Loading
Loading
Performing Art · Madhya Pradesh
मटकी नृत्य
A women's pot-balancing dance of the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh — solo performers balance an earthen pot on the head while dancing to the dhol.
Understand
Matki dance is mostly performed in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, named after the matki — a small earthenware pot. The dance is a women's solo tradition performed at weddings, birthdays and other special occasions, with subtypes known as Aada and Khada Nach. The Malwa region of central India has a rich tradition of women's pot-balancing dances (compare the Rajasthani Bhavai and Gujarati Tippani), with the matki form being the Madhya Pradesh branch of the broader central Indian pot-balancing dance family.
Matki dance is performed by women, usually solo, who balance a small earthen pot on the head while dancing to the beat of the dhol drum. The dancer wears a sari or lehenga with heavy jewellery and a veil over the face, and moves in a circular pattern as the pot is balanced. The dance requires both poise and a sense of rhythm — the slightest misstep would break the balance. Subtypes include Aada and Khada Nach. The matki dance is performed at weddings, birthdays, naming ceremonies and at women's festival gatherings in the Malwa region.
A women's pot-balancing dance of the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh — solo performers balance an earthen pot on the head while dancing to the dhol.
From discovery to practice
Experience it
Want to watch Matki Dance performed live? Tell us when and where you'd like to experience it, and we'll confirm the details.
Bring it to your event
Every performer WRIKSH connects you with has been personally verified. Tell us the occasion — a community celebration, a college festival, a government program — and we'll find the right group.
Explore further
Hire performers of Matki Dance for your event
