1. FOLK DANCES
BY :- KAVITA

2. Definition of FOLK DANCE
A dance that originates as ritual among and is characteristic of the common people of a country and that is transmitted from generation to generation with increasing secularization —distinguished from court dance

3. CHARACTERISTICS OF FOLK DANCES
Indian folk dances are simple dances, and are performed to express joy and happiness among themselves.
Folk and tribal dances are performed for every possible occasion, to celebrate the arrival of seasons, birth of a child, a wedding and festivals.
The dances are extremely simple with minimum of steps or movement. The dances burst with verve and vitality.
Men and women perform some dances exclusively, while in some performances men and women dance together.
On most occasions, the dancers sing themselves, while being accompanied by artists on the instruments.
Each form of dance has a specific costume. Most costumes are flamboyant with extensive jewels. While there are numerous ancient folk and tribal dances, many are constantly being improved.
The skill and the imagination of the dances influence the performance.

4. The state-wise distribution of folk dances are
Assam:Bihu, Khel, Gopal, Rakhal Lila, Tabal Chongli, Canoe, Nongkrem,
Bihar: Jadur, Kathaputli, Bhako, Jhijiya, Karma, Jatra, Natna, Bidesia
Gujarat : Bhavai, Garba, Tippani Dance, Padhar dance, Dangi Nritya
Haryana : Swang, Naqqal,Dhamal,Khoria
Himachal Pradesh : Kariyala, Bhagat, Ras Ihanld, Harnatra Haran or Harin.
Jammu and Kashmir: Bhand Pathar or Bhand lashna, Rouff, Vetal Dhamali.
Karnataka: Yakshagana, Bedara Vesha, Dollu Kunitha, Santa

5. Tamil Nadu: Therukuttu, Veethi Natakam, Bhagwat Mela Natakam
Andhra Pradesh: Veethi Natakam, Burrakatha, Lambadi, Koya.
Tamil Nadu: Therukuttu, Veethi Natakam, Bhagwat Mela Natakam
Telangana: Bathukamma
Uttar Pradesh: Bhagat, Sang-Swang, Naqqual, Mayur Nritya, Charukala
Uttrakhand : Chholiya
Goa : Fugadi, Dashavatar, Perni jagar, Musal khel
West Bengal : Chhau (Purulia), Santhali

6. Kerala: Kodiyattam, Margam Kali, Puli Kali, Mudiattam, Thirayattam
Madhya Pradesh: Maanch, Nacha.
Maharashtra: Tamasha, Lalit Bharud, Gondha, Dashavatar, Lavani, Koli dance.
Orissa: Pala Jtra, Daskathia, Mayurbhanj Chhau, Mangal Ras
Punjab: Naqqal, Swang Bhangra .
Rajasthan: Khyal, Rasdhari, Rammat, Turra Kilangi, Gauri, Ghoomar