Dumhal (Jammu & Kashmir)
Dumhal is a popular dance of Kashmir. This dance is performed with long
colorful robes, tall conical caps (studded with beads and shells).
Dumhal dance is accompanied by songs which the performers themselves
sing. It is supported by drums. There is an interesting tradition
associated with Dumhal dance where the performers of this dance place a
banner into the ground at a fixed location and they begin to men dance
around this banner.
Hikat (Himachal Pradesh)
Hikat is a popular dance of Himachal Pradesh, performed by women. The
Hikat dance is performed in pairs and the participants extend their arms
to the front, holding each other's wrists. The dancers keep their bodies
inclined back and make round of the same place.
In the Kulu valley of Himachal Pradesh Dussehra is celebrated with
great grandeur and splendor. Singing and dancing form an important part
of this festivity. Here, there are dances for different occasions and
collectively all dances are called Natio.
Namagen (Himachal Pradesh)
Namagen is a dance performance usually held during autumnal hue
celebrations. The most prominent dance amongst these is the Gaddis. In
this dance the costumes are largely woolen.
Hurka Baul (Uttaranchal)
Some of the seasonal folk dances of Uttaranchal are Jhumeila, the
Chaufula of Garhwal and the Hurka Baul of Kumaon. The Hurka Baul dance
is performed during the cultivation of paddy and maize. The name of the
dance is derived from Hurka, the drum which is the only musical
accompaniment and baul, the song. In the Hurka Baul dance the singer
narrates the story of battles and heroic deeds, the performers enter
from two opposite sides and enact the stories in a series of crisp
movements. The rural folk form two rows and move backwards in harmony,
while responding to the tunes of the song and the rhythm of the players.
Chholiya is yet another famous folk dance of Kumaon, Uttaranchal. The
Chholiya dance is performed during marriages. As the procession of
marriage proceeds to the bride's house, the male dancers, armed with
swords and shields, dance animatedly.
Bhangra (Punjab)
Bhangra is one of the most popular and energetic dances of India.
Bhangra is performed by men folks during Baisakhi. It is among the most
energetic and captivating dances of India and includes tricks and
athletic feats. During the Bhangra performance the drummer is surrounded
by men dressed in lungis and turbans. Luddi is yet another folk dance of
the Punjab, performed by men folk. Luddi is performed to celebrate
victory. In the Luddi dance the try to copy the movement of a snake's
head.
The dance performed by the women folk of Punjab is called the 'Gidha'.
In the Gidha dance a woman or a pair of women dance while the others
surrounding her clap in rhythm. The Gidha dance is performed during the
festival of Teeyan to welcome the monsoons (rains). This dance also
includes a step when women go round and round with feet planted at one
place. Jhoomer is a dance of graceful pace. This dance is also performed
in a circle. Dancers dance around a single drummer standing in the
centre.
Dhamyal (Haryana)
Dhamyal or Dhup is one of the most popular folk dances of Haryana.
Dhamyal dance is performed either by men alone or with women. A circular
drum (Dhup) is played lightly by the male dancers. The spring season is
a time of celebration in Haryana. The celebration is done usually after
the work in the fields has been done.
