Folk Dances of Haryana: List of Famous Traditional Dances

Haryana is a state in northern India known for its rich cultural diversity. Its folk dances are a key part of this heritage. These dances are performed during religious festivals, social gatherings, and agricultural celebrations. They showcase the strong ties between the people and their traditions.

In this article, we will explore the important folk dances of Haryana, the instruments used, the traditional clothing worn by the dancers, and the lively spirit that these dances represent.

Famous Folk Dances of Haryana

Here is a list of some famous folk dances of Bihar:

• Ghoomar Dance
• Ras Leela
• Phag Dance (Phalgun Dance)
• Loor Dance
• Daph Dance
• Gugga Dance
• Khoria Dance
• Holi Dance
• Gangor Puja Dance

1. Ghoomar Dance

• Originates from Rajasthan but is integral to Haryana’s culture.
• Performed by women during religious festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Gangor Puja.
• Women carry brass plates of offerings and form a circle while singing devotional songs.
• Begins slowly with graceful movements, increasing in tempo and intensity.
• Dancers express devotion through uplifting arm movements and coordinated steps.

2. Ras Leela

• A classical dance dedicated to Lord Krishna, popular in the Braja region of Faridabad.
• Represents the divine love between Lord Krishna and the Gopis (milkmaids).
• Dancers move in a circular formation, creating beautiful synchronization.
• Accompanied by the melodic sounds of anklets, bangles, and bells.
• A deep expression of spiritual bliss, connecting performers with the divine.

3. Phag Dance

• Also known as Phalgun Dance, performed in February and March.
• Marks the harvest season in Haryana, celebrating the agricultural cycle.
• Farmers express gratitude for the harvest and the upcoming sowing season.
• Dancers wear colorful costumes and perform in the Dhamal style.
• Symbolizes joy and leisure between sowing and harvesting.

4. Loor Dance

• Performed during the Holi festival, especially in Bangar and Bagar regions.
• A group of girls forms two rows facing each other, creating a semi-circle.
• Begins with one side starting a song, leading to playful dialogues.
• Songs often center around marriage proposals and social interactions.
• Reflects traditional customs and offers insight into daily lives and relationships.

5. Daph Dance

• Celebrate the arrival of spring and the harvest.
• Performed by both men and women, accompanied by traditional instruments.
• The Daph, an ancient instrument, produces rhythmic beats guiding the dance.
• Energetic and joyful, showcasing community spirit and gratitude for the harvest.

6. Gugga Dance

• Honors Gugga Pir, a revered folk deity worshipped by Hindus and Muslims.
• Celebrated during the Gugga Naumi festival with a procession led by a bhagat.
• Primary dancers, known as bhagats, perform with instruments like dholak and chimta.
• Sings devotional songs in praise of Gugga Pir.
• Blends devotion and celebration, expressing respect for the deity’s blessings.

7. Khoria Dance

• A variant of the Jhumar dance, performed exclusively by women in central Haryana.
• Dancers wear gold-work skirts and colorful chunries.
• Begins with one dancer singing a folk song, forming a circle.
• As the rhythm picks up, some dancers sway to the music.
• Celebrates rural life and reflects the agricultural lifestyle and social bonds.

8. Holi Dance

• Performed during the festival of Holi, marking the arrival of spring.
• Lively and exuberant, popular in regions like Faridabad and Ballabhgarh.
• Both men and women participate, showcasing various formations and freestyle movements.
• Traditional instruments create an infectious rhythm, with anklets adding a musical touch.
• Embodies the light-hearted spirit of the festival and joy of new beginnings.

9. Gangor Puja Dance

• Performed during Phalgun and Chaitra, dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
• Women perform this dance during the Gangor Puja, praying for a bountiful harvest.
• Popular in areas along the Rajasthan border.
• Women wear colorful attire and jewelry, carrying brass jars on their heads.
• Reflects reverence for deities and hope for prosperity, often accompanied by smiles.

Instruments Used in Haryana’s Folk Dances

Haryana’s folk dances feature a range of traditional instruments that enhance the rhythm and melody of the performances. Here are some key instruments commonly used:

• Dholak: This traditional drum serves as a staple in most of Haryana’s dances. It delivers a deep and resonant rhythm that drives the performance.
• Manjira: Small cymbals play an essential role in maintaining rhythm during dances like the Gugga Dance and Ras Leela.
• Daph: A large and ancient percussion instrument, the Daph is crucial in the Daph Dance. Its rhythmic beats energize the performance.
• Chimta: This pair of tongs produces sharp metallic sounds. These sounds add a unique element to the rhythm in various dances.
• Flutes and Beens: Wind instruments like flutes and Beens accompany the dances. They create a melodic backdrop that enhances the overall experience.
• Khartal: This traditional percussion instrument provides rhythmic beats in dances such as the Holi Dance. It contributes to the festive atmosphere.

Traditional Clothing and Attire

The attire worn during Haryana’s folk dances is a vital aspect of cultural expression. Here’s a breakdown of traditional clothing for both men and women:

Women’s Attire:

• Ghagras and Cholis: Colorful ghagras (skirts) paired with cholis (blouses) are worn during dances like Ghoomar and Ras Leela. Ghagras often feature intricate embroidery and mirror work.
• Dupattas: Bright, flowing dupattas (scarves) are draped over the head or shoulders, adding grace to movements.
• Jewelry: Traditional jewelry such as bangles, earrings, and necklaces is commonly worn. The jingling of anklets enhances the rhythmic music.

Men’s Attire:

• Kurta and Dhoti: Men wear kurtas (long tunics) with dhotis (loose, pleated garments) or pyjamas during dances like Phag and Loor.
• Turbans: Colorful turbans are often worn, especially during the Phag Dance, symbolizing respect and cultural pride.
• Footwear: Traditional footwear such as jootis (leather shoes) or chappals is common during performances.

So, this is all about the folk dances of Haryana, showcasing its rich cultural traditions and vibrant celebrations.

Related links:

Folk Dances of Gujarat	Folk Dance of Rajasthan
13 Famous Folk Dance of Madhya Pradesh	10 Folk Dances of Punjab