Muzik Info Inc.

The folk dances of India are as high in number as the dialects spoken in the country. Each region has its own style of dance. From the north to the south and from the east to the west, the folk and tribal dances have rich and vibrant hue. Based on the regional music, these dances are performed in groups. The costumes too correspond to the region. Generally very fast moving and energetic, these dances are the main attractions of every festival or fair in villages. The most commonly known folk dance of India is the Bhangra dance of Punjab region. Performed on the beats of a typical drum called Dhol, this dance has a very catchy rhythm. However it is associated mainly with Punjab, this dance is extremely popular all over the country and gradually getting popular in abroad as well.

Another folk dance that has appealed the entire nation is the ?arba?dance of Gujrat region. This dance is more of a religious dance than a folk dance. It is performed in large groups. The dancers hold small wooden sticks in both the hands. They strike their sticks with those of their partners while dancing, so as to match the beat and rhythm of the music and the steps. This is called a religious dance because this is specially performed during the Navratra, the nine nights long worship of goddess Durga. The social group dance of Rajasthan too is very impressive. It is called ?hoomar?and is danced by women in long lehengas (skirts) and long colourful chunari odhani (tie and dye scarves). Known as the colour belt of India, this dance of Rajasthan is a proof to this statement.

For details of Indian Folk Dances pls link below :

http://folk-dances.tripod.com