Folk Theatre in India

Category

Examples

Ritual Theatre

Ramlila, Ankia Naat, Ramman, Bhuta Aradhana

Entertainment Theatre

Nautanki, Maach, Naqal, Padayani

South Indian Theatre

Tal-Maddale, Bayalata, Pagati Veshalu

Folk Theatre

State/Region

Description

Bhand Pather

Kashmir

Satirical folk theatre using wit and parody; incorporates surnai, nagaara, and dhol; mostly performed by the farming community.

Bhaona

Assam

Derived from Ankia Naat; begins in Sanskrit and transitions into Brajboli/Assamese; showcases culture from multiple regions.

Bhavai

Gujarat

Predominant in Kutch and Kathiawar; mixes devotional and romantic elements.

Burra Katha

Andhra Pradesh

Narration by one artist and two assistants; uses "Burra" drum; oral storytelling with chorus and rhythm.

Chavittu Natakam

Kerala

Christian folk drama, also called stamping dance, originated in the 17th century.

Dashavatar

Konkan & Goa

Enacts the ten incarnations of Vishnu; performers wear stylized masks and makeup.

Daskathia

Odisha

Two narrators (Gayaka and Palia); tales of Shiva accompanied by wooden instruments 'Kathia'.

Garodas

Gujarat

Art form of the Garoda community; storytelling using painted pictures about romance and bravery.

Kariyila

Himachal Pradesh

Open-air night performances consisting of various skits and short plays.

Kutiyattam

Kerala

Sanskrit-based classical theatre with defined roles; recognized as UNESCO Intangible Heritage.

Krishnattam

Kerala

17th-century theatre sponsored by King Manavada consists of 8 Krishna-themed plays over 8 days.

Kuruvanji

Tamil Nadu

Dance ballet in Bharatanatyam style; love-themed, first composed by Thirukutarajappa Kaviyar.

Mudiyettu

Kerala

Ritual offering to Goddess Bhadrakali; performed in temples during Vrischikam (Nov–Dec).

Oja-Pali

Assam

Celebrated during the Manasa festival; Oja is lead narrator, Pali is chorus; religious themes.

Powada

Maharashtra

Ballads praising Shivaji’s heroism; sung by Gondhalis and Shahirs.

Raasleela

Uttar Pradesh

Krishna-based narrative folk drama mixing prose and music; early plays attributed to Nand Das.

Swang

Punjab & Haryana

Initially music-based; includes Haryanvi and Brajbhasha dialects; prose was later introduced.

Tamasha

Maharashtra

High-energy performances; female lead (Murki) leads the dance; includes classical music and gestures.

Therukoothu

Tamil Nadu

Draupadi-based stories; performed to invoke agricultural prosperity; includes a cycle of eight plays.

Villu Pattu

Deccan region

Bow-song musical theatre format; focuses on Ramayana stories.

Yakshagana

Karnataka

Open-air dance-drama portraying Mahabharata and Ramayana episodes; colorful costumes and music.