Odisha, known for its vibrant culture and rich heritage. In this post we share Major Folk Dances of Odisha, For aspirants preparing for competitive exams such as OPSC, ASO, OSSC, OSSSC, Odisha Police, RI, and AMIN, having knowledge about these folk dances is essential. Let’s explore some of the major folk dances of Odisha:
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| Name Of the Post | Major Folk Dances of odisha, Multiple Choice Questions |
| Category | Odisha Static Gk |
| Help For | All Odisha Competitive Exam |
| Download | Free PDF |
List Of Major Folk Dances of Odisha
Major Folk Dances of Odisha
Odisha, with its rich cultural heritage, boasts a vibrant tradition of folk dances that reflect the daily lives, beliefs, and aspirations of its diverse communities. These dances are an integral part of festivals, social gatherings, and rituals, showcasing the artistic prowess and rhythmic sensibilities of the people. Here are some of the major folk dances of Odisha:
1. Gotipua
- Origin: Ancient form of dance, considered a precursor to Odissi classical dance. “Gotipua” literally means “single boy” (Goti = single, Pua = boy).
- Performers: Traditionally performed by young boys dressed as girls, who start training at a very early age.
- Characteristics: Known for its acrobatic movements, intricate postures, graceful expressions, and the use of ‘Bandha Nritya’ (acrobatic poses). The boys wear elaborate makeup and traditional costumes, mimicking female dancers.
- Themes: Primarily devotional, depicting themes from the life of Lord Krishna and Radha.
- Music: Accompanied by traditional Odia music, including Mardala (percussion), Gini (cymbals), Harmonium, and vocals.
- Significance: Plays a vital role in preserving and evolving the Odissi dance tradition. Often performed during festivals like Chandan Yatra and Dol Purnima.
2. Chhau Dance
- Origin: A semi-classical Indian dance with martial and folk traditions. It originated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha (Mayurbhanj Chhau), Seraikella (Jharkhand), and Purulia (West Bengal).
- Performers: Traditionally performed by male dancers.
- Characteristics: Characterized by vigorous movements, athletic leaps, and mock combat techniques. Unlike the Seraikella and Purulia Chhau, Mayurbhanj Chhau does not use masks. The emphasis is on body movements, gestures, and powerful expressions.
- Themes: Depicts episodes from Hindu epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), Puranas, local folklore, and themes from nature.
- Music: Accompanied by loud and rhythmic music played on traditional instruments like Mahuri, Shehnai, Dhamsa, and Chadchadi.
- Significance: Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It’s a powerful blend of martial arts, acrobatics, and dance.
3. Ghumura Dance
- Origin: A traditional folk dance prevalent in the Kalahandi district and parts of Balangir and Nuapada districts. It’s believed to have originated from ancient military camps.
- Performers: Performed by male dancers.
- Characteristics: A war dance, often described as a “folk dance with a martial flavor.” The dancers wear costumes that resemble a warrior’s attire. The central element is the Ghumura, a unique percussion instrument made from clay or wood, with a lizard skin stretched across its mouth.
- Themes: Depicts heroic tales, hunting scenes, and community celebrations.
- Music: Dominated by the distinct rhythmic beats of the Ghumura, accompanied by other instruments like Tabla, Dhol, and Mridanga.
- Significance: It’s a ritualistic dance performed during festivals like Dussehra and Nuakhai. It symbolizes the valor and cultural identity of the region.
4. Karma Dance
- Origin: A popular folk dance among various tribal communities, particularly the Ho, Santal, Munda, Oraon, Kondh, and Bhuyan tribes, mainly in the western and northern regions of Odisha (Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Koraput, Keonjhar).
- Performers: Both male and female dancers participate, often forming long chains.
- Characteristics: Performed during the Karma festival, which celebrates the sowing of paddy and invokes the blessings of Karamsani Devi (the goddess of fate and good fortune). The dance is characterized by its energetic footwork, swaying movements, and synchronized actions.
- Themes: Celebration of nature, fertility, good harvest, and community bonding.
- Music: Accompanied by traditional tribal instruments like the Dhol, Mandal, Jhanj, and Thali.
- Significance: It’s a vibrant expression of tribal life and their reverence for nature and deity.
5. Dalkhai Dance
- Origin: A popular folk dance of Western Odisha (Sambalpur, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Sundargarh, Bargarh).
- Performers: Predominantly performed by young women.
- Characteristics: Characterized by its lively and rhythmic movements, often performed in groups. The dancers hold small sticks (dalkhai) in their hands, which they strike against each other to create rhythmic sounds. The dance often involves a circular formation.
- Themes: Celebrates various festivals like Dussehra, Bhai Jiuntia, Phagun Punhi, and Nuakhai. The songs often depict love stories of Radha and Krishna, episodes from the Ramayana, or social satire.
- Music: Accompanied by musical instruments like Dhol, Nishan, Tamki, Tasa, and Mahuri.
- Significance: It is a vital part of the cultural identity of Western Odisha, known for its engaging songs and energetic movements.
6. Ranapa Dance
- Origin: A traditional martial dance of the Ganjam district.
- Performers: Performed by male dancers.
- Characteristics: The unique feature of this dance is that performers dance on stilts (Ranapa), mimicking the movements of a crane. It’s a blend of martial arts and folk dance.
- Themes: Often depicts battle scenes or the heroic deeds of warriors.
- Music: Accompanied by Dhol, Mahuri, and other traditional instruments.
- Significance: Showcases the agility and balance of the dancers, often performed during festivals.
7. Naga Dance
- Origin: A traditional dance of Puri district, especially around the Jagannath Temple.
- Performers: Male dancers dressed as fierce Naga warriors, often with snake-hooded headdresses.
- Characteristics: A highly energetic and dramatic dance, performed with martial vigor. The dancers carry shields and swords, mimicking combat movements.
- Themes: Depicts the valor and strength of ancient warriors, often performed during religious processions.
- Significance: Part of the rich cultural tapestry associated with the Jagannath cult.
8. Dhap Dance
- Origin: A folk dance of Western Odisha, particularly popular in Sambalpur and Bolangir.
- Performers: Both male and female dancers.
- Characteristics: Named after the “Dhap,” a type of tambourine that is the primary accompanying instrument. The dancers often form a semi-circle and perform intricate footwork and body movements to the rhythmic beats of the Dhap.
- Themes: Social themes, love, and everyday life.
- Music: The Dhap provides the main rhythm, supported by other local instruments.
- Significance: A vibrant community dance that fosters social interaction and celebration.
Other Notable Folk Dances:
- Jhumara: Popular in Western Odisha, often performed during festivals.
- Kela Keluni: Performed by the Kela community (a nomadic group), often involving acrobatic feats.
- Baunsa Rani (Bamboo Dance): Acrobatics performed on a bamboo pole by the Kela community.
- Jodi Sankha: Performed with two conch shells.
- Pala & Daskathia: Unique narrative forms blending music, dance, and storytelling, often with religious themes.
- Nachni: Performed by professional female dancers, often in rural settings.
- Chaiti Ghoda: A popular folk dance of the fishing community, performed during the Chaiti festival, involving a horse costume.
| Dance | Description |
| Animal Mask Dance/Bagha Nacha | It is mostly prevalent in the village of Southern Odisha, especially in Berhampur and Ganjam district. This form of dance is performed while the idols are taken out into the lanes, during the Thakurani Jatra. It is also performed in marriage. |
| Chaiti Ghoda Dance | This is horse dance performed in the month of Chaitra (March-April). This is mainly done in Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara and Khordha districts. |
| Changu Nata Dance | This dance is accompanied by tambourine which is mainly played by the male members of the Bhuiyan, Bathudi, Kharia, Juang, Mechi and Kondha tribes of Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Kandhamal, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Koraput and Malkangiri districts of Odisha. |
| Danda Nata | It is ancient dance form popular in Boudh district. It was started by king of Boudh to popularise the worship of Lord Shiva against the rise of Buddhism. |
| Dhap Dance | It is performed by Kandha tribe of Kosal region in the districts of Sambalpur and Bargarh. |
| Kela Keluni Dance | In this dance, only two persons take part, a Kela(male) and Keluni(the female) . The Kela plays a string instrument Ghuduki which produces a peculiar sound. This dance is mainly performed in Nayagarh, Khordha and Cuttack district. |
| Medha Dance | It is performed in the districts of Cuttack, Puri and Jagatsinghpur. Dancers wear oversised masks of devil, kings and queens. |
| Naga Dance | It is influenced by tribal dance of Nagaland and mostly performed in Puri. |
Major Folk Dances of odisha Multiple choice Questions
In which region of Odisha is the Animal Mask Dance or Bagha Nacha mostly prevalent?
a) Northern Odisha
b) Western Odisha
c) Southern Odisha
d) Eastern Odisha
Answer: c) Southern Odisha
During which occasion is the Bagha Nacha dance performed?
a) Rath Yatra
b) Durga Puja
c) Thakurani Jatra
d) Diwali
Answer: c) Thakurani Jatra
Which dance form is known as the Horse Dance and is performed in the month of Chaitra?
a) Chaiti Ghoda Dance
b) Changu Nata Dance
c) Danda Nata
d) Dhap Dance
Answer: a) Chaiti Ghoda Dance
Where is the Chaiti Ghoda Dance mainly performed?
a) Southern Odisha
b) Northern Odisha
c) Western Odisha
d) Eastern Odisha
Answer: d) Eastern Odisha
Which tribes perform the Changu Nata Dance in Odisha?
a) Bhuiyan, Bathudi, Kharia, Juang, Mechi, and Kondha
b) Santhal, Munda, and Oraon
c) Gond, Koya, and Bondo
d) Bonda, Dongria Kondh, and Didayi
Answer: a) Bhuiyan, Bathudi, Kharia, Juang, Mechi, and Kondha
Which districts are associated with the Danda Nata dance form in Odisha?
a) Berhampur and Ganjam
b) Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, and Khordha
c) Boudh
d) Sambalpur and Bargarh
Answer: c) Boudh
Who started the Danda Nata dance to popularize the worship of Lord Shiva?
a) King of Boudh
b) King of Cuttack
c) King of Ganjam
d) King of Berhampur
Answer: a) King of Boudh
Which tribe performs the Dhap Dance in the Kosal region of Odisha?
a) Kandha
b) Juang
c) Bathudi
d) Santhal
Answer: a) Kandha
In which districts is the Kela Keluni Dance mainly performed?
a) Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj
b) Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack
c) Bargarh, Sambalpur
d) Cuttack, Puri, Jagatsinghpur
Answer: b) Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack
What instrument does the Kela play in the Kela Keluni Dance?
a) Tambourine
b) Flute
c) Ghuduki
d) Dhol
Answer: c) Ghuduki
Where is the Medha Dance performed in Odisha?
a) Sundargarh and Keonjhar
b) Bargarh and Sambalpur
c) Cuttack, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur
d) Koraput and Malkangiri
Answer: c) Cuttack, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur
What do dancers wear in the Medha Dance?
a) Oversized masks of devils, kings, and queens
b) Animal masks
c) Traditional sarees
d) Tribal attire
Answer: a) Oversized masks of devils, kings, and queens
Which dance form in Odisha is influenced by tribal dance from Nagaland?
a) Bagha Nacha
b) Chaiti Ghoda Dance
c) Danda Nata
d) Naga Dance
Answer: d) Naga Dance
In which city is the Naga Dance mostly performed?
a) Berhampur
b) Cuttack
c) Puri
d) Boudh
Answer: c) Puri
During which month is the Chaiti Ghoda Dance performed?
a) January-February
b) March-April
c) May-June
d) October-November
Answer: b) March-April
