Concepts of Folk Music and dances in Madhya Pradesh originated in various tribal communities as religous fervour ,fear of natural power which people regarded as the supernatural, for the purpose of expelling natural disasters, sickness and so on. Development of folk music and dance In the course of time, a dancing form was developed and varied from each other according to regional and local traditions.

Karma folk dance

Folk dance, folk songs and folk music play vital role in the culture life of Gonds of Mandla. It is through music and dance that they keep themselves occupied in the evenings. Folk music and dance give expression to their innermost feelings, their joys and sorrows, their natural affections and ideals, their appreciation of beauty of nature and war.Every season and every socio-religious ceremony has specific songs. On the occasions of their important religious festivals and marriages, they are found dancing and singing whole day and night. Both the sexes take active part in singing and dancing.Folk dance of Gonds are popularly called as 'Karma'. 'Karma' is the name of the plant commonly grown in that area. Before beginning the ceremonial dance a stem of the plant called 'Karam Kalla' is buried in the ground and the dancing troupe dance around this plant. Another interpretation of 'Karma' given by the local inhabitants, refer to the symbolic meaning attached to 'Kar' which means hand and 'ma' means to me. Thus, Karma is to "give your hand to me and dance", as the movements in the dance involve holding of hands. This interpretation of Karma appears quite logical.