Dhimsa is the most recognized dance of Andhra Pradesh, performed in many versions by 22 different tribes such as Bagata, Valmiki, Porja, Khond, Gadaba, Konda Dora, Mukha Dora, Kotia etc. In a way, it signifies the unity and cultural heritage of those communities and their unchanged traditions. The…

Wangala dance is from Meghalya. Wangala Dance is danced during the Wangala harvest festival, which is celebrated as a thanksgiving to the Sun God, Misi-A-Gilpa-Saljong-Galapa, for a good harvest. It represents joy and devotion to the god.

Koyas are an important native tribe in southern India, concentrated mainly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka. Their genesis is largely folkloric. Kommu Koya dance is a colorful manifestation of their culture, executed by groups of no less than 24 dancers, with…

Jabro is an old traditional dance of Changpa nomad people of Changthang of eastern Ladakh with a flavour of Tibetan tradition. The dance was originally enacted in high-striding steps in honour of life at the grass-roots community, particularly in honour of Losar (New Year) and festive occasions.…

Celebrated by the Tiwa tribe in Assam, this autumnal Langkhon Phuja Michawa Festival centers on the agricultural practices of the hill Tiwas, specifically the Jhum (slash-and-burn) and Panikheti (wet) cultivations. Through rituals dedicated to deities Ramcha and Bijuli, the Tiwa people pray for…

The Thongseng dance of the Konda Savara tribe, a particularly vulnerable tribal group in Andhra Pradesh in seven different forms, is a lively cultural tradition especially associated with various festivals, harvests, and community occasions. It is a dance of both men and women with rhythmic…

The Bharia Dance is of deep cultural significance for the Bharia tribe in Madhya Pradesh, representing a tie to their ancestors and reelry of their religious faith. The traditional dance is most often done for festivals and rituals, uniting people in collective reverence. By rhythmic gestures, the…

Celebrating the "Karma" or "Karam" celebration, the Karma dancea tribal folk dance of Madhya Pradeshhas great cultural importance. It represents the worship of the Karam tree, which brings forth fertility, wealth, and good fortune. Usually following the monsoon season, the Gond…

Tharu tribe found in Uttarakhand is celebrated for its vast cultural heritage that comprises the exciting Jhi Jhi dance. This dance type is part and parcel of their customary festivities that show their personal customs and people's spirit. The Tharus, who inhabit the forest tracts…

The Koch tribe of Meghalaya performs the Hoko dance during the Kammata death ritual, honoring highly respected individuals. Followers of Hinduism, they believe in the immortality of the soul and rebirth. Death rituals, like Nemakam and Kammata, are essential traditions. Kammata involves elegant…