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KULLU NATI
Kullu Natti is the most popular and famous dance of Kullu performed at
festivals and fairs.
The procession is always accompanied by dance and music. The dancers
attire themselves in the traditional dress. The music accompaniment is
given by Narsingha, Karnal, Shehnai, Dhol and Nagara. Traditionally Natti
was an affair that lasted for several hours, for as long as the dancers
and orchestra were capable of carr 
ying
it on; but now an attempt is being made to limit its duration.
THODA
The dance reminds us of the ancient days when men, before going to
battle, performed some rituals by dancing. Thoda is a dance of archery.
The dancers handle the bow and arrows in such a swift and skillful manner
that it gives the illusion of a real battle.
DANDRAS
It is the male dance of the 'Gaddis'-the shepherds of Bharmaur in Chamba
district. The dance, initially, used to be performed with small sticks.
The dance is usually performed at Jatras - the fairs and may last for long
hours.
GHUREHI
The dance is performed exclusively by the women of
Chamba on the occasion
of the Jatras.
SHIVA BADAR NATI
The folk dance is from the upper hills of the
Mandi region. Men and
women perform it together in the fairs and festivals.
LAHAULI DANCE
The Lahauli Dance seems to have more affinity with the Ladakhi dances
than with the Himachali ones. The dance is performed on Surna and Damman,
the most essential music instruments of Ladakh. But the songs and
ceremonial movements in the dance are specially Lahauli. The dance is
performed with simple, majestic steps and at times the dancers inter-lock
their hands and move in a circular-pattern. They are fond of using
ornaments made of beads and stones. They also put on a long gown
embroidered at the borders and a matching jacket over it.
LOSAR SHONA CHUKSAM
It is the dance of Kinnauri people who have dance and music in their
veins. The dance takes the name from 'Losar' meaning New Year and is held
in Chaitra-Vaishakha. The musical instruments played with Kinnauri dances
- the big Dhol, Bugjal-the bronze cymbals Karnal-the long wind pipe, and
the Ransingha.
CHHANAK CHHAM
The lama of Lahul Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh perform this
devotional dance related to their well known Chakhar Festival which comes
after every three years, to pay tribute to Mahatama Budha. The name of the
dance originated from the typical headgear called 'Chhanak' the dancers
have to wear. Besides the Chhanak, dancers wear costumes made of costly
golden, black and yellow cloth decorated with distinctive traditional
motifs in patchwork. Dancers carry swords or knives while covering half
their faces with a piece of black cloth.
Chham Chhanak is a very slow dance with circular movements. Accompanied
musical instruments include 'Tangchim', the long pipes, and 'Dhole' like
'Ghhan'. Musicians wear traditional Lama 'libas' along with beautiful caps
decorated with yellow feathers.
JHAMAKADA
Jhamakada is a group dance performed in
Kangra and is
exclusively performed by women. The dance is accompanied by a variety of
percussion instruments and lyrical songs.
GUGGA
The dance of the lower and plain areas of Himachal Pradesh, the Gugga is
performed to worship 'Gugga Jauhar Pir', believed to be protector of snake
and animal life. The dancers carry a big flag and Chhattar-ceremonial big
umbrella-to the Gugga's place.
THE NATI
Nati in Himachal is most popular form of dance. Nati, infact, is a dance
of a particular area, having its specific rhythm and beat. Depending on
these two distinguishing features, we have a rich variety of Natis. Nati
is identified after the name of its area like Kullu Nati, Kinnauri Nati,
Sirmouri Nati, Gaddi Nati, and Shimla Nati. All of them have their own
distinctiveness seen in rich costumes and ornaments worn by the dancers
and in accompanying songs and instrumental music.