India has always been a land where art is not just performed but lived. From temples that echo with the sound of bells to open courtyards filled with rhythm, dance has been one of the most expressive ways Indians have told their stories. Among the countless folk and tribal traditions, the classical dances of India stand apart as refined art forms that have been nurtured for centuries.
These dances are not limited to stages and auditoriums—they are pieces of living history. Each one reflects the culture of its region, the devotion of its people, and the timeless bond between music, movement, and storytelling. In this state-wise guide to Indian classical dances, we will explore their origins, unique features, and why they continue to inspire audiences even in 2025.
How Many Classical Dances Are There in India?
The Ministry of Culture recognizes eight Indian classical dance forms. While some also include Chhau and Yakshagana in the list, the eight widely accepted ones are:
- Bharatanatyam (Tamil Nadu)
- Kathak (Uttar Pradesh / North India)
- Kuchipudi (Andhra Pradesh)
- Chhau (Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal)
Each dance developed in a different state and carries a distinct style, costume, and storytelling tradition.
Bharatanatyam – The Soul of Tamil Nadu
If you close your eyes and imagine an Indian temple dance, chances are you are picturing Bharatanatyam. Originating in Tamil Nadu, it is often described as one of the oldest classical dance forms of India.
Bharatanatyam is a powerful combination of sharp footwork, graceful bends, and dramatic facial expressions. The dance uses hand gestures known as mudras to narrate tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and other Puranic stories.
The costume is just as striking: dancers wear brightly colored silk sarees with pleated fans that spread like lotus petals during movement, along with temple jewelry and expressive makeup. Traditionally performed in temples as an offering to deities, Bharatanatyam today graces stages across the world.
Kathak – The Storyteller of Uttar Pradesh
Travel north to Uttar Pradesh, and you find Kathak, a dance whose very name means “to tell a story.” In its earliest form, Kathak dancers were storytellers who traveled from village to village narrating tales of Lord Krishna through movement.
Over time, Kathak absorbed the sophistication of the Mughal courts. Spins, rhythmic footwork, and fast pirouettes became its hallmark, making it one of the most dynamic classical dances of India.
The costume varies: women often wear lehenga-cholis or flowing anarkalis, while men perform in churidars and kurtas. Kathak beautifully bridges two worlds—its devotional temple roots and its later evolution in royal courts—making it both spiritual and theatrical.
Kathakali – Kerala’s Dance-Drama
Few dance forms are as visually arresting as Kathakali. Emerging from Kerala, this is not just dance—it is a full-scale performance art.
Performers undergo hours of preparation to don heavy costumes, towering headgear, and face paints that represent characters from epics. Heroes, villains, gods, and demons are brought alive on stage through dramatic eye movements, powerful gestures, and rhythmic steps.
Kathakali stories are usually drawn from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, and the performances traditionally last all night. Watching Kathakali is like stepping into a living epic, where every gesture has symbolic meaning.
Mohiniyattam – The Grace of Kerala
Kerala also gives us Mohiniyattam, a stark contrast to the grandeur of Kathakali. Known as the “dance of the enchantress,” it is soft, lyrical, and deeply feminine.
The movements are gentle and flowing, resembling the swaying of palm trees in the coastal breeze. Dancers usually perform in white or cream sarees with golden borders, their expressions carrying stories of love and devotion, often centered around Lord Vishnu.
Where Kathakali overwhelms with energy, Mohiniyattam soothes with elegance, showing the diverse artistic soul of Kerala.
Kuchipudi – Andhra Pradesh’s Theatrical Gem
From Andhra Pradesh comes Kuchipudi, a dance that blends music, movement, and drama. Traditionally performed by male Brahmin priests in village squares, Kuchipudi gradually evolved into a major classical dance form embraced by both men and women.
The performances often include both dance and spoken dialogues, making it feel like a complete play. Graceful footwork, dramatic storytelling, and devotion to Lord Krishna are at the heart of Kuchipudi.
Costumes are similar to Bharatanatyam, though lighter and more flexible for quick movements. Its mix of theatre and dance gives Kuchipudi a unique place among Indian classical dance forms.
Odissi – Odisha’s Sculptural Poetry
Step into a temple in Odisha, and you’ll see stone carvings of dancers frozen in graceful poses. These same postures come alive in Odissi, a dance that dates back over two thousand years.
The signature movement in Odissi is tribhanga—the division of the body into three bends, creating sculptural silhouettes. The dance is devotional, often portraying the love of Radha and Krishna.
Performers wear richly woven silk sarees with silver jewelry, and their movements flow like poetry. Among the state-wise classical dances of India, Odissi is known for its elegance and spiritual depth.
Manipuri – The Serenity of Manipur
In the northeastern state of Manipur, Manipuri dance is celebrated for its quiet grace. Unlike other dance forms that emphasize dramatic facial expressions, Manipuri is subtle and inward.
Circular patterns, gentle hand movements, and soft steps create a sense of serenity. Many performances depict the Ras Lila—the divine love story of Krishna and Radha.
The costumes are elaborate yet modest. Women wear beautifully decorated cylindrical skirts known as potloi, while men don dhotis and turbans. Manipuri is less about theatrics and more about devotion, making it a deeply spiritual experience.
Sattriya – Assam’s Monastic Heritage
The youngest among the officially recognized classical dance forms of India, Sattriya comes from Assam. It was created in the 15th century by saint Srimanta Sankardev as a form of devotional expression inside monasteries called sattras.
Sattriya combines storytelling with graceful movements, its themes rooted in Vaishnavism. Dancers perform in traditional Assamese silk costumes, with men wearing dhotis and women donning mekhela chadors.
Once restricted to monks, today Sattriya has stepped out of monasteries and found a place on the global stage, showcasing Assam’s cultural richness.
Chhau Dance - Odisha, Jharkhand & West Bengal
Chhau is a vibrant and energetic dance form that beautifully blends martial arts, folk traditions, and storytelling. It is performed mainly in the states of Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The dance is known for its powerful body movements, leaps, and mock combat techniques, which give it a heroic and dramatic appeal. Performers often draw inspiration from stories of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and local legends, while also celebrating themes from nature and daily village life.
One of the most striking features of Chhau is the use of masks, especially in the Purulia style of West Bengal, where brightly painted, elaborate masks transform dancers into gods, demons, or animals. In contrast, the Mayurbhanj style of Odisha avoids masks and highlights facial expressions, while the Seraikella style of Jharkhand uses subtle masks and focuses on refined gestures.
The performance is accompanied by traditional instruments like dhol, dhamsa, shehnai, and nagada, which create a rhythmic and festive atmosphere.
Overall, Chhau is not just a dance—it is a fusion of art, spirituality, and martial tradition, deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of eastern India.
Why Classical Dances of India Matter
The classical dances of Indian states are not just art—they are living traditions that preserve history, faith, and cultural identity.
- They preserve mythology: Every dance form narrates stories from epics, scriptures, and folklore.
- They reflect diversity: From the power of Kathakali to the grace of Mohiniyattam, each style reveals the unique spirit of its state.
- They inspire devotion: Rooted in bhakti, these dances connect performers and audiences to the divine.
- They sustain culture: Dance academies, gurus, and festivals keep these traditions alive for future generations.
Conclusion
From the fiery energy of Bharatanatyam in Tamil Nadu to the soothing elegance of Mohiniyattam in Kerala, from the dramatic spectacle of Kathakali to the meditative calm of Manipuri, each dance form tells a story that is both regional and universal.
As we look at the classical dances of India in 2025, one thing remains constant: they are more than performances. They are threads that weave together history, devotion, and identity. For students, travelers, and art lovers alike, exploring these dances is like embarking on a cultural journey across the diverse states of India.