CLASSICAL & FOLK DANCES OF INDIA

· Classical dance forms in India have a deep-rooted foundation in ancient texts, primarily the Natya Shastra. They blend rhythm, hand gestures (mudras), facial expressions, and spiritual storytelling

· The Sangeet Natak Akademi officially recognizes 8 classical dance forms:

Dance form	State / region	Key features
Bharatanatyam	Tamil Nadu	Ancient temple-associated form; combines Tandava and Lasya.
Kathak	Uttar Pradesh / North India	Derived from Kathakar (storyteller); known for tatkar footwork and spins.
Kathakali	Kerala	Dance-drama with elaborate costumes, face makeup and expressive movements.
Kuchipudi	Andhra Pradesh	Combines dance, drama and music; associated with Kuchipudi village.
Odissi	Odisha	Known for sculptural poses, fluid torso movements and devotional themes.
Manipuri	Manipur	Soft, graceful style associated with Vaishnavism and Ras Leela.
Mohiniyattam	Kerala	Graceful solo form, traditionally performed in off-white sarees with gold borders.
Sattriya	Assam	Developed in Vaishnavite satras as part of the Bhakti tradition.

 MAJOR FOLK DANCES (STATE-WISE)

State-wise folk dances

State / Union Territory	Major folk dances
Andhra Pradesh	Vilasini Natyam, Bhamakalpam, Veeranatyam, Dappu, Tappeta Gullu, Lambadi, Dhimsa, Kolattam, Burrakatha
Arunachal Pradesh	Buiya, Chalo, Wancho, Pasi Kongki, Ponung, Popir, Bardo Chham
Assam	Bihu, Bichhua, Natpuja, Maharas, Kaligopal, Bagurumba, Khel Gopal
Bihar	Jata-Jatin, Bakho-Bakhain, Panwariya, Bidesia, Jhijhiya, Fagua
Chhattisgarh	Gaur Maria, Panthi, Raut Nacha, Pandwani, Vedamati, Kapalik
Goa	Fugdi, Dhalo, Dekhni, Shigmo, Tarangamel, Ghode Modni
Gujarat	Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani, Bhavai
Haryana	Jhumar, Phag, Daph, Dhamal, Loor, Gugga, Khor
Himachal Pradesh	Jhora, Jhali, Chharhi, Dhaman, Chhapeli, Nati
Jammu & Kashmir	Rauf, Hikat, Mandjas, Kud Dandi Nach, Dumhal
Jharkhand	Alkap, Karma Munda, Jhumar, Janani Jhumar, Mardana Jhumar, Paika, Phagua, Chhau
Karnataka	Yakshagana, Huttari, Suggi, Kunitha, Karga
Kerala	Ottam Thullal, Kaikottikali, Theyyam, Kaliyattam
Madhya Pradesh	Jawara, Matki, Aada, Khada Nach, Phulpati, Grida Dance, Maanch
Maharashtra	Lavani, Nakata, Koli, Lezim, Gafa, Dahikala, Tamasha
Manipur	Dol Cholam, Thang Ta, Lai Haraoba, Pung Cholom, Khamba Thoibi
Meghalaya	Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem, Nongkrem, Laho
Mizoram	Cheraw (Bamboo Dance), Khuallam, Chailam, Sawlakin, Zangtalam
Nagaland	Rangma, Zeliang, Bamboo Dance
Odisha	Ghumara, Savari, Painka, Munari, Gotipua, Ranappa
Punjab	Bhangra, Giddha, Daff, Dhaman, Bhand, Kikkli
Rajasthan	Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Chakri, Gangaur, Jhulan Leela, Suisini, Chari
Sikkim	Chu Faat, Sikmari, Singhi Chaam (Snow Lion Dance), Yak Chaam, Maruni
Tamil Nadu	Kumi, Kolattam, Kavadi, Karakattam, Mayilattam
Telangana	Perini Shivatandavam, Gusadi, Bonalu
Tripura	Hojagiri, Garia, Bizu
Uttar Pradesh	Nautanki, Raslila, Kajri, Jhora, Chhapeli, Charkula
Uttarakhand	Garhwali, Kumayuni, Kajari, Jhora, Chholiya
West Bengal	Gambhira, Alkap, Dhali, Jatra, Baul, Dhunuchi Nritya