Uttarakhand, a region in the northern Himalaya, is well-known for its mountains, cuisine, and sacred sites, not only for food and tourism but also for its rich cultural heritage. One of the most attractive cultural elements is the Folk Dance of Uttarakhand, which is performed according to the seasons and festivals.
These Folk dance of Uttarakhand are easy to learn and execute, yet flawless dances demand rhythmic synchrony and graceful movements. These folk dance forms not only protect local tradition but also showcase the vibrant spirit and artistic identity of the state.
Not only women, but men also participate in the folk dance; they wear traditional attire, which is eccentric and colorful in its own right, and whose beauty and design appeal to people from other regions.
<h2 dir="ltr">History of Folk Dance of Uttarakhand&nbsp;</h2>
The Folk Dance of Uttarakhand is the root of Himalayan culture. Shaped by the tradition of Garhwal, Kumaon, and the region&rsquo;s tribal communities. These dances show people's daily life, celebrating festivals, harvests, and honoring gods and goddesses.
Over time, the dance evolved through the influence of local warriors and devotional practices. For example, Chholiya developed from the history of the Kumaoni Rajputs, while Pandav Nritya which tells stories from the Mahabharata. Tribal group like the Bhotiya added their own unique rhythms inspired by nature and mountain life.&nbsp;
Dance is traditionally performed in open gatherings and village festivals, accompanied by musical instruments such as dhol, damau, ransingha, and turri. Today, Uttarakhand&rsquo;s folk dances continue to preserve the state's heritage, spirituality, and social unity, while also adapting to modern stage performances.
<h2 dir="ltr">Some Folk Dances of Uttarakhand&nbsp;</h2>
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Chholiya Dance
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Pandav Nritya&nbsp;
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Jhumela
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Langvir Nritya
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Barada Nati&nbsp;
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Jagar
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Bhotiya&nbsp;
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<h3 dir="ltr">Chholiya: A Traditional Warrior Dance</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/UuPu36blj1Vqr8cwjpaO5umiGGdAQyL5AIJchXHd.jpg" alt="Chholiya Dance " width="1110" height="722">
Origin: Kumaon region.
Nature: Over centuries-old martial sword dance performed by men, who dressed as warriors, wielding swords and shields.
Occasion: It is performed during Rajput wedding processions and festivals. Its traditional purpose was to ward off evil spirits and showcase valor.
Key Feature: Energetic and rhythmic movements set to the music of traditional brass and percussion instruments.
Choliya dance is a martial and sword dance, which depicts the tradition of the Kumaoni Rajputs. This 1000-year-old dancing style is usually is significant folk dance of Uttarakhand and is performed during Rajput weddings. Knowing that to ward off evil spirits, it is supposed to be following the baraat, since they were believed to be interested in people's happiness. It was believed that doing the Chholiya dance at that time would help one get rid of these negative energies. The performance, where dancers are dressed in colorful folk attire, with musical instruments like turi, ransingha, dhol, and damaru, etc.
<h3 dir="ltr">Pandav Nritya &ndash; Dance of the Pandavas</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/Fd01zWWwbyEFSKZjgwAoiostcJJ8G85PILou2gLM.jpg" alt="Pandav Nritya " width="1110" height="722">
Origin: Popular in the Garhwal region.
Nature: A dance-drama that narrates stories and episodes from the Hindu epic Mahabharata, focusing on the life stages of the Pandava brothers.
Occasion: Performed over several days (10&ndash;13 days) during festivals like Diwali and Dussehra (often between November and February).
Key Feature: Dancers wear elaborate costumes and masks representing the characters, and the performance is deeply rooted in religion and ritual.
This dance's origins can be traced back to the Pandavas' journey to Uttarakhand in search of the heavenly staircase. This dance style, which uses a variety of dance genres to portray the Pandav king's birth and death stages, is a tribute to these famous Mahabharat warriors. Scenes from the epic are portrayed by people dressed as different Mahabharat characters. It is comparable to Ram Lila in that the villagers have managed to keep local folklore alive. During the holy eves of Diwali and Dussehra, it is usually performed in an enormous venue with many dancers performing together.&nbsp;
<h3 dir="ltr">Jhumela &ndash; Cultural Dance of the Hills</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/Rd8bzeIVUQJxa4rjglvUQsE9qBLahmu1zn5aIzA0.jpg" alt="Jhumela " width="1110" height="722">
Origin: Garhwal region.
Nature: That is performed by both men and women, though it is often predominantly associated with women. It is known for its graceful, simple, and synchronized swaying movements in a circle.
Occasion: A celebratory dance performed throughout the year on all major and minor festivals, fairs, and social gatherings.&nbsp;
Key Feature: The accompanying folk songs and lyrics often express the sentiments and sorrow of a newly married woman missing her ancestral home (maika).&nbsp;
Jhumela is a well-known folk dance in Uttarakhand. This dance is used in major to minor festivals such as Makar Sankranti, Baisakhi, and Guru Purnima. Men engage in this dance, even though it is primarily performed by women. The stages, feelings, or message conveyed by this is the sorrow that newlyweds feel when they miss the happy times they had before getting married. It is unique to the most remote regions since it is a tribal song and dance combination.
<h3 dir="ltr">Langvir Nritya: The Acrobat Dance Tradition</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/HcTtGw31ZN9j0wEJdDpsWC5PrBaNyuJ1PBVpPbIm.jpg" alt="Langvir Nritya" width="1110" height="722">
Origin: Popular in the Tehri Garhwal region.
Nature: A unique and challenging acrobatic dance performed only by men.
Key Feature: The dancer performs complex gymnastic feats and balances on top of a fixed bamboo pole, rotating while a band of musicians plays instruments like the Dhol and Damana below.
This is one of the most liked dance styles in the region. This acrobatic dance mainly comprises male performers from Uttarakhand and utilizes a bamboo pole fixed in one place. The dancers climb up the pole and balance themselves with their stomachs. Several bands of musicians playing folk and traditional music and melodies with the aid of the Dhol and Damau sit below the pole. Along with balancing himself, the person at the top turns skillfully while performing several acrobatic stunts with his hands and feet. It is among the most well-known and ancient dance styles of Devbhoomi, Uttarakhand.
<h3 dir="ltr">Barada Nati: Cultural Dance Tradition</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/l4X3ymQ2XqKNQsEoAmJd5y8a5ssu27jyYdtw4EQn.jpg" alt="Barada Nati" width="1110" height="722">
Origin: Jaunsar-Bawar area of the Dehradun district.
Nature: A graceful, rhythmic group dance performed by both men and women.
Occasion: Performed during religious festivals and various social gatherings.
The folk dance of Uttarakhand is known as Barada Nati, which is very popular in the Jaunsar-Bawar region. During this traditional dance, both men and women are dressed in their conventional attire, performing in a circular motion with steps that rhythmically coincide with the beating of instruments. This dance form is performed during religious festivals and various social gatherings, especially during the celebration of marriages and births.
<h3 dir="ltr">Jagar: A Spiritual Folk Tradition</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/fxfo8HJzoHvpknvK3LaJZTyzTjO1SeljECdwHOPO.jpg" alt="Jagar" width="1110" height="722">
Origin: Garhwal and Kumaon.
Nature: Ritualistic ceremony (folk shamanism), not just a dance.
Occasion: To seek divine intervention, healing, or justice from local gods/spirits.
Key Feature: The Jagariya (singer) uses hypnotic drumming to induce a trance in the Dangariya (medium), who then communicates the deity's message.
It's a well-known folk dance of Uttarakhand, originating in ghost-worship rites and spiritual customs. Folk songs in the area are sung in the name of gods, goddesses, spirits of ancestors, even fairies, much like performing an auspicious puja. The intense ambiance within the dance, often sending viewers into a trance, results from chanting, strong drum rhythms, and rhythmic music. During the ceremony, it is believed that the spirits are invoked, and they may, symbolically, demand offerings like a bird or a goat. Along with the dancing, artists sometimes perform incredible feats such as inserting their hands in flaming fire without any injury, which enhances the ethereal and breathtaking quality of the performance.
<h3 dir="ltr">Bhotiya Dance of Uttarakhand</h3>
<img src="https://admin.devbhoomi.live/storage/news/ebGCzG1FhU1oWS8azORD1pjbKx9GbypgsrGgAb3y.jpg" alt="Bhotiya Dance " width="1110" height="722">
Origin: The Bhotiya tribe of Uttarakhand
Occasion: Death Ceremonies and Funerals to guide the soul of the deceased.
Key Feature: The central belief is that the soul of the dead person is temporarily trapped in the body of a domesticated animal (like a sheep or goat).
This dance is done by the Bhotiya <a href="https://www.devbhoomi.live/raji-tribe-of-uttarakhand">tribes of Uttarakhand</a>, primarily residing in the border districts of Pithoragarh, Chamoli, and Uttarkashi (e.g., in the Johar, Darma, and Mana valleys). The performance of this dance is connected to death-related ceremonies. According to their customs, the deceased person's soul takes up residence in the body of a goat or sheep, and by doing this dance, their souls are thought to be set free. "Dhurang" and "Dhuring" are two of the Bhotiya tribe's traditional dances.&nbsp;&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h2>
The folk dance from Uttarakhand is a glorious reflection of the soul of the Himalayas. Simple but thought-provoking, colourful but firmly rooted in traditions. From the warrior-like Chholiya to the spiritual folklore heaven of the Jagar, the emotional flow of Jhumela, and the acrobatic brilliance of Langvir Nritya, each represents centuries of stories, beliefs, and societal values. They are not simply folk performances; they are living manifestations of history, spirituality, and everyday circumstantial situations in the mountains.&nbsp;
Despite modern influences, these folk dance of Uttarakhand&nbsp; continue to thrive, connecting generations and preserving the unique cultural identity of Garhwal, Kumaon, and the tribal regions. Whether performed during festivals, rituals, or village gatherings, the Folk Dances of Uttarakhand celebrate unity, devotion, and the timeless bond between people and their land&mdash;making them an irreplaceable treasure of India&rsquo;s cultural heritage.
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Discover the vibrant cultural spirit of Uttarakhand through its folk dances, capturing the beauty, history, rhythm, and unique artistic expressions of the hills.

Folk Dance of Uttarakhand: Exploring Cultural Tradition Heritage