The rich cultural heritage of India is reflected in each of its states. Beginning from the northern part of the country its opulent tradition travels to the south. Eastern part of the country is thus an example of the country`s vivid culture and heritage. Eastern India is a region of India that consists, the states of West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Orissa. These eastern states enjoy wide-ranging music and dance depending on their enriching background. The East Indian Dances comprises classical, folk and tribal dance forms that replicates the history of the region that has been spanning over a period of hundreds of years. As a result developing over several eras, the dances of eastern India have been shaped by various factors.

East Indian Dances are the upshot of several religious inspiration, cultural expression, as well as entertainment. All the states of eastern India have their own cultural and linguistic characteristics. In addition to that various historical influences intermingled with the existing traditions of the land. Eastern India had been the historical centre of the Kalinga, Sunga and Pala empires, who were the prominent rulers of their time. The states also experienced the rule of Mughals and then the British empires. They have influenced the culture, music and tradition of eastern India a lot. Thus the major dances that emerged as the popular dance forms of the region include several folk and tribal dance alongwith classical dance forms.

The major Indian classical dance form of the eastern region is Odissi. It is one of the traditional dances that owe its origin to the temple dances of the `Devadasis`. Odissi has a long history and it came into being between the 8th and the 11th century. This dance form was furthermore given significance by the kings of the period. Odissi performances are complete with lores of Lord Krishna. At present Odissi has earned recognition as the well established and codified classical dance form of India. However, East Indian Dances are enhanced by the diverse elements besides classical dances.

Eastern part of India is renowned for several folk and tribal dances of Bihar, Bengal and Orissa. Chhau is a popular folk dance which is one of the common tribal East Indian Dances with its origin in Orissa. This is a form of martial dance which is practised in the states of West Bengal, Jharkhand and Orissa. Chhau is performed by holding swords and shields and the performance is filled with energy and vibrancy. The state of West Bengal takes pride in another traditional folk dance called Brita Dance. It is performed in the rural areas by the women. This kind of dance is generally performed in the temples to appease the deity and invoke the blessings from God. Yet another popular folk dance of the region is the Kali Naach. This dance is performed to pray to Goddess Kali and to seek her blessings. Kali Naach is performed by wearing mask, which is purified by mantras.

Orissa is also renowned for various folk dances. Most of the folk dances are traditionally performed during social events. Dalkhai is one such folk dance of Orissa which is performed during festivals. Goti Pua is another popular folk dance of the state. This folk dance was brought to the main realm by Ramchandradeva. Bihar is a state of eastern India that has several folk and dances. The traditional dance of Bihar known as Karma or Munda is associated with fortune and good luck. It is performed by both men and women with the ceremony of planting trees. Thus the states situated in the eastern India feature several enticing folk dances that make the states magnificent. East Indian dances have captured the attention of the world with its multihued regional dances.

The remarkable Indian tribal dance "Brato" of Bengal, is essentially an invocational dance, preferred by barren women, worshipping their presiding deity after entreaties for progeny is answered.