Himachal Pradesh continues to preserve its culture even in the present period, and folk dances from the state are performed every year at fairs, festivals, and other cultural events! Himachal has a diverse range of dances for every occasion, in every shape, and in every location! This traditional dance is typically done at local fairs and on happy occasions such as weddings and the arrival of the deities! Women and men dance skillfully in their traditional attire! So, in this essay, we have discussed the famous folk dances of Himachal Pradesh with Pictures.
Important Folk Dances of Himachal Pradesh
Check the most common renowned folk dances of Himachal Pradesh in the below table.
| Folk Dance | Description |
| Nati | Nati is a popular folk dance of Himachal Pradesh that is performed in groups during festive occasions. It is a joyful and energetic dance characterized by synchronized movements, foot-tapping rhythms, and lively music played on traditional instruments. |
| Dangi | Dangi is a traditional folk dance of the Kinnaur region in Himachal Pradesh. It is performed by both men and women in colorful attire. The dance involves graceful movements, intricate footwork, and rhythmic clapping. It showcases the cultural richness of the region. |
| Chanak Chan Dance | Chanak Chan Dance is a traditional folk dance performed by the people of Lahaul and Spiti districts in Himachal Pradesh. It is usually performed during the harvest season. The dance involves circular movements, hand-holding, and swaying to the beats of traditional music. |
| Kayang Mala Dance | Kayang Mala Dance is a traditional dance form of the Lahaul and Spiti valleys in Himachal Pradesh. It is performed by women in colorful attire and jewelry. The dance involves spinning movements, hand gestures, and rhythmic steps accompanied by melodious songs and music. |
| Dhure Dance | Dhure Dance is a folk dance of the Mandi region in Himachal Pradesh. It is performed by both men and women during cultural festivals and celebrations. The dance is characterized by vigorous movements, intricate footwork, and the use of sticks as props, adding to its vibrant display. |
Folk Dances of Himachal Pradesh with Pictures
Himachal Pradesh is the state of full arts & cultures. You can read about the several folk dances of Himachal Pradesh with Pictures below.
Nati
Nati has a rich dance tradition. It is the most popular and famous dance performed at fairs and festivals. This dance is performed in the districts of Kullu, Sirmaur, Shimla, etc. of Himachal Pradesh. It is started at a slow speed, while doing this it is called a loose pulse and later it increases at a rapid pace. Dholak, Karnal, Ranasingha, Flute, Shehnai, and Nagade are used in this dance. In this dance, women express their happiness by dancing in the courtyard of the house.
Dangi Folk Dance
This traditional dance, based on one of the oldest folk legends, is performed in the temple of Naina Devi during the harvest season and is one of Himachal Pradesh’s major folk dances! It is a Chamba dance genre that is performed by Gaddi women at festivals, weddings, and during Jatara. Dangi folk dance is primarily performed by female dancers. This dance has many different themes or versions! The dance is filled with excitement and zeal, as well as a wide range of emotions; one topic describes the love tale of a common country girl and a noble king, while the other depicts business transactions between a consumer and a corporation!
Chhanak Chham Dance
Chhanak Chham dance is a very popular Himachal Pradesh dance form in the Lahaul-Spiti region, performed in commemoration of Lord Buddha and as a tribute! This religious dance is performed by the Lamas of the Lahaul-Spiti region on the occasion of Chakhar, which occurs every three years! It is well-known for its colorful headgear, costumes, and masks. His outfit is yellow, black, and gold in color and is supposed to be sleek and slick. The cap is known as a filter. This Himachal Pradesh dance is more lovely than other slow-moving dances.
Demon (Rakshasa) Dance
Rakshasa dance is associated with Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur area. Rakshasa dancers wear devil masks while performing. The masks have the numbers three, five, seven, and nine on them. This dance is performed in this region to protect crops from evil spirits and demons. It appears to be Bhangra. The dancers are fiercely decked in ancient clothes and accessories. This dance depicts scenes of exorcism and demons. These dances are held in celebration of Chaitol, Bishu, and Diwali. Men and women dance while holding one other’s hands. Ghurye is another name for the person who dances in the front. Men and women sometimes dance separately.
Kayang Mala Folk Dance
The Kinnaur region is well-known for its dances. Kinnaur has three forms of folk dances. Kyang Mala is the most well-known of these. Men and women form a semicircle in this dance, with the Bajantri standing in the center. The males are led by a middle-aged guy, and the women are led by a middle-aged woman.
The dance is performed in a full circle, with each person holding the hand of the person on their right. This circular group spins slowly until the leader shouts ho, ho, ho, ho, and each dancer bends his knee and jerks forward.
Dalshon and Cholamba Dance
Cholamba Dance is one of the famous folk dances of Himachal Pradesh. This dance is performed in Ropa Valley. This dance is performed while coiling a snake. Whenever a Tiger is killed, the Cholamba dance is performed. In this dance skin and a gold ornament are put in the nose of a dead lion.
Dhure Dance
Dhure’ dance is also very popular in Lahauli. In this dance, the dancers present an attractive dance by making a semicircular and circular circle. This dance is mainly based on singing and it lacks musical instruments. The style of singing in this dance is so effective that even if there is no music, it does not affect the ‘Dhure’ dance, theatrical dances are performed on epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Folk Dances of Himachal Pradesh FAQs
Himachal Pradesh is known for its vibrant folk dances. Some of the popular ones include Nati, Kulluvi Nati, Kayang, Shunto, Gee Dance, Luddi, and Chamba Dance.
Folk dances play a significant role in the cultural fabric of Himachal Pradesh. They are performed during festivals, social gatherings, and celebrations, and serve as a way to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the region.
The traditional attire for Himachali folk dances varies depending on the dance form. However, women often wear vibrant ghagra (long skirt), choli (blouse), and odhni (scarf), adorned with heavy jewelry. Men typically wear a kurta (loose shirt), dhoti (wraparound garment), and a pagri (turban).
Nati is the most popular folk dance of Himachal Pradesh. It is performed in a circle or semi-circle formation with dancers holding hands or linking arms. The dance involves swaying movements, rhythmic footwork, and graceful hand gestures.
Himachali folk dances are performed on various occasions and festivals throughout the year. They are commonly seen during local fairs, religious festivals like Dussehra and Diwali, weddings, and other celebratory events.