Chholiya

Chholiya (or Chhaliya; Kumaoni: छलिया) is a dance form which originated in the Kumaon division in state of Uttarakhand, India and in some parts of Sudur Paschim province (Mainly in Baitadi and Darchula district) of Nepal. It has today become a symbol of Kumaoni culture. It is basically a sword dance accompanying a marriage procession but now it is performed on many auspicious occasions.

It is especially popular in the districts of Almora, Bageshwar, Champawat and Pithoragarh of Kumaon division and it is also popular in Baitadi and Darchula district of Nepal.

This sword dance has a history of more than a thousand years and is rooted in the martial traditions of the Kumaoni people.