Lehangi Dance

About Lehangi Dance

Lehangi is a folk dance performed by the Banjara and Kanjar tribe of Madhya Pradesh. This dance is usually performed during the mid-monsoon period.

Lehangi is performed by young men holding sticks. These men produce rhythmic sounds by the beating of the sticks. This dance involves many acrobatic tricks.

Banjara tribe performs this dance during the festival of ‘Rakhi’ (festival celebrating the brother-sister relationship).

Some of the indigenous folk-dances of Madhya Pradesh are by nomadic tribes like the Banjara and the Kanjar of Bhopal commissionary. In this area, one comes across a dance form known as Lehangi. In the middle of the rainy season when nature comes to bloom the Lehangi is danced by young men over the beat of sticks which they hold in their hands. The Kanjars are professional acrobats.

On the Rakhi festival, the Banjaras of Nimad dance the Lehangi. When the festival of Dussehra approaches they start dancing Garbi and Dandia. Banjara dancers have a remarkable similarity in their mode. The men accompany the women either with songs or instruments.

The Banjara women are heavily decked with silver jewellery and wrapped in colourful clothes of contrasting embroidery and tiny inset of scintillating mirrors. In the Lota dance, with all the ornaments and heavy clothes, they balance big-size metal pots on their heads as they swing in a liner or a circular formation.

Lehangi is a popular folk dance of the Banjara and Kanjar tribe of the Bhopal commissary of Madhya Pradesh and is performed during the blossoming monsoon period. The Banjara tribe also performs this dance form during the festival of Rakhi. Young men hold sticks in their hands and rhythmically beat them while dancing.

Various acrobatic tricks, incorporated into the dance, lend a dramatic touch to the performances.

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Best time to visit Lehangi Dance

During major festivals (October-March); special performances arranged on request

How to reach Lehangi Dance

By Air: Raja Bhoj Airport (Bhopal) / Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Airport (Indore) / Dumna Airport (Jabalpur) / Gwalior Airport are the nearest airports with regular flights from major Indian cities. By Rail: Well-connected via Indian Railways network with regular trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, and other major cities. By Road: Regular state bus services and private taxis available from nearby cities. Madhya Pradesh has a well-maintained network of national highways.

Timings & opening hours

Usually performed during festivals and cultural events; check local schedules

Entry fee & tickets

Free to watch at public festivals; cultural shows INR 100-500

Duration needed

1-2 hours per performance

Location info

Madhya Pradesh, India.

Safety tips

Respect local customs; photography may require permission; maintain silence during performances

Things to carry

Camera (with permission); comfortable seating cushion; light clothing

Nearby visiting places

Cultural centres, performance venues, local markets, and tourist information centres

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Accommodation options available in the nearest town/city. MP Tourism hotels, private resorts, and budget lodges are available near major tourist destinations. Advance booking recommended during peak season (October-March).

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Madhya Pradesh. 4G is reliable in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, and along national highways. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Kanha, Bandhavgarh, and Pench national parks. Most hotels and resorts in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Madhya Pradesh cuisine — dal bafla, poha, bhutte ka kees, Bhopali kebabs, and Indori namkeen — offers distinctive regional flavours.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. MP Tourism hotels and wildlife lodges offer reliable mid-range options across the state.

History of Lehangi Dance

Lehangi is a folk dance performed by the Banjara and Kanjar tribe of Madhya Pradesh. This dance is usually performed during the mid-monsoon period.

Lehangi is performed by young men holding sticks. These men produce rhythmic sounds by the beating of the sticks. This dance involves many acrobatic tricks.

Banjara tribe performs this dance during the festival of ‘Rakhi’ (festival celebrating the brother-sister relationship).

Some of the indigenous folk-dances of Madhya Pradesh are by nom

Things to do at Lehangi Dance

Watch live performances, learn basic dance steps from performers, attend cultural workshops, photograph performances (with permission), and interact with local artist communities.

Things to visit & highlights

Main attraction, surrounding natural or cultural sites, local markets, and nearby points of interest in the region.

Climate & weather

Madhya Pradesh has a subtropical climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (October–March) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 8°C to 28°C with clear skies and pleasant days — ideal for wildlife safaris and temple visits. April–June is very hot, with temperatures reaching 42–45°C in most areas. The monsoon (July–September) brings moderate to heavy rainfall, making the landscape lush green, though wildlife parks close during peak monsoon.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Emergency Services: Police - 100, Ambulance - 108, Fire - 101. District helpline numbers available at local tourist information centres. For wildlife/national park emergencies, contact the forest department control room. MP Tourism helpline: 1800-233-6500 (toll-free).

Nearest petrol pump

Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum retail outlets are available in the nearest town or city. Major highways have fuel stations at regular intervals. It is advisable to fill fuel before entering remote areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks where fuel stations may be limited.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch this dance? Performances are held during local festivals, cultural events, and government-organised tourism festivals.

How long is a typical performance? A typical performance lasts 30-60 minutes.

Are tourists allowed to participate? In some festivals, tourists are welcome to learn basic steps.

What is the best time to see this dance? Major tribal festivals and the Lokrang Festival (January) feature traditional dances.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Madhyapradesh
• Category: Music And Dance