Dandiya Raas is a simple, rhythmic dance performed by young people moving around an imaginary circle in measured steps to the beat of dandiya sticks that they carry in their hands. The beat for the dance is kept by the clacking sticks, with clapping hands keeping pace. A variation of this dance is Matka Nritya in which performers strike their fingers against empty pots to generate a distinctive beat. In the Mer Rasa, the dance begins on a slow note but the tempo speeds up during the performance. Members of the shepherd community perform the Gher Rasa using long sticks. Another agricultural community performs the Gheria Rasa holding a stick in one hand and a peacock feather in the other. Yet another variation of the Dandiya raas is the Gof Gunthan in which dancers carry sticks in only one hand, and a length of colored string in the other. The latter is woven into a unique pattern as they move around in a circle.

DEVARATTAM (TAMIL NADU)

Devarattam or ' the dance of the gods' is the dance of the Kambala Naikar community of Tamil Nadu, who believe that they are the direct descendants of the 'devas' or gods. Fast and fluent movements to the rhythmic sound of ' Deva Thunthubi' - a drum-shaped percussion instrument, make this dance truly enjoyable. . The dance is performed during festivals, marriages and other social occasions.

DHAMYAL (HARYANA)

Dhamyal is the leading dance of Haryana, often also known as the Duph. The Duph is a circular drum, played nimbly by the men dancers, while the dance can be performed by men alone or along with women.

DHARMAR & HAMCHI DANCES (GUJARAT)

The Siddis or Abysinnians who came from Africa to serve in Gujarat centuries ago, perform the Dharmar and Hamchi dances - these are usually energetic, with a fast tempo.

DOL CHOLAM (MANIPUR)

The drum, by itself, enjoys a privilege in the dances of Manipur. There are several kinds of drums, each intended for a particular occasion. The festival of Holi, in spring, is the real time for drum dances, such as Dhol Cholom.

DOLLU KUNITHA (KARNATAKA)

The Dollu Kunitha is a popular drum dance of Karnataka. The vigorous drum dance performed by the men of the shepherd community known as ' Kourba'. Powerful drumming, acrobatic movements and attractive formations are the notable highlights of the dance. The men have large drums, decorated with colored cloth, slung from their necks, and they beat the drums as they dance with nimble movements of the feet and legs. The dance is at times accompanied by songs, which are either religious or in praise of war.