The popular folk dance performed with decorated sticks during festivals and strongly associated with the state of Gujarat is known by which name?

Introduction / Context:
Folk dances of different Indian states are a staple topic in culture related MCQs. Gujarat is especially famous for its colourful Navratri celebrations featuring Garba and Dandiya. This question focuses on the stick dance form popularly associated with Gujarat, where dancers perform energetic steps in circles while striking decorated sticks in rhythm. Recognising that this is called Dandiya Raas helps you quickly answer many state culture questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The dance is described as a popular folk form of Gujarat.
• It is performed with decorated sticks during festivals.
• The options are Dandiya Raas, Kathak, Kuchipudi, and none of these.
• We assume familiarity with basic state dance mappings.

Concept / Approach:
The concept is state folk dance identification. Gujarat is known for Garba and Dandiya, while Kathak is a classical dance identified with north India, especially Uttar Pradesh, and Kuchipudi is a classical dance from Andhra Pradesh. The key feature here is the use of sticks in a group dance, which directly points to Dandiya Raas. By matching these characteristics with your cultural knowledge, you can select the right option.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the question talks about a popular folk dance of Gujarat. Step 2: Recall that Gujarat is famous for Garba and Dandiya during Navratri. Step 3: Pay attention to the clue that the dance uses decorated sticks. Step 4: Remember that Dandiya Raas is specifically a stick dance where participants strike sticks in rhythm. Step 5: Recognise that Kathak and Kuchipudi are classical dances from other regions. Step 6: Choose Dandiya Raas as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this by thinking of typical Navratri images where people in Gujarat and elsewhere dance in pairs or circles, each holding two sticks. Those events are commonly advertised as Dandiya nights. Reading introductory culture notes also confirms that Dandiya Raas and Garba are the main folk dances of Gujarat, with Dandiya specifically emphasising sticks. This cross check ensures that Dandiya Raas is the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Kathak is incorrect because it is a classical dance form associated mainly with north India and is performed without sticks. Kuchipudi is a classical dance of Andhra Pradesh and does not match the folk stick dance description. None of these is wrong because there is a clearly correct folk dance name provided among the options. These distractors test whether the candidate can distinguish classical forms from state specific folk traditions.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners mistakenly think of Garba and forget the specific term Dandiya, especially when the clue about sticks is given. Others mix up classical and folk dances and may pick Kathak simply because it is a familiar term. To avoid these problems, remember that Garba usually involves clapping and circular movements, whereas Dandiya Raas stresses the use of sticks. Both belong to Gujarat, but only Dandiya fits the exact wording of this question.

Final Answer:
The popular stick dance associated with Gujarat is Dandiya Raas.