Lesser known folk dances of India

Nov23,2023

Chhau is a tribal martial arts dance from Orissa, Jharkhand and West Bengal. The dance form is usually performed during the time of spring festival of Chaitra Parva

Chhau

Gotipua originated in Raghurajpur in Odisha, which literally translates as ‘single boy’, meaning bachelor. Young boys until they reach adolescent come dressed together like girls and offer praises to lord Krishna and Jagannath.

Gotipua

Ghode Modini finds its origins in Goa that celebrated the triumph of Ranes, the Maratha rulers of the Sattari taluka in Goa, over the Portuguese in Goa.

Ghode Modini

Gaur, meaning Bison, Maria is one of the lesser known dance forms of India that finds it roots in Madhya Pradesh.

Gaur Maria

Phag or Phalgun dance usually performed during the Spring time that starts from February to March by farmers and their families.

Phag Dances

Saila dance originated in Chhattisgarh traditionally been performed by boys after the harvest season is over. 

Saila Dance

Dollu Kunitha is a drum-based dance form that originated in North Karnataka. The dance is performed for the deity of Beereshwara and the performers are more spiritually inclined towards their art.

Dollu Kunitha

Thidambu Nritham finds its origins in Northern Kerala which is a spiritual ritual dance that you mostly get to see in temples.

Thidambu Nritham

Yakshagana is Karnataka’s dance form that blends acting and dialogue, making it more of a theatrical art form.

Yakshangana