This post is about Nepali dances with Name of folk dance of Nepal with a short description. You can also call it Nepali dances. There are many folk dances in Nepal. The traditional dances of Nepal are enlisted here with a short description.

For life, culture, and traditions, Nepali dances are very important. It is also the right entertainment source as well as an effective refresher. Dance is the movement of feet and body in a pleasant way in the rhythm of song or music. Song and music are the complements to dance.

We can mainly classify Nepali dance into two types,’ classical and folk dances.’ In Nepal, there are many traditional dances. They respect ethnicities, traditional backgrounds, and communities of different cultures. In our country, such dances hold great value, which is also accompanied by music and songs.

We Nepali love dancing and singing very much. Throughout Nepal, there are many types of folk dances. Few of them are Tamang Selo, Juhari and Chutki. Nepal’s dance and song culture is very rich.

In this predominantly Hindu and Buddhist country, over sixty ethnic groups live together. Throughout the year, they celebrate a tremendous variety of festivals where music, song, and dance celebrate every important occasion.

Each ethnic group’s folk dances are present, often danced throughout the night by the entire community. For specific festivals, there are traditional ceremonial dances performed on the street once a year.

Shamanic dances are also available to heal the body and spirit. Charan performs a wide variety of Nepalese dance and is dedicated to preserving Nepal’s unique, rapidly forgotten dance culture.

They are a great form of entertainment. Classical dance is based on classics of antiquity, while fold dance is based on folk song and music. Below is a list of some folk and classical dance examples.

Nepali Dances – 44 Most Famous Folk, Cultural & Traditional Dances of Nepal

1. The deuda dance :

The Deuda dance is performed in a group of males and females. This Nepali dance is popular in the far western districts of Doti and Dailekha. Nowadays, the inhabitants of the far western region who have been living in Kathmandu gather at Tundikhel and perform this dance in a group. During the dance, the young boys and girls sing and dance together exchanging love among themselves. To know more about deuda dance, click here referred link.

2. Jhijhiya dance:

This Nepali folk dance Jhijhiya is devoted and dedicated to Durga Bhavani, Mother Goddess of Nepal Terai. Jhijhiya dance is performed on the auspicious occasion of Dashain or Dashhara. The main objective of this dance is to ward off evil spirits from the community. The girls of the village take part in this dance enthusiastically. All the actors of this dance are girls and young women of the community.

Yes, it is the dance performed by the young women’s group. During Dashami, this dance is performed. Women carry holes and Diyos inside lanterns. This lightens the atmosphere. The lantern had its lid covered. Women intentionally dance on their heads with these lanterns.

They dance in a pattern that can count the holes in the lantern. This dance is influenced by Tantric belief and performed primarily to protect people against evil spirits. To know more about Jhijhiya dance, click here referred link.

3. Sama Chakewa dance:

This female folk dance is also a dual dance in which the married and unmarried girls of the village take part. This dance is performed for the whole fortnight. It starts on the first fasting day on the auspicious occasion of the greatest festival of Chhatha. It ends on the full moon night of Kartik. To know more about Sama chakewa dance, click here referred link.

4. Jat-Jatin dance:

This Nepali folk dance Jat-Jatin is performed in the rainy season. It is both a dual and a group dance, in which two main dancers lead. A dialogue is also dramatized while dancing. There is also a chorus song which goes between the Jat (the male) and the Jatin (the female). The lovely ladies of the village dance around under the starry sky. To know more about Jat-Jatin dance, click here the referred link.

5. The Charya Dance:

The dance tradition of Charya is very old in Nepal. It is equally prevalent in India and Bangladesh. Kumari, Bhirav Kali, Arya Tara, Pancha Buddha and Bajrayogini dance are the famous Charya dances of Nepal. Bajrayogini is one of them which has been named after the goddess Bajrayogini. This is one of the ancient classical dances of Nepal rooted in the classical base. To know more about Charya dance, click here referred link.

6. Chandi Dance:

The Nepali Chandi dance is also known as Sri Sri Nach. It is mainly performed by the Rai people. It is generally performed on the occasion of Baisakh Purnima (the full moon day of April)). Boys and girls dance together to the rhythmic beats of drums.

Kirati Rai performs this dance. They worship Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. Chandi dance is performed praying for peace and success in the village to Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati. They adore good crops. This dance is also very special because with charming and cheerful faces it has to be performed. To know more about Chandi dance, click here referred link.

7. The Bhairav Kali dance:

The Bhairav Kali dance is one of the traditional ritual dances of Nepal. It manifests the dreadful destructive mood of Goddess Kali and how Bhairava (Shiva) saved the world from the destruction by lying down on the path of Kali. This is one of the classical dances of Nepal, popular in Kathmandu Valley where it is believed to have been originated. To know more about the Kal Bhairav dance, click here referred link.

8. Manjushree Dance:

Manjushree Dance is one of the traditional dance in Nepal. Manjushree dance is performed and dedicated to Manjushree. One of the traditional ritual dances is Manjushree dance, also known as Charya Nritya.

Manjushree is the Bodhisattvas’ oldest, and his worship gives wisdom, a retentive memory, and intelligence to the devotee. He has a special place in Nepal, for according to the Buddhist legends it was Manjushree who came with his two wives from China to pay homage to the self-existing flame in Swayambhunath.

So this Nepali dance represents Manjushree. This dance requires a special costume and jewelry as Bodhisattva after all is represented by the dancer.

9. The Pancha Buddha dance:

The Pancha Buddha dance is attributed to Lord Buddha. Pancha Buddha or five Buddhas are the five transcendental Buddhas of Tantric Buddhism. Different colorful costumes used by the dancers are symbolic to the sky, the earth, water, fire, and air.

This dance is mainly devoted to Lord Buddha. This is a ballet also known as a Charya dance. This Nepali dance has a classical base which is performed in honor of Lord Buddha who is worshipped as a super-being who transcends the earth, the sky, the sea, wind, and fire. To know more about Pancha Buddha dance, click here referred link.

So, to represent Pancha Buddha, this dance is performed. Five Buddha means Panache Buddha. Five dancers are there. Each performing dancer has its own specific posture, color, and direction. Five Buddha are Tantric Buddhism’s five transcendental Buddhas.

10. Arya Tara Dance:

The Arya Tara dance is popular in the Buddhist community. The worship of the female tradition was introduced into Buddhism in the form of Tara. She is believed to destroy fear and lead the people across the ocean of sorrow. This is a popular Charya dance of ancient times.

This dance is especially performed as a part of the rituals followed during the religious festivals and ceremonies in full regalia. To know more about Arya tara dance, click here referred link.

So, this is an ancient Nepal’s popular classical dance. In ancient mythology, this dance is dedicated to Arya Tara, better known as “The Holy Mother.” This dance’s song describes Arya Tara’s different qualities. This dance is performed in rituals that are followed during religious festivals and ceremonies that wear the full ceremonial dress.

11. The Kumari Dance:

The Kumari dance is one of the ancient classical dances of Nepal. This dance is dedicated to the well-known living goddess Kumari of Kathmandu Valley. During the famous Indra Jatra festival in Kathmandu, Goddess Kumari, decked with splendid ornaments, is taken around Kathmandu in a traditionally designed chariot and thousands of Nepalese people pay homage to her. To know more about Kumari dance, click here referred link.

So, Kumari dance is one of the Kingdom of Nepal’s oldest classical dances. The living goddess Kumari decorated with beautiful ornaments and was taken in a chariot around the old Kathmandu during the famous “Indra Jatra” festival in Kathmandu. And thousands of devotees, including the King of Nepal and royal family members, are paying homage to her.

12. The Ghatu Dance:

The ghatu dance is performed during the middle of the month of Magh and the full moon of Jestha. Married women might attend with their husbands’ permission. The actual dance should be performed only by the unmarried girls and a male chorus accompanies these dancers. This dance is especially popular among the Gurungs in the western part of Nepal.

In the Gandaki Zone, this dance is popular. This dance is called ‘ Bara Mase Ghatu ‘ as well. Only the unmarried girls performed this dance. To know more about Ghatu dance, click here referred link.

13. The dhime dance :

The dhime dance is popular in the Newar community of Kathmandu Valley. This has been named after the accompanying musical instrument named dhime in the Newari language. In the medieval days, this drum-like musical instrument played a vital role in the cultural life of the Newar people, especially on the festive occasions of religious ceremonies and victory-parades of Malla kings. The origin of this dance goes back to the 13th century. To know more about Dhime dance, click here referred link.

14. The dhan nach :

The dhan nach is called a paddy dance. It is the agricultural dance of the Limbus. This kind of Nepali dance is generally performed on the occasion of various agricultural activities such as paddy transplantation and harvesting. To know more about the Dhan dance, click here referred link.

So, this is Limbus ‘ dance. Young boys and girls hold each other in the beat of Chyabrung and control each other from side to side.

15. The chyabrung dance

The chyabrung dance is popular in the Limbu community of the eastern Nepal. Limbus are best remembered for their group dance. Various types of dances performed in this community are collectively known as the dances of Limbuwan. The first part of Nepali dance is called chyabrung. It is generally performed on the occasion of the marriage ceremony. To know more about Chyabrung dance, click here referred link.

16. The shebru dance

The shebru dance belongs to the ethnic community of Sherpas who are world famous for a mountain expedition. They live in the foothills of the Himalayas of Nepal. They live in a cheerful community riches in feasts, songs, and dances. They belong to a mobile race. So, they are scattered in different places in the country. They meet on several occasions and dance to celebrate their meeting. To know more about Shebru dance, click here referred link.

17. The jhyaure dance

The jhyaure dance is an appendage to Nepalese culture. This dance is based on the theme of love and romance. So, it is very popular among young boys and girls. The jhyaure song and dance are the means of entertainment in the hilly region, especially in the western part of the country.

This dance is beyond the restriction of any time and occasion. It is a very joyful dance which is ritualized by the love theme. This is one of Nepal’s most popular and popular dances.

In the Gandaki area, Jhayure dance is popular. The young boys and girls perform this dance to express the pleasure of meeting their lovers. To know more about Jhyaure dance, click here referred link.

18. The damphu dance

The damphu dance is a folk dance popular among the people from the hills of Nepal. It is performed by the carefree ethnic group of people called Tamang. They are simple, honest and hardworking people, having a great passion to enjoy life through dancing and singing. This dance is performed accompanied by the hand drum named damphu and hence the dance itself is known as the damphu dance. To know more about Nepali folk Damphu dance, click here referred link.

19. The khukuri dance

The khukuri dance of the mountain people is an original Nepali dance in which the dancers display their wonderful skills in handling the khukuri knife, a famous weapon of the Nepali people. This type of dance is patriotic in its nature. It is also really exciting. This dance is also performed at the military or army centres.

The soldiers of Gorkha perform this dance. This dance is performed in their hands holding khukuri. To represent power and pride, this dance is performed. To know more about Nepali folk Khukuri dance, click here referred link.

20. The Ratyauli Dance:

Of the dances of Nepal, the ratyoli is a dance exclusively performed by the women on the occasion of the marriage ceremony. It is especially performed in the bridegroom’s house after the male members of the family leave for the house of the bride.

On this night, the women assemble in the bridegroom’ house to sing romantic or even erotic songs. Some women impersonate men and enact love scenes while dancing. Men are forbidden to intrude into their private dancing session. To know more about this Nepali traditional dance, ratyauli dance, click here referred link.

to be continued…

21. Bajrayogini Dance

This Bajrayogini dance is named after the Hindu goddess, Bajrayogini. Bajrayogini dance is one of the ancient classical dances of Nepal. This dance is performed in the Buddhist temples during some special occasions and events.

This dance is performed for the goddess Bajarayogini in Shakhu, one of the four tantric Hindu goddesses in the Kathmandu Valley. If you watch this folk dance of Nepal, you can see and feel the beautiful mixture of protection, preservation, angriness, and peaceful emotions and strong sense. To know more about this Nepali traditional dance, Bajrajogini dance, click here referred link.

So, The name of this dance is Bajrayogini, the goddess. It is one of Nepal’s old classical dances. There are four Yoginis or tantric goddesses in the Kathmandu Valley, according to tantric Buddhism. This dance is particularly performed in Shakhu as a devotion to the goddess Bajarayogini.

Symbolic hand and huger movements are skillfully timed in this dance with general body movements and facial expressions. This dance displays a beautiful mixture of a strong sense of protection, preservation, anger, and emotions of peace. This dance is performed mainly during special occasions in the Buddhist temples.

22. Tamang Selo dance

Tamang Selo is usually performed by the Tamangs, one of the ethnic group of Nepal. This dance is performed beating a Damphu (a special type of playing instrument) a solo or in a group. Tamang Selo is also called as Damphu nach. There is another name called in Tamang language, that is tam- syaba. To know more about this Nepali traditional dance, Tamang Selo dance, click here referred link.

So, Tamangs are part of the Nepali community, the ancient and mountain and plain inhabitants of Nepal and India’s Himalayan regions. The dance “Tamang Selo” is performed to the rhythmic sound of the musical instrument “Damphoo” that the dancers carry in their hands.

Therefore this dance is also called “Damphoo Dance.” Tamang Selo is full of fun and happiness; if he/she see Tamangs dancing with Damphoos, even the saddest person would smile once. Maybe that’s why Tamang Selo has become Nepali community’s most popular dance form.

Usually, the Tamangs perform Tamang Selo. This dance is performed in a solo or group beating a damphu. Also known as damphu-natch, this dance. This dance is called tam- syaba in the Tamang language.

23. Juhari or Dohori

Juhari or Dohori dance is also known as gambling or dual dance. Dohori is very popular folk dance in Nepal. The word Dohori is more popular than word Juhari. Juhari or Dohori dance of Nepal is performed in groups during festivals, events, Parva and fairs and in Rodhighar. To know more about this Nepali traditional dance, Juhari or Dohori dance, click here referred link.

Dohori is a Nepali folk song typically sung by two men’s and women’s teams. It is in the form of a question and answers where a team sings a question and an equally lyrical impromptu couplet is answered by the opponent and vice versa.

The term Dohori means’ back and forth’ and refers to the exchange between the contesting singers of lyrical phrases. The production of songs is collaborative and involves a lot of people. Like all Nepali folk songs, Dohori originated in Nepal’s rural areas and is now sung in both rural and urban settlements and is still popular among the Nepali-speaking diaspora in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Bahrain.

The men and women sit on opposite sides and the goal is to continue improvising until witty answers run out of one team. It is said that the Dohori has stretched in the past to seven days and nights.

24. Chutki

This Chutki dance is generally performed by Chhetris, Bahnus, Gurungs and Magars caste of Nepal. The Chhetris and Bahuns, this two caste of Nepal, perform Chutki to the rhythmic beats of Khaijadi while the Gurungs and Magars, people of these two caste use madal.

Chutki dance is performed with fast speed and movement of their body. To know more about this Nepali traditional dance, Chutki dance, click here referred link.

Chhetris, Bahnus, Gurungs, and Magars usually perform this dance. The Chhetris and Bahuns play Chutki to Khaijadi’s rhythmic beats. Madal is used by the Gurungs and Magars. With full body speed and movement, this dance is performed.

25. Karua

Kaura dance is performed by the people of Magars and Tamangs caste in groups. Karua dance is one the popular folk dance among Magars and Tamangs. Both male and male, female and female or male-female can perform this Kaura dance. To know more about Karua dance, click here referred link.

The Magars and Tamangs perform Kaura dance in groups. This dance can be performed by men and men, women and women or men. Karua dance is performed in groups by the Magars and Tamangs-either by men and women or only by women. … Bethi dance is performed with panche baja (a traditional band made up of five instruments) during transplantation time.

26. Balan nach:

Balan nach is especially performed by the Chhetris and Bahuns during religious ceremonies and festivals. Balan nach is about the performance of “Lilas” (acts) of Hindus different gods and goddess. It is more giving more fun to audiences. To know more about Balan dance, click here referred link.

So, Balan nach is particularly performed during religious ceremonies by the Chhetris and Bahuns. The significance of this dance is the performance of various gods and goddess “Lilas” (acts).

27. Maruni Dance

Maruni Dance is one of the most loved and popular dances in Nepal. A male dancer disguises as female. In this Maruni dance of Nepal, a male dancer wears long frock like dress. Other members in this dance sing and make music. To know more about Maruni dance, click here referred link.

So, Maruni is one of Nepal’s most popular dances. As women, a male dancer disguises himself. He wears a frock like the dress for a long time. Singing and making music by other members. The team is accompanied by a dhatuware like a jester.

28. Bethi

Bethi dance involves Panche baja (five instruments). This bethi dance is performed during resettling time. To know more about Bethi dance, click here referred link. So, Bethi dance includes Baja panche. During resettling time, this dance is performed.

29. Sorathi:

Sorathi dance is like the maruni dance of Nepal. Sorathi is very famous folk dance performed by the people of Gurung caste of Nepal. It is a very interesting traditional dance. The male dancer represented Jaisinge Raja (a King) while 16 ladies dancers represent 16 queens. Madal is played as background music.

Sorathi nach’ is a dance originally created in the Society of Nepal. In fact, it is the dance that prevails in the Gurung and Magar community culture. Its two kinds. Male dance is called Turusungey, and female dance is called’ Maruni.’

It is a characterized dance that resembles Hindu religion characters such as Harischandra etc. 16 female dancers used to dance according to tradition in the early phase, so it is known as’ Sorathi ‘ dance. In modern times, Sorathi dance is performed by the males and females wearing Bhoto, Kachad and Fariya, cholo in a large group.

In a slow song, people wear jewelry and dance making a circle. The dancers also dance hanging from their waist, playing madal. It’s the Gurungs’s very popular dance. They have a very interesting tradition of dancing. The main dancer (still a male dancer) in turn represented Jaisinge Raja (a King) dances with seventeen female dancers representing seventeen queens.

Two male dancers beating their drums other than the main dancer dance. Madal is pale to make background music available. To know more about Sorathi dance, click here referred link.

30. Sakela Sili

Sakela Sili dance is a dance performed by Rais during festival of sakela. Sakela Sili dance is one of the longest group dance. To know more about Sakela dance, click here referred link.

So, Sakela Sili is a dance that Rais performed during the sakela festival. Maybe this is the longest dance in the group. Sometimes this dance goes on for many days.

31. Lakhe Dance

Lakhe dance is a very important and famous dance of Nepal. Lakhe dance is performed by the Newari community, especially in the Kathmandu valley of Nepal. Dancers or performer wearing masks as a monster.

So, Lakhe dance is Nepal’s very important dance. This dance is performed in the city each year during the fall. The Newari community performs it. Dances dress and perform during festivals as a monster wearing masks. To know more about Lakhe dance, click here referred link.

32. Matrikastam dance:

Matrikastam dance is one of mask dance performed by Newari community during Dashain festival, the greatest festival of Nepal.

This is one of Newars ‘ other mask dance forms performed during the Dashain festival. To know more about Matrikastam dance, click here referred link.

33. Jungwa

Jungwa dance is such a ceremonial dance performed by Tamang priest. Yes, Jungwa is a Tamang priest performing a ceremonial dance. To know more about Jungwa dance, click here referred link.

34. Mhendomaya

Mhendomaya dance is a dance where male and female dance together forming two separate rows. Yes, this is the dance where there are two separate rows of men and women dancing together. This dance of Tamang is similar to the dances of Kaura and Cholmu. To know more about Mhendomaya dance, click here referred link.

35. Sangini dance:

Sangini dance is a sophisticated dance performed by Chhetris and Bahramin women during Teej festival of Nepal. Ladies perform Sangini dance holding plates of Kansha or diyo or carrying Kalash on the head.

Yes, this is a sophisticated dance performed during the Teej festival by Chhetris and Bahramin women. Women perform Kansha (branze) or diyo (ceremonial lamp) dance holding plates or carrying Kalash (vessel) on the head. It’s a slow dance and all depends on hand and feet movement. To know more about Sangini dance, click here referred link.

36. Deura dance:

Deura dance is a dance performed by Damai community of Nepal. Naumati Baja is played and dance is performed. This is the Damai community’s dance. Play Naumati baja (a traditional band of nine instruments) and perform the dance. To know more about Deura dance, click here referred link.

37. Tappa Dance

Tappa Dance is famous dance in Dang of Rapti Zone. During Tappa dance, Madal is beaten. Yes, this dance is popular in Rapti Zone’s Dang. The dance begins as a slow dance and finally speeds up. This dance is based on Madal’s beating. That gives the dance the name ‘ Tappa. ‘ To know more about Tappa dance, click here referred link.

38. Yak and Yeti dance

Yak and Yeti dance is performed in the high mountain regions of Nepal. Yak and Yeti dance, name of dance tells the meaning. This Yak and Yeti dance is done paying homage to Yak.

In the high mountain areas, this dance is performed. This dance is done in Yak’s homage. Yaks are the only animal that is used for transport and carry high-altitude loads. There is also a belief that yeti can be seen in Nepal’s mountains. In order to remember Yeti, this dance is also done. To know more about Yak and Yeti dance, click here referred link.

39. Sherpa Dance

Sherpa dance is a dance performed by Sherpa community of Nepal. The Sherpas are living in the northern part of Nepal, in the Himalayas.

Sherpa dance is part of the community of Sherpa. In the Himalayas, the Sherpa lives. The Sherpa are feasting, singing and dancing performers. To enjoy and celebrate meetings with their friends and family, they sing and dance. To know more about Sherpa dance, click here referred link.

40. Bhojpuri dance:

Bhojpuri dance is a very popular dance of Terai or Madhesh region, the northern part of Nepal. This Bhojpuri dance represents the romantic dance.

This is the Terai region’s very popular dance. For body movements and facial expressions, this dance is important. Bhojpuri dance represents spring and autumn festivals ‘ romantic dance. This is the time when young people are trying to attract each other. To know more about Bhojpuri dance, click here referred link.

41. Dhimal dance

People of Dhimals community live in eastern Terai region of Nepal. Dhimals are rich in culture. Both male and female dance together in group.

Dhimals live in the Terai of the east. They’re culturally rich. Dhimal dance is performed in groups at all times. Together, male and female dance. During their dance, they wear traditional fishing costumes. To know more about Dhimal dance, click here referred link.

42. Khali dance:

Khali dance is just performed to have fun. In this Khali dance, madal is beaten by young people. Just to have fun, Khali dance is performed. Singing and dancing gathering in the chautari with the madal youth beat. During this dance, there’s playful teasing and flirting. If they can beat their challenger, young men and women can win wives and men in contests. To know more about Khali dance, click here referred link.

43. Peacock Dance

Peacock is a holly bird, called Mayur in Nepali language. In this Peacock Dance, the dancer pretends to be a peacock and perform the dance as a peacock does during rain.

Yes, Peacock is a bird of holiness. When clouds gather and thunder begins, Male Peacock begins to spread her feather and dance. The dancer pretends to be a pacifist and perform the dance as a pacifist performs during rain. To know more about Peacock dance, click here referred link.

44. Jhankri or Witch Doctor

Jhakri or witch Doctor plays a very important role in the rural areas of Nepal. People of rural areas do not get proper health services from the government health post or hospitals of Nepal. When they fell ill, they go to Witchdoctor instead.

Yes, Jhakri or witch Doctor in rural life plays a very important role. People don’t get the right facility for health. Instead, they go to the doctor of the Witch. During the process of treating sick people, this witch doctor performs many dance postures. To know more about Jhankri or Witch Doctor dance, click here referred link.

Author: Hari KC