CHHATTISGADHI FOLK DANCE represents the religious culture of state

Chhattisgarhi folk and tribal dances are simple dances, which are performed to express joy. Folk and tribal dances are performed for every possible occasion, to celebrate the arrival of seasons, birth of a child, a wedding and festivals. In Chhattisgadhi Folk dance, the steps are extremely simple with minimum of movement. The dances burst with verve and vitality. Men and women perform some dances exclusively, while in some performances men and women dance together. On most of the occasions, the dancers sing themselves, while being accompanied by artists on the instruments. Each form of dance has a specific costume. Most costumes are flamboyant with extensive jewels. While there are numerous ancient folk and tribal dances, many are constantly being improved. The skill and the imagination of the dances influence the performance.

Panthi dance

It is Chhattisgadhi folk dance of the Satnami community which bears religious overtones. It includes a number of steps and patterns .It is performed on Maghi Purnima - the birth anniversary of their Guru(Saint) Guru Ghasidas. The dancers dance around a jaitkhamb set up for the occasion, to the songs eulogizing their spiritual head. The songs also reflect the Nirvana philosophy, conveying the spirit of renunciation of their Guru and the teachings of saint poets like Kabir, Ramdas, Dadu, etc. The dancers perform the dance with bent torsos and swinging arms continue to dance till carried away by their devotion. They get indulge in acrobatics and even form human pyramids when the rhythm quickens.

Raut Nacha

It is also a traditional folk dance usually done by yadavs/yaduvanshis (a caste which considers itself as descendants of Krishna) as symbol of worship to Krishna. According to Hindu pancang (calendar) this dance form is performed at the time of 'dev udhni ekadashi' (time of awakening of Gods after brief rest). It is a close resemblance of krishna's raas leela (dance of lord with his village's girls called gopis) with gopis.

Gaur Maria Dance

One of the famous Chhattisgadhi folkdance Gaur Maria dance is one of the important dances of Bison Horn Marias of Abhujmaria plateau of Bastar in Chhattisgarh. On the occasion of marriages also this beautiful and joyful dance and is basically performed. It illustrates the joyous celebration of tribes of Chhattisgarh which mainly includes Horns of Bison (State animal of Chhattisgarh).

Pandwani

It is one of the popular dance forms in the area of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The story of the Pandavas is depicted in the ballet form of dance.The people act as the leading characters in the great epic Mahabharata.The leader is supported by the singers and musicians.For producing a realistic effect,the leader and the main characters in act is in a forceful manner.