Choliya Dance

Location: Uttarakhand, INDIA

Witness the spirit of the Himalayas in the Choliya dance, a dynamic performance steeped in the martial heritage of Kumaon. It is an energetic display of history and bravery, featuring vivid traditional attire and the powerful, thunderous beat of the Dhol-Damau. Historically performed to ward off evil spirits during wedding processions (Barats). A full team typically consists of 22 members, including 8 sword dancers and 14 musicians. Choliya is a breathtaking sword dance from the Kumaon region, where ancient martial arts meet the vibrant energy of Himalayan folk tradition. This centuries-old warrior dance brings celebrations to life with the rhythmic clash of swords and the stirring call of the Ransingha.