Demon dance or Chhambha is a popular dance form of the Kinnaur region of
Himachal Pradesh. This dance is reminiscent of the pre-historic period. It portrays the attack of the demons on the crops and the ritual chasing away of these demons by the forces of good.
The dancers wear demon costumes and masks numbering three, five, seven or nine. During the performance, the men and women hold their hands. All the dancers follow the foot steps of Ghure, the leader. In certain circumstances, men and women perform separately.
Demon Dance is usually played in the densely populated area, and is primarily played during the local festivals such as Chaitol and Bishu. It is similar to Bhangra, a Punjabi folk dance.
