North-West Indian Folk Dances

North-West Indian Folk Dances

Kalbelia Dance

One of the most sensuous dance forms of Rajasthan, performed by the Kalbelia snake-charmers community. The Kalbelia dancers wear long black skirts embroidered with silver ribbons. As they spin in circle, their body sways acrobatically, sway sinuously to the accompaniment of Pungi, dufli and plaintive notes of the been, the wooden instrument of the snake charmers. So that, it is impossible to believe that they are made of anything other than rubber.

As the beat increases to such high pitch, free flowing voice, while others join in the dance. The vigorous and zestful display of their perfect movements to the enchanting tune of musical instruments is a treat to the eyes. In 2010, the Kalbelia folk songs and dances of Rajasthan were declared a part of its intangible heritage list by the UNESCO.

Dandiya (Gujarat)

Dandiya is the folk dance of Gujarat, which shows the great vigour and joy of the inhabitants of the North-West states of India. Dressed in colourful costumes, the people of the desert play Dandiya gracefully, by holding big sticks in their hands. Apart from being a traditional dance form of the state, Dandiya also features in the Navratras, a 9-day festival that is observed with pomp and gaiety across many parts of the country.

Tarpha Nach or Pavri Nach

It is the dance of the Kokna tribals native to the hilly regions of the North-West India. These dances their names from the wind instruments of Tharpa or Pavri, which are made of dried gourd, played during the dance of performance.

Tera Tali (Rajasthan)

Native to the Kamar tribe of North-west India, Tera Tali is performed by two or three women. The Performers sit on the ground, while performing the Tera Tali, which is an elaborate ritual, followed in the region. Small metal cymbals called Manjiras are tied to different parts of the body, mostly on the legs of dance performer.
South India

Padayani or Paddeni (Kerala)

One of the most colourful and enchanting dances of Kerala, Padayani or Paddeni is associated with the festivals of certain temples. These temples are found in the district of Alleppey, Quilon, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam is also quite similar, the only difference being the use of small wooden rods by the dancers.

Kummi and Kolattam (Tamil Nadu)

Kummi and Kolattam are the dance performed by the tribal women of Tamil Nadu, during certain festivals. Kummi is a very simple form of dance, where dancers form circles and clap as they dance. Kolattam is also quite similar, the only difference being the use of small wooden rods by the dancers.

Kargam and Puli Vesham 9Tamil Nadu)

One of the most essential parts of a ritual dedicated to Mariamma, the Goddesses of health and rain in the state of Tamil Nadu is the Kargam dance. It is performed by men, wherein they balance pots, filled with uncooked rice and surrounded by a tall conical bamboo frame covered with flowers, on their head.

Drums and long pipes form the musical instruments that accompany the dance. Puli Vesham is another very interesting dance of Tamil Nadu, which is performed by men during a pacific festival. In this dance form, the men disguise themselves in tiger costumes and move around the streets.