History · Art & culture

Dances & Festivals by State

The eight classical dances recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, and the folk dances and festivals of each State.

Classical dances (8)

• BharatanatyamTamil Nadu
• KathakUttar Pradesh
• KathakaliKeralam
• MohiniyattamKeralam
• KuchipudiAndhra Pradesh
• OdissiOdisha
• ManipuriManipur
• SattriyaAssam

State-wise folk dances and festivals

• Assam

  Dances: Bihu, Bagurumba. Festivals: Bihu (Rongali, Kongali, Bhogali), Ambubachi Mela.

• Punjab

  Dances: Bhangra, Giddha. Festivals: Lohri, Baisakhi.

• Gujarat

  Dances: Garba, Dandiya Raas. Festivals: Navratri, Rann Utsav.

• Rajasthan

  Dances: Ghoomar, Kalbelia. Festivals: Pushkar Fair, Gangaur.

• Maharashtra

  Dances: Lavani, Koli. Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa.

• Karnataka

  Dances: Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha. Festivals: Mysuru Dasara, Kambala.

• Keralam

  Dances: Theyyam, Thiruvathirakali. Festivals: Onam, Thrissur Pooram.

• Tamil Nadu

  Dances: Karakattam, Kummi. Festivals: Pongal, Jallikattu.

• Andhra Pradesh

  Dances: Kolattam, Burrakatha. Festivals: Ugadi, Sankranti.

• Odisha

  Dances: Chhau (Mayurbhanj), Gotipua. Festivals: Rath Yatra, Nuakhai.

• West Bengal

  Dances: Chhau (Purulia), Gambhira. Festivals: Durga Puja, Poila Baisakh.

• Bihar

  Dances: Jat-Jatin, Bidesia. Festivals: Chhath Puja, Sonepur Mela.

• Uttar Pradesh

  Dances: Raslila, Nautanki. Festivals: Kumbh Mela, Holi of Barsana (Lathmar).

• Jharkhand

  Dances: Chhau (Seraikela), Jhumar. Festivals: Sarhul, Karma.

• Himachal Pradesh

  Dances: Nati. Festivals: Kullu Dussehra.

• Nagaland

  Dances: War dances of Naga tribes. Festivals: Hornbill Festival (1–10 December).

• Meghalaya

  Dances: Shad Suk Mynsiem, Wangala. Festivals: Wangala.

• Mizoram

  Dances: Cheraw (bamboo dance). Festivals: Chapchar Kut.

• Sikkim

  Dances: Singhi Chham (snow lion). Festivals: Losar, Saga Dawa.

• Ladakh

  Dances: Cham (masked dance). Festivals: Hemis Festival.