Folk dance in India is a term broadly used to describe all forms of folk and tribal dances in regions across India. While Indian classical dance is considered a higher form of art and was practiced in courts, the temples and on special occasions, folk dance forms are practiced in groups in rural areas as an expression of their daily work and rituals. They are performed on religious , seasonal festivals or entertainment. Some of the popular folk dances that are performed across villages and cities are Bhangra, Garba, Kalbelia and Bihu.
The state-wise distribution of folk dances are
Assam: Khel, Gopal, Rakhal Lila, Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Nongkrem, Ankiya Nat, Kirtania Natak, Ojapali,Bihu
Bihar: Jadur, Kathaputli, Bhako, Jhijiya, Karma, Jatra, Natna, Bidesia, Senkela Chhau, Jat-Jatni Bidpada, Ramkhelia.
Gujarat : Bhavai, Garba, Tippani Dance, Padhar dance, Dangi Nritya, Hudo, Matukdi, Aagwa, Siddi Dhamal
Haryana : Swang, Naqqal
Himachal Pradesh : Kariyala, Bhagat, Ras Ihanld, Harnatra Haran or Harin.
Jammu and Kashmir: Bhand Pathar or Bhand lashna, Vetal Dhamali.
Karnataka: Yakshagana, Bedara Vesha, Dollu Kunitha, Santa, Doddata-Bayalata, Tala Maddle or Prasang. Dasarata, Radhna.,veeragase
Kerala: Kodiyattam, Margam Kali, Mudiattam, Thirayattam, Chavittu Nadakam, Chakyar koothu,
Madhya Pradesh: Maanch, Nacha.
Maharashtra: Tamasha, Lalit Bharud, Gondha, Dashavatar, Lavani, Koli dance.
Orissa: Pala Jtra, Daskathia, Mayurbhanj Chhau, Mangal Ras, Sowang.sambalpuri(dalkhai,rasarkeli),parbha
Punjab: Naqqal, Swang bhangra .
Rajasthan: Khyal, Rasdhari, Rammat, Turra Kilangi, Gauri, Nautanki, Ihamtara.
Andhra Pradesh: Veethi Natakam, Burrakatha, lambadi, koya.
Tamil Nadu: Therukuttu, Veethi Natakam, Bhagwat Mela Natakam, Kurvaanji, Pagal Vasham, Kavadi Chindu.
Telangana: Bathukamma
Uttar Pradesh: Bhagat, Sang-Swang, Naqqual, Mayur Nritya, Charukala
Uttrakhand : Chholiya
Goa : Fugadi, Dashavatar, Perni jagar, Musal khel, Samai nrutya, Gonph dance, Dekhni, Kunbi dance, Ghode modni, Dhalo, Tonya mel, Talgadi
West Bengal : Chhau (Purulia), Santhali
