Punjabi Traditions
Information, advice and resources about Punjabi culture and traditions
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Information, advice and resources about Punjabi culture and traditions
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Bhangra is a traditional folk dance in Punjab usually performed during ‘Baisakhi,’ the end of harvesting season. Initially it was just a dance of the rural folk to celebrate the harvest, but it is now performed on all social occasions like weddings and other celebrations.
In a typical Bhangra, the singers dance around a drummer with rigorous body movements. It is a male folk dance and the women perform the same dance called Giddha.The main instrument used in Bhangra is the barrel shaped drum called Dhol. Other instruments include Tumbi, Sarangi and Flute.
The men wear ‘Kurtha,’a long loose shirt and ‘Chaadra,’a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist. The Groups start with slow movements initially and as the spirit increases, the hands, feet and the whole body move rapidly with the rhythm of music. Today Bhangra is not a traditional dance but it has crossed boundaries.
It is widely performed during Indian cultural fairs and festivals taking part in other parts of the world. It is otherwise called as ‘Hip Hop’ of India as the body movements almost equal the Hip Hop of America.