Indian Folk dances have originated with a view to be a creation of different socio-economic set up and traditions. There is no such genre as folk dancing, but these dance forms have originated since time immemorial in the various rural areas. The dancers perform to express joy or to offer religious reverence. Folk dancing has added richness to the Indian culture. These folk dances have become an integral part of the Indian social milieu. India is a home to numerous folk dances. Folk dancing can be defined as a style of dancing that originated among the ordinary people before 19th century. Folk dance evolved in a developed form in the civilized society and was based on the personal belief system, ways of thinking, attitudes, customs, rituals and prejudices and their spontaneous reactions to the sights and sounds of the natural environment of the groups or class who have introduced it.

Indian Folk dance form is a primitive, tribal, or ethnic form of the dance, sometimes essential for the survival of certain ancient ceremony or festival. These forms of dances are mostly group dances, which contain pure classical flavours. Hence, generally, folk dancing is viewed as more of a social concern activity rather than a competitive one. On most of the occasions, the dancers sing while being accompanied by artists on musical instruments. Every rural community has its own folk dances performed on specific occasions such as the birth of a child, to celebrate the arrival of new seasons, weddings and festivals. These folk dances turn into a distinctive performance with the specific costume and with special ornaments to add grace in its look. In the tribal community various types of ornaments inherently make the folk dance unique. The ornaments are made of bead, precious stones metals like gold and silver. Colourful and specific costumes of dance and ornaments thus become a part of identity of Folk dance. However, in many cultures, the term ethnic dance or traditional dance form is used to indicate folk dances.

The Folk dances of India can be categorized into two major categories: folk and tribal, dances. There are cultural differences between the two forms ; the folk dances are the rural extensions of the larger Indian population for example Bhangra of Punjab and Garba of Gujarat. However, the tribal dances are dances by adivasis, which have a very different culture from the larger Indian population. Indian Folk Dances include different skill and style; steps of the dances influence the final performance of the dance in each case. Folk dances in India are more famous than classical forms of dances in India as they are easier to understand and perform. In the primitive, undeveloped society, dance was born either as a form of ritual or as an entertainment, However, with the advancement of civilization, all art forms assumed some distinctive characteristics.

In Indian Folk Dances, the accessories play a vital role, these costumes provide a separate identity to the folk dance. Many a time, folk dances are termed as per the name of the accessory used. For example Kaavadi is used in one of the performance of a dance in Kerala, from it the dance is known as Kaavdiattom. Most of the costumes, worn for folk dances, are colourful with extensive jewels and designs. The folk dances of India are performed with extremely simple and minimum steps or movement. Indian folk dances are full of energy and vitality. However, there are different styles and this involves separate approach for both men and women. A few of the folk dances are also performed together both by men and women. On most occasions, the dancers sing themselves, accompanied by artists with instruments. Each form of folk dance has a specific costume and rhythm.