know India better

Dance forms in India

Here are some of the most popular dance forms of India :

• Chhau: This dance form originated in the region of Seraikella and is performed on the eve of the spring festival every year. The mask is the main focus of this dance. It is a traditional art form and is still performed all over the country.
  
• Bhangra: Bhangra is a popular folk dance of Punjab, North India. It is a dance performed on special occasions like weddings and festivals. The dance symbolizes and reflects the happiness of the Punjabi farmers.
  
• Mohiniattam: Mohiniattam is one of the major classical dance styles of India. It is an elegant dance form that originated from the land of Kerela and today, the dance form has spread to other parts of India as well.
  
• Manipuri: Manipuri is a popular dance of the state of Manipur. The main theme of the Manipuri dance is the love of Radha and Lord Krishna. In the 18th century the Manipuri dance blossomed into a classical dance form. /li>
• Myriad Emotions: It is a dance form in which myriad emotions are portrayed by the artist dancers. It originated from the Kuchipudi village, in the Krishna district of Andhra and its origin dates back to as far as the 2nd century B.C. Innumerable emotions ranging from pride to anger are expressed.
  
• Odissi Dance: It is one of the oldest classical dances of the country. The dance themes mainly centers on the eternal love stories of Radha and Krishna. The Odissi dance can be distinguished from other dance form by the colorful costumes, ornaments, dance steps and fine display of emotions of love and pangs of separation.
  
• Kathakali: Kathakali is a unique dance form of Kerela and dates back to the 17th century. The themes are mostly religious. The costume of the Kathakali dance is intricate and is one of the distinctive traits of this dance.
  
• Bharat Natyam: Bahrat Natyam is India’s ancient classical dance style. It originated from the land of Tamil Nadu and has come a long way since the time of its invention and days in the temples. This dance form is famous not only in India but also abroad. It is regarded as the most elegant of all the dance form in India.
  

Indian Music Forms

• Tradition – A story of Strings: The string instruments have reached great heights in recent times. The endless moments of ecstasy and pleasure one can derive by listening to the soothing sound of the string instruments, cannot be actually surpassed by any other form of instruments.
  
• Carnatic Music: The carnatic music of the South Indian exposes the rich history and culture of the past. It is considered to be the richest and oldest music tradition in the world. The south Indian states of Tamil Nadu, Kerela, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are famous for their strong presentation of the Carnatic music.
  
• Hindustani Music: The Hindustani Music has assumed a role of immense significance. It is based primarily on the raga system, which is a melodic scale comprising of notes. Each raga acquires a distinctive character of its own. Hindustani music is catchy, rhythmic and takes us to the depth of the Indian culture.

Adventure Sports in India

Here are some of the adventure sports in India.

• Angling: Angling is a fishing activity. It is a method of fishing by means of a hook, which is attached to a fishing rod. The fastest flowing water streams of the Himalayas are regarded as the best place for such fishing activity. It is challenging, at the same time a thrilling experience.
  
• Bungee Jumping: It is an adventurous sport that involves jumping from a certain height which may range from 120 to 700 feet. Risk factor is certainly there but, the organizers take great precaution to ensure safety to the participants.
  
• Gliding: It is an adventure of flying. There are several forms of Gliding and they can be classified as Para-Gliding, Hang-Gliding and Parasailing. Gliding as a sport has recently taken the world by storm.
  
• Hot Air Ballooning: Another adventure sport, Hot Air ballooning started in the year 1783. It is an air based adventure sports. In India, Delhi is the main center for Hot Air Ballooning.
  
• Mountain Biking: It is a thrilling adventure sport, which involves a bike cruise through some of the highest mountain ranges in the world. Apart from the challenging factor involved, mountain biking also helps you unravel the mysteries immersed in the mountain ranges.
  
• Mountaineering: Mountaineering involves the climbing of different levels of heights and terrains. Mountaineering as a sport came to India in the 18th century.
  
• Rock Climbing : A challenging sport adventure, rock climbing is an activity that entails a lot of effort, strength and concentration. There are usually three different types of rock climbing: free climbing, aid climbing, and a combination of free and aid climbing.
  
• Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling are water sports activity that helps you discover the unexplored world under the sea.
  
• Skiing : A winter sport, Skiing is a popular sport activity that mainly takes place in the Hill Station. In India, Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie and Nainital are the main centers for skiing activities.
  
• Trekking: A mountain sport, Trekking has gained immense popularity with the passage of time. Professional trekking in India commenced with the coming of the English people. The hill stations are usually considered to be the best trekking area.
  
• White Water Rafting: It is a high level water sport adventure. There can be nothing more thrilling and challenging than rushing down a fast flowing stream, on a delicate raft. You have to battle with the strong force of the water while clinging for support on a fragile raft. The innumerable rivers of the Himalayas provide the perfect destination for this kind of sport.