Dandiya, often performed with colourful sticks during the festival of Navratri, is a traditional folk dance of which Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
This question targets knowledge of Indian folk dances and their regional identities. Dandiya is a very popular group dance performed with decorated sticks, and it has gained national and international recognition due to Navratri celebrations and cultural events. Being able to link Dandiya with the correct home state is essential in general knowledge, culture, and tourism related questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The dance mentioned is Dandiya, performed with colourful sticks.
- The festival context is Navratri, when the dance is widely performed.
- The states listed in the options are Haryana, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan.
- The question asks which state Dandiya is traditionally associated with.

Concept / Approach:
Dandiya Raas is a folk dance from the state of Gujarat. It is closely related to Garba and is popular in Gujarati communities across the world. While other states also celebrate Navratri in different ways, the stick dance form that people recognise as Dandiya comes from Gujarat. The approach is to recall that many Navratri dance events in Indian cities and abroad are promoted specifically as Garba and Dandiya nights, celebrating Gujarati culture.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the keyword Dandiya and connect it to Navratri celebrations. Step 2: Recall that Dandiya Raas and Garba are folk dance forms from Gujarat. Step 3: Look at the options and locate Gujarat among them. Step 4: Recognise that Haryana and Punjab are more associated with Bhangra and Giddha, while Rajasthan has Ghoomar and other dances. Step 5: Select Gujarat as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify, think about media coverage of Navratri events, which often highlight Gujarati customs, dress, and music. Flyers and advertisements for Dandiya nights frequently mention Gujarati themes, showing that the dance is part of Gujarat folk culture. Cultural encyclopedias and tourism websites also classify Dandiya under the folk dances of Gujarat, providing clear confirmation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Haryana: Known for folk dances like Jhumar and Phag, not for Dandiya.
Punjab: Famous for Bhangra and Giddha, which are different in style and rhythm from Dandiya.
Rajasthan: Home to folk dances such as Ghoomar, Kalbelia, and others, but Dandiya is not originally from here.

Common Pitfalls:
Since many Indian cities host Dandiya functions during Navratri, some students may mistakenly think it is a pan Indian dance with no specific regional origin. Others may confuse it with other stick dances. To avoid this, remember that while the dance is now popular everywhere, its roots are firmly in Gujarati culture and traditions, which is why exams link Dandiya directly to Gujarat.

Final Answer:
Dandiya is a traditional folk dance of the state of Gujarat.