Famous classical dancers of India

The rhythm of Dance reverberates in hearts. The Indian heritage of traditions, fine arts, folk music and dances is unfathomable. The performing arts of Dance enables the dancer to express herself or himself through the dynamics of music. Shastriya Nritiya or Indian Classical dance is well known all over the world. Dance is one such medium of expression that transgresses beyond the confines of socio-cultural restrictions. The Sangeet Natak Akademi recognizes eight classical dance forms -Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Kathakali, Sattriya, Manipuri, and Mohiniyattam. However, the semi-classical Indian dance Chhau is included by the Culture Ministry of the Government of India in its list of Indian Classical Dances. Indian Classical Dances are a profound medium of expression for effectively carrying the innumerable mythological stories from generation to generation. Indian Classical Dancers are known all over the world for their incredible performances and have created a benchmark in Classical Dance. Here are some of the famous classical dancers from India.

Pandit Birju Maharaj

 Renowned recipient of Padma Vibhushan, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Kalidas Samman, Pandit Birju Maharaj took the Indian Classical Dance form, Kathak to new heights. His Kathak dance dramas have set a benchmark. Pandit Birju Maharaj is an eminent Kathak dancer who has trotted the globe and given thousands of dance performances along with workshops for Kathak students. Pandit Birju Maharaj is the founder of Kalashram. At the age of seven, Pandit Birju Maharaj gave his first recital. A direct descendant of Ishwar Prasadji (the first known Kathak teacher), Pandit Birju Maharaj has an excellent command over Hindustani classical music. He is an accomplished vocalist. He has won the Filmfare Award (2016) for Best Choreography for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Bajirao Mastani. Also, he has received honorary Doctorate degrees from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and Khairagarh University.

 Sonal Mansingh

 Renowned for her Odissi dancing style, Sonal Mansingh is an eminent Indian Classical dancer.Her dancing career started in 1962. Sonal Mansingh founded the Centre for Indian Classical Dances in New Delhi. Sonal Mansingh was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 1992. In 1987, she was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. While Sonal Mansingh received the Padma Vibhushan (India’s second highest civilian award) in 2003. She was one of the “Navratnas” nominated by Prime Minister Modi for the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan. The iconic cultural personality of India was conferred with the Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by G.B. Pant University and Doctor of Literature (Honoris Causa) by the Sambalpur University.

 Mallika Sarabhai

 A multifaceted personality, Mallika Sarabhai is a renowned Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer. She had won many national and international awards- Padma Bhushan and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award being few of them. Her theater work reflects the challenges of the society. She has contributed immensely in the field of acting, writing, and publishing. Mallika Sarabhai has also received French Palme D’or, the highest civilian award of France.

 Rukmini Devi Arundale

 Famed Bharatnatyam exponent and founder of Kalakshetra, Rukmini Devi Arundale was the proud recipient of 1956 Padma Bhushan. An activist of animal rights and welfare, it is believed that Rukmini Devi once declined the chair of the President of India, offered to her by the then Prime Minister of India, Morarji Desai. She is known for her visionary work in the field of dance, education, and culture. Rukmini Devi contributed immensely to the renaissance of Indian Classical Music. She was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 1967 and features in India Today’s list of “100 People Who Shaped India.”


Shovana Narayan

 A Kathak Maestro, Shovana Narayan is an incarnation of the artistic tradition of India. She was honored with the Padma Shri award in 1992 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards in 1999. The renowned Kathak dancer has written around ten books pertaining to dance. She established herself as a dancer during the 1970s. Her dance evokes the message of power and emotive depth. An alumnus of Miranda House, she completed her M.Phil from the University of Madras in Defence and Strategic Studies in 2008 and M.Phil in Social Sciences from Punjab University in 2001.

 Uday Shankar

Recipient of 1971 Padma Vibhushan, Uday Shankar is best known for his adaptation of Western theatrical techniques to traditional Hindu dance popularized the ancient art form in India, Europe, and the United States. He was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1962 and was awarded the Desikottama by the Visva-Bharati University.

Yamini ‘Poornatilaka’ Krishnamurthy

 Known as Yamini Krishnamurthy, she is a renowned Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam dancer. She started her career at the age seventeen years with a dance performance in 1957. She was honored with the Padma Shri in 1968, Padma Bhushan in 2001 and Padma Vibhushan in 2016. Yamini Krishnamurthy was awarded the “Natya Shastra” award by Shambhavi School of Dance at “Nayika-Excellence Personified” on the occasion of 2014 Women’s Day.

Popular Folk Dance of Tamil Nadu

Dance or Nadagam forms an integral part of the culture of Tamil Nadu, with its origin stemming from the ancient dance-drama form called Therukoothu. Traditional folk dances of Tamil Nadu include several individual and group forms, some of which are now being practiced not only for their heritage but also for their entertainment quotient. The tribal dances of Tamil Nadu include dances from the simplest form of a puppet show to the Poikkal Kuthirai Attam.

Many of the dance forms practiced are woven around a story, intended to entertain the audience or to pay homage to a deity. Dancers dress in animal costumes for many dances in Tamil Nadu, showing the strong connection between the nature and the Gods. They dress like a peacock for Mayil Attam , as a horse while performing Poikkal Kuthirai, as a bull in Kaalai Attam, snake like dress for Paampu Attam and as a bear in Karadi Attam.

Mayil Attam

 Women dancers adorned with peacock feathers, glittering headdress, and a beak perform this dance to the tune of folk music. They pay homage to Lord Muruga by dressing as peacocks.

 

Kummi 

 This classical dance form has women standing in a circle, clapping their hands to add beats. It is performed at all religious ceremonies, family functions, and harvest festivals like Pongal.

 

Kai Silambu Attam

  Performed in temples during Navratri or Amman festivals, the dancers hold anklets or silambu to give music, and dance to please the female deities, especially goddess Kali through their dance.

 

 Bharatnatyam

  A dance performed only by women, Bharatnatyam depicts religious themes and spiritual ideas of South India. Among the oldest dance forms of India, it includes dance as well as drama. 

Karakattam 

 

Rain goddess Mariamman is praised through this ancient folk dance of Tamil Nadu. The Aatta Karakam form of this dance has decorated pots on the dancers’ heads and Sakthi Karakam is performed as a religious offering.

 

Bhagavatha Nandanam

 The life and glory of Lord Vishnu in his various avatars is depicted through this dance drama. It is performed at Narasimha Jayanthi and also during Gokulastami or Ramnavami.

Andhra Pradesh Dances

Andhra Pradesh has always been known for its rich culture. This wonderful state has presented a wide range of performing arts, including dance, drama and music, to the world. Dance is the most interesting form of performing arts that has been encouraged from centuries in India. Kuchipudi, the renowned classical dance has emerged from Andhra Pradesh. One amongst the best dances in the world, Kuchipudi is quite similar to the dance form of Bharat Natyam. Besides Kuchipudi, there are many other dances and styles that have been originated in the state. Perini is an excellent form of dance, which also flourished here. This warrior dance is the dance of Lord Shiva. Here is given brief information about the various folk dances of Andhra Pradesh.

 Kuchipudi 

 
Kuchipudi is an eminent dance form that originated in Andhra Pradesh. Kuchipudi is not only a dance, but a fine amalgamation of dance, gestures, speech and song. A Kuchipudi dancer is required to be well versed in dancing, acting, music, various languages and texts. In the 17th century, Siddhendra Yogi started this dance during the 'bhakti' movement.

 
Bhamakalpam 

 
Originated from Kuchipudi, Bhamakalpam is both a dance and a drama. Siddhendra Yogi created this devotional dance form in the 17th century. Bhamakalpam is a fine specimen of the feminine movements in dance (lasya), contrasting the masculine movements (tandava) of Kathakali and Yakshagana.

 
Burrakatha

 
Burrakatha is a special folk dance of the state. Earlier known as Jangam Katha, it observes tales from the Indian Mythology. In the performance, the main artist narrates a story, plays music and dance on the tunes. The co-artists beat drums and speak to him, enriching certain events in the story. 


Veeranatyam

 
Veeranatyam refers to the dance of Lord Shiva that was performed when the Lord got enraged with Sati's death and humiliation. Veeranatyam is also known as the Dance of Destruction. This dance is still practiced by people of Veeramusti community, who claim to be descendants of Veerabhadra.

Butta Bommalu

 
Butta Bommalu is a typical folk dance, popular in Tanuku region of West Godavari District in AP. In this particular dance, the dancers wear masks of different characters and entertain people with their delicate movements, accompanied by non verbal music.

Dappu

 
Dappu is a lively dance form that started in Nizamabad District. The dancers wear colorful dresses and dance to the musical tunes of cymbals, tabla and harmonium. In Dappu, the themes are usually based on the mythological stories.

Tappeta Gullu

 
It is a devotional dance, which is popular in districts of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram. Tappeta Gullu is a dance that has vigor, rhythm and tempo and is performed to invoke the Rain God. In this dance form, the artists hang drums around their necks and produce beats with movements.

Lambadi

 
Associated with Lambadi tribe, Lambadi dance is performed to celebrate a loaded harvest or a good sowing season. The dancers adorn themselves with heavy jewelry, like ivory bangles, brass anklets, ornate jewelry and costumes embroidered with glass beads.

Bonalu

 
Bonalu is a special dance wherein the female dancers step to the rhythmic beats and balance pots on their heads. This dance is performed to praise Mahankali, the village deity. Potharajus, the male dancers, precede the female dancers to the temple.

Dhimsa

 
In the hilly region of Vishakhapatam district, Dhimsa dance is performed by people of every age group. This is a tribal dance that is performed during the months of Chaitra (March/April). To perform this dance, the artists dress in typical tribal dresses and ornaments.

Kolattam

Kolattam is the stick dance, which is quite similar to the Dandia dance of Gujarat. Also called as Kolannalu or Kolkolannalu, this dance is usually performed during the festivals of village. Kolattam observes a great combination of rhythmic movements, songs and music.

Popular folk dances of Jammu and Kashmir

The Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir is rich in scenic beauty topped with snow-capped mountains along with verdant farms. The people living here are indeed fortunate to experience the gift of the Mother Nature.

 Kud

 This dance is mainly performed to pay obeisance to the Lok Devtas. This dance is performed during nights under the luminance of the stars. Twenty to thirty odd performers dance to express their joy and thank the Almighty.Age and sex is no barrier to perform this dance. There are many twisting movements in this performance that enthralls the audience. This dance form starts during the night and goes on till the wee hours of the morning. There are several musical instruments that are used as supplements to the music on which the dance is performed.Kud folk dance highlights the connoisseurs of the princely states and Jammu and Kashmir was one of them. The dance performed during rainy seasons is used by the farmers to praise and thank the Lord for the protection of their livestock and harvest during the extreme conditions.

Bacha Nagma Dance

 

 This dance is an entertainment for the people during their old age. Generally young boys dress up in a long skirt and dance gracefully. This dance is performed during festivals and occasions. The dancers generally wear colorful attire.This dance is also performed during the harvest season. The dancers are generally six to seven in number and sway gracefully to the mellifluous tune sung generally by the lead dancer himself. In some parts of the state this dance is also called as the Bacha Gyavaun meaning young mellifluous and harmonious voice.

 

Dumhal Dance

 

 

 

This dance form is of devotional type and is extremely among folk dances of Jammu and Kashmir. It is famous for the vibrant costumes along with a decorative conical cap that dancers wear. Generally this dance is performed by the males belonging to the tribe Wattal.A ceremonial process takes place before the dance. Initially men dance with banners in their hands and dig the ground and place the banners. After this the actual dance begins. The men generally revolve around this banner during the dance.This dance is performed only during special occasions and the dancers sing the song with the occasional beat of the rhythm running in the background.

 

Rouf Dance

 

 This is a spring time dance. This dance is performed by the women community wearing colorful costumes. This dance is practiced during the occasions of Eid and Ramzan. Women generally line up face to face in this dance. One of the most notable features is their intricate footwork during the dance which is called as Chakri in the local language.This dance is practiced with mystical poetry and the dancers dance in sync with the rhythm of the poem. The popularity of this folk dance in Jammu and Kashmir can be gauged by the fact that the dance form made its way into the famous movie “Mission Kashmir”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rajasthani Folk Dance

Rajasthan has many forms of folk dances which are attractive, skillful and somewhat enjoyable by any age group. Rajasthani folk dances are popular all around the globe. Some of the Rajasthan’s traditional dance forms are very much different as only skilled person can do it. The Ghoomar dance from Udaipur and Kalbeliya dance of Jaisalmer have gained international recognition. Folk music is a vital part of Rajasthani culture. Kathputli, Bhopa, Chang, Teratali, Ghindr, Kachchhighori, Tejaji, etc. are the examples of the traditional Rajasthani culture.

Ghoomar

 Ghoomar is a traditional folk dance of Rajasthan. This is basically a community dance for women and performed on auspicious occasions. The famous ‘ghoomar’, Rajasthan’s popular dance gets its name from ‘ghoomna’, the graceful gyrating, which displays the spectacular colours of the flowing ‘ghaghra’, the long skirt of the Rajasthani women. It was ranked 4th in the list of “Top 10 local dances around the world” in 2013. According to the traditional rituals, newly married bride is expected to dance ghoomar on being welcomed to her new marital home. Ghoomar is often performed on special occasions, such as at weddings, festivals and religious occasions. which sometimes lasts for hours. As a traditional dance, Ghoomar often includes traditional songs such as “Gorband”, “Podina”, “Rumal” and “Mor Bole Re”. Songs might be centered on royal legends or their traditions. 

Kalbelia

 Kalbelia dance is a folk dance of Rajasthan state of India, performed by a tribe of the same name. The popularity of this dance is so much worldwide that Rajasthan’s Kalbelia dance and songs are now in UNESCO’s representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from the year 2010. In Kalbelia dance, males play various traditional instruments and females perform the dance. Kalbelia dance is one of the most sensuous dance among all Rajasthani dances. This tribe is a community of Rajasthan which in ancient time known move frequently from one place to another rather than staying and building their homes at one place. This folk art is transmitted from generation to generation.

Terah Taali 

Terah Taali is one of the folk dances of the princely state, Rajasthan. This folk dance is performed by the Kamada tribes who are traditional snake charmers. Besides this it is also performed by the tribes of Mirasi, Bhand, Dholi, Bhat and Nat. It is also practiced by Pokhran and Deedwana, to honour their folk hero, Baba Ramdeo, it consists of women sitting on the floor before his image. Terah Taali Dance is generally performed by well skilled artists. Thirteen manjeeras ( little brass disc) are tied to various parts of their body, which they strike with the ones they hold in their hand. This creates a rhythm on which the dancers move. The dancers perform various arabesques with their hands and the same time may also also balance pots on their hands and hold a sword in their mouth, for making the performance more attractive. The dance begin with the women, who sit on the floor and her body parts are tied with the manjeeras. These are tied on their wrists, elbows, waists, arms and a pair in their hands as well and her accompanists chants slowly in rhythm.

Gair Dance 

Gair is a very popular Rajasthani folk dance. This traditional folk dance is one of the many dance- form of the Bhil community of Rajasthan. This is the one of the few performances where both men and women dance together. This folk dance is performed as a series of half swirl, as a simplier version. It can also be build up to a series of complex patterns according to the ability of the dancers. Some of its variations are the Dandi Gair found in the Marwar region and Geendad found in the Sehkhawati region of Rajasthan. It is normally performed by chanting the name Priyanka. Men dance in a big circle with wood stick in there hands.The Gair dance of Rajasthan is performed by groups of dancers moving in and out a big circle. Men beat their sticks to create the rhythm when they turn. According to rhythm, they perform various steps & take turns in-between. The striking of the sticks gives the dance a vigorous character & a consistent tempo. There are several differences in the performance of men and women in this dance.

Chari Dance 

Chari dance is one of the popular folk dances in Rajasthan India. This dance describes the art of collecting water in a chari or pot by the Rajasthani womens in their day to day life. The woman’s travels miles to collect water for the families and the joy is reflected through this Chari dance. This folk dance is performed by groups of dancers. In chari dance woman hold chari or pots on their head and a lighted lamp is then placed in the pot. The famous Chari dance belongs to Gujjar community of Kishangarh and only womens perform in this dance. These ladies carry brass pots on their heads balancing it to perfection. These pots are kept ignited with the cotton seeds dipped in oil. These lit pots display beautiful effect in the dark night. While performing the Chari dance woman dance with balancing brass pots (Chari) on their heads and move together and dance on a same sequence. This dance does not have any particular movements except balancing the pots on their heads. This dance is also known as a welcome dance and is a significance of goodness. It can also be considered as the traditional fire dance of Rajasthan.

 

Traditional Dances of Kerala

The culture of a place can be acknowledged from its art and dance forms. Dances are considered as the integral parts of culture of any region. Kerala which is situated in the southern part of India and is popularly known as ‘God’s Own Country’ has several dance forms.Among the many folk dances, some are native and have gained recognition only within the state whereas, some have gained popularity worldwide. Many of these dances are performed at the time of temple festivals and occasions.These forms of dances are unique in their way of presentation with wonderful expressions, which are performed by finest dancers. The performers are adorned with attractive costumes and ornaments that add charm to the dance.Kerala has around 50 forms of dances. Among these Theyyam, Thiruvathirakali, Chakyar Koothu Koodiyattam, and Ottamthullal are some of the prominent dances of Kerala. Kerala is therefore, popular for its two classical dance form ‘Kathakali’ and ‘Mohiniyattam,’ which lure tourists from world-wide. Travelogy India here provides you with some important information about the unique classical dance forms of Kerala.

 Kathakali 

   Kathakali is an impressive form of classical dance originated more than 500 years ago in the southern state of Kerala. Kathakali is a perfect combination of dance, drama, music and religious theme. Kathakali is considered as one of the world’s oldest forms of theatre. In Malayalam (the local language of Kerala), Kathakali means Story-Play, “Katha-Story” and “Kali-Play”.

It will not be wrong to say that Kerala and Kathakali can be identified by each other’s name. Kathakali has been acknowledged throughout the world for its uniqueness. This dance form is generally performed by men. 

 This classical dance form is usually performed on the grounds of temple. Kathakali involves colorful costumes and detailed makeup. The costume is very typical that includes a headgear, swirled skirt and junk ornaments. Being dressed typically, the artists play the mythological characters from the Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The artists through their elegant body movements depict a scene from mythological stories. A typical Kathakali Performance includes graceful movements of hands, legs and eyes. Props are also used in this dance, wherever necessary. A traditional drum, known as Chenda is played to accompany by one or two singers. These singers describe the story in their song. Travelogy India recommends you to spend an evening watching a Kathakali performance in Kerala.

  
 Mohiniyattam

A famous and sensual classical dance form of Kerala called Mohiniyattam involves graceful movements. This classical dance is performed by solo woman dancer, as the name itself says, Mohini means ‘a maiden’ and Yattam means ‘dance’. Mohiniyattam is a blend of Bharatanatyam and Kathakali, as it uses the elements of these dances. This dance is very elegant as it has gentle and graceful movements along with mesmerizing eye movements.

   Mohiniyattam was originated in 16th century CE. Mohiniyattam has been recognized as one among the eight Indian classical dances by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. It is believed that the Vaishnava devotees named the dance as “Mohiniattam”, which was earlier performed by Devadasis. According to legends, Lord Vishnu in disguise of a Mohini enthralled people.

Mohiniyattam involves delicate footsteps, classical Carnatic vocal music, mesmerizing expressions and sober costumes in white and gold. The dancer adorns her head by putting jasmine garland in a traditional way. Mohiniyattam is therefore, considered as an enchanting dance or the dance of enchantress.

  

 Thirvathirakali

 It is a popular group dance performed during the harvest festival of Kerala, Onam. This dance is performed by women folk, moving in a circular movement, rhythmically at the Thiruvathira songs’ tune.

 Kolkali

 It is performed by a group of 24 dancers from agrarian classes. This dance form is highly rhythmic. Wooden sticks are used as props by the dancers. They beat these sticks, while moving in a circular motion.

 

 Ottamthullal

 This dance form was originated in the 18^th century and has become a popular dance form of Kerala. It is said that famous Malayalam poet, Kalakkaththu Kunchan Nambiar created this dance form. Ottamthullal is a group dance performed wearing make-up and vibrant costumes. A dancer narrates a story based on mythology.

 

Koodiyattam

 Koodiyattam is a popular traditional dance form of Kerala. This dance form was being performed in the temples for centuries. The musical instruments involved in Koodiyattam are Kuzhitalam, Mizhavu, Sankhu and Kurumkuzhal.

  

Chakyar Koothu

 It is a highly refined ancient dance form of Kerala. The dancer narrates scenes from Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. During festivals and occasions, it is performed in the temples.

 

Theyyam

A popular dance form of the Malabar region of Kerala is called Theyyam. Theyyam and its rituals have been in practice for thousands of years in this region. It is very popular as the lower caste people have access to it. It is a Dravidian art form and sacred ritual dance to worship Goddess Kaali. The word ‘Theyyam’ is said to be the corrupted form of ‘Daivam’, the Malayalam word, which means God.

 

Folk Dances Of Punjab

Punjabi dances are an array of folk and religious dances of the Punjabi people indigenous to the Punjab region, straddling the border of India and Pakistan. The style of Punjabi dances ranges from very high energy to slow and reserved, and there are specific styles for men and women. Some of the dances are secular while others are presented in religious contexts. 

 Bhangra

Bhangra is the most popular folk dance of Punjab. It represents the liveliness and dynamism of its people. The dance mainly involves men, who perform to the fast beats of drum and music. Originally performed on the Baisakhi festival, the harvest festival of Punjab, bhangra is done at every single festive occasion today.

Giddha
                                  

 Giddha is a popular folk dance of Punjab, performed by the women of the region. It bears much similarity to the bhangra dance, which is performed by the men in the state. The dancers enact verses called bolis, which is a representation of folk poetry at its best.


Jhumar

Originally from Sandalbar (now in Pakistan), Jhumar is now very much a part of Punjabi folk heritage. It is a typical male dance, which is performed during festivals and on other celebrations. The dance is performed in a circle, with a man beating the drum inside it, producing the tune of emotional songs. Jhumar dance is without acrobatics. The movement of only the arms is considered its main forte. Toes are musically placed in front and backwards and turns are taken to the right. Sometimes, the dancers place one of their hands below the ribs, on the left and gesticulate with the right hand. Its costumes are akin to bhangra.


 Luddi

Luddi is a male dance, performed to commemorate victory, which is recognized by the swaying movements of the head. The dancers place one hand at the back and another in front of the face; the body movement is snake-like. Head movement is an important part of the dance. The costume for the dance consists of a loose shirt and a loincloth. Some dancers tie a turban, while others wear a patka, which is somewhat like a scarf tied across the forehead. There are still others, who join in bareheaded.


Julli

Julli is a religious dance, associated with pirs and recluses. It is generally danced in their hermitages (khangahs). Sometimes, it is also danced around the grave of a preceptor. This dance is performed mostly in a sitting posture, with the toes tensed. A single dancer can also perform this dance. The dancer holds a thick staff in his hands and dances by revolving it. Normally black clothes are worn by the dancer and the head is covered with a black scarf. Sometimes, the dancers also the tie ghungroos (jingling bells) around their waists, just like the bhangra dancers of yore.


Dhamal

This folk dance is very similar to bhangra and is performed by a group of men, in a circle. Drum is used as the accompanying instrument and its costumes are akin to Bhangra and Jhuma.


Sammi

Sammi is the traditional dance of the women of Sandalbar region, now in Pakistan. The dancers are dressed in bright colored kurtas and full flowing skirts, called lehengas. A peculiar silver hair ornament is associated with this dance. The dancers’ hair is knitted in plaits and in the middle of the head is a domed ornament, shaped like an inverted lotus. It called phul-chowk or suggiphul. The dance is almost similar to Giddha, where the prominent gesture is confined to the movement of arms.


 Jaago

Literally, "jaago” means "wake up”. This dance is performed in a girl's wedding. On the night before the wedding, girls dance through the village streets, carrying a pot (gaggar) decorated with lightened candles and singing jaagu songs. The theme of songs is social and typically, a bit of teasing (often aimed at elders) goes with the song.

Teeyan

Giddha can be seen at the best during the 'teeyan’ festival. During this festival, the married girls come to their parents’ house and dance to the beats of drum. The dance usually takes place on the bank of some river or pond, under big shady trees.

Dankara

This is a dance of celebration, where two men, each holding colorful staves, dance round each other and tap their sticks together, to the rhythm of drums. This dance is often performed during marriages.

Kikli

Kikli is performed by women in pairs, who cross their arms, hold each other's hands and whirl around, singing folk songs. Sometimes, four girls join hands to perform this dance. The girls sing as they swirl around, with colorful "dupattas” flowing from their heads.

Gatka

Gatka is a Sikh martial art, in which people use swords, sticks and daggers. People believe that Guru Hargobind Sahib started the art of Gatka, after the martyrdom of the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjan Dev. Wherever there is a large Khalsa Sikh population, Gatka is performed. This dance is usually performed during special festivals, such as Baisakhi and Gurpurb.