra. It consists of energetic dancing routines accompanied by the sounds of a dhol or drum.

Jhumar- Haryana

It is a popular dance genre in the state of Haryana. It is also known as the “Hariyanvi Gigga” in some parts of the state. Jhumar is derived from an accessory used by girls to adorn their foreheads. Young married women in eye-catching outfits and brilliant jewellery sing and dance to the beats of thali or dholak. They usually dance in a circle and singing.

Kuchipudi – Andhra Pradesh

Named after the Andhra hamlet of Kuchipudi, this classical dance style has its origins in the NatyaShastra, an ancient Hindu Sanskrit literature. The flute, violin, and tambura are commonly used to accompany the dancing form. Before the actual show begins, each dancer must be welcomed, their job defined, and they must do a short preparatory dance.

Garba- Gujrat

It is one of the most important folk dances in West India. On festival events such as Navaratri, Vasant Panchami, Sharad Purnima, and Holi, women perform this elegant dance. On all nine nights of Navaratri, women perform the Garba. It entails going around in a circle, chanting and clapping to the beat of a drummer or Dholi. Garba songs are mostly dedicated to Mother Goddess Amba.

Bihu- Assam

This exquisite northeast Indian dance plays an important role in Assam’s festivities. This dance type is typically performed during the Rongali Bihu festival, which marks the beginning of the spring season. The actual specifics of its genesis are unknown. However, according to the earliest sources, KingRudraSinga of Ahom invited artists to participate in Bihu on the auspicious occasion of Rongali Bihu in Ranghar field in 1694.

Lavani – Maharashtra

It’s a lovely mash-up of tune, song, dance, and culture. This dancing style is extremely jazzy due to the engaging Dholak rhythm and aggressive dance routines. It features a quick tempo and a strong rhythm. It covers a wide range of topics, including religion, politics, and society. It is sometimes portrayed in a romantic light, with a lady eagerly awaiting the acceptance of her love.

Kathakali- Kerala

Kathakali is one of India’s most well-known classical dances. This lively dance-drama combines interesting colours, graceful body movements, and stunning emotions that are timed to music and song. It dates back to the 17th century and is widely performed throughout the state of Kerala. The dance displays drama with mudras and gestures, which are typically influenced from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, or Puranas.

Hikat – Jammu and Kashmir

When spring magnificently submerges the valley in all its majesty, young girls and boys in Kashmir execute this lively and frisky dance. The boys and girls form dancing partners, joining their arms, clutching each other’s hands, bending their bodies backwards, and moving in a circle with flawless accuracy. Rabab and the drum frequently provide music when they perform songs.

Kathak- UP

Kathak is one of India’s eight primary classical dance styles. Kathak is said to have originated with the roaming bards of ancient northern India called as Kathakars or storytellers. The term Kathak is derived from the Vedic Sanskrit words Katha (tale) and Kathakar (one who narrates a storey). Wandering Kathakars tell legendary stories through dance and song.

Manipuri- Manipur

Manipuri is a famous Indian dance form that originated in the north-eastern state of Manipur. The dancing costume features a one-of-a-kind stiff skirt that reaches all the way down to the feet. Manipuri dance describes Radha and Krishna’s Raslila act and prepares the spectator for a religious journey