Dalkhai is the most popular folk dance of Orissa; it is highly popular in the western parts of the state. It is performed on numerous occasions like Bhaijiuntia, Phagun Punei, and Nuakhai etc.

Performance—Dalkhai is mostly performed by young women of Orissa in which men join them as drummers and musicians. The dance is accompanied by a rich orchestra of folk music played by a number of instruments known as Dholl, Nisan, Tamki (a tiny one sided drum 6 inch in diameter played by two sticks), Tasa (a one sided drum) and Mahuri. The Dholl player controls the tempo while dancing in front of the girls.