Folk Dances, besides the classical dance form Odissi, constitute an integral part of Odishan culture. These folk dances, variety in style and form, are performed during different religious festivals in different parts of Odisha. Due to colourful performances, these dances are very popular in and outside the country. Some of these famous folk dances need brief description.

Horse Dance (Ghoda Nacha) :

Horse Dance or Chaiti Ghoda Nacha (dance) is a famous dance form of folk character associated with Shakti worship in Orissa. It is performed during Keuta Yatra (Milan) or festival celebrated by the Kaivatra (Keuta) or fishermen community of Odisha, generally living in the coastal districts of Odisha. The month long festival starting from the full moon day of the month of Chaitra (March-April month of Roman Calendar) is observed in the honour of  their chief Goddess Basuli Devi, who is one of the manifestations of Goddess Durga and who is also regarded as one of the sixty-four yoginis. During the festival, the horse dance or Ghoda Nacha is performed in order to please the Goddess Basuli.

The dance is performed by two dancers- one male called Rauta and one female called Rautani, assisted by one drummer and a piper. The dancers, generally hold a dummy horse with head and tail, made of bamboo or wood, on their person through a hole made on the middle of the horse and dance to the tune of Dhola (Drum) and Mahuri (Pipe). The whole scene resemblances as if the horses are dancing to the tune of music with riders on them. The music is generally accompanied by songs composed by the great poet of the past, Achyutananda Das, on this occasion. This dance is very popular among the village folk of the coastal region of Odisha. Hence, large numbers of audience gather to enjoy the dance which acts as a special attraction during the festival of the Kaivarttas.

Danda Nacha : Another famous folk dance is Danda Nacha or Club Dance which is performed on the occasion of Danda Yatra or festival. The festival is celebrated for more than one month commencing from the Chaitra Purnima (falls, generally, in the first part of the March) to the Mahavishuva Sankranti (on 14th April). The Danda Yatra and Danda Nacha happen to be one of the most ancient folk festival and dance of Odisha.

The Danda Nacha is performed in the honour of Lord Shiva who is regarded as the Lord of historic arts and, therefore, is called Nataraj of course, the other gods and goddesses are also paid reverence and invoked for their blessings.

The word “Danda” denotes to ‘club’ or ‘punishment’ As such, the participants perform the dance holding a clubs with their hands. Besides, the danda or club is also worshipped through out the festival along with a Ghata or pitcher, as the scepter of the Lord Shiva. In course of their performance, during the festival, the participants of the dance observe strict austerity in order to maintain a pure conduct during the occasion. This sort of practice of strict penance is regarded as self-inflicted punishment or danda for the purification of soul. Hence, the dance is called Danda Nacha. The participants of the dance known as bhoktas, invoke the blessing of the lord Shiva through their devoted performances and lead a pious life for twenty-one days.

Kela Keluni Dance :- Kela keluni dance is one of the popular folk dances of Orissa which has its origin in the “Kela” tribe of Orissa. The kelas are a sort of nomadic people who make their living by snake charming, bird catching besides adopting other manual occupations like basket making etc. So, they have to wander in the woods in search of their living. They are also expert acrobats and earn a little through their gymnastic skills. In order to entertain themselves as well as the people living in the county side, they perform this typical dance, called Kelakeluni nacha.

The dance is performed by two dancers – Kela (Male) and a Keluni (Female). The kela plays a peculiar musical instrument called Ghuduki by his fingers and dances to the tune of the music, while singing a song. The Keluni takes the lead in the whole performances. Her body movements is very fast while dancing, with every parts of her body – legs, heads, hips – swaying heavily. The song, associated with the dance is of a special variety and called Kela – Keluni Geeta (Song) which carries, both sense of love and humour. In the present time the dance is fast loosing its ground. But, the dance is being performed by groups of professional entertainers as well as artists for the sake of the entertainment of the people.

Dalkhai Dance :- The most popular folk dance of western Odisha is the Dalkhai Dance. This dance is mainly performed on the occasion of Dushera. But, for its charming performances it is performed on all other festive occasion of western Odisha, such as, Bhaijuntia, Nuakhai and Phagun punai etc. The young women of different tribes living in the region take part in this dance.

The dance is performed to the tune of a folk music in which a number of musical instruments like Dhol, tamki, nisan, Tasa etc. are played. Along with the music, the participating girls sing a song called Dalkhai while performing dance. The song is so called because at the beginning and end of  every stanza, the word dalkhai is used addressing a girl friend. The theme of the dalkhai song is based upon the love story of Radhakrishna, episodes of The Ramayana and The Mahabharat and nature’s beauty.

The young girls, wearing Sambalpuri sari in regional fashion and hold colourful scarfs in their hands, dance to the uncanny rhythms of the dhol and other musical instrument. Placing their legs close together and bending their waist, they dance moving forward and backward in a half – circle. In course of the dancing they make concentric circles in clock wise and antioclock wise directions. The dance performance running for long hours fills the hearts of the visitors with immense pleasure.