Varsha PandeyFolk Dances of Punjab are a clear depiction of the strength and exuberance of the colorful young people of Punjab.
Punjab is a completely wealthy nation in phrases of the sort and range of people dances located here.
It has many exclusive forms of people’s dances, of which Bhangra and Giddha are the maximum well-known and popular.
These days, an excellent factor now no longer to miss, many non-Punjabis also are becoming a member of the spirit and a laugh of the people’s dances of Punjab, as you every so often sees a European, African, or Chinese face in diverse Bhangra competitions.
These non-Punjabis have virtually made Punjabi dance part of their neighborhood culture.
The zeal and zeal of the human beings of Punjab are strongly displayed in their people’s dances.
The movements are complete with expression, gestures, vocal comments, subtleties of movement, and uninterrupted freedom.
It’s a dance from the heart.
Accompanied with the aid of using the beat of the dhol or some other device of people’s music, the lively toes of the human beings of Punjab instinctively bow to prohibition and provide an upward push to a people’s dance.
an expression of the triumphant spirit.
An explosion of emotions, an unexpected launch of strength.
The people’s dance of Punjab is replete with overseas influences.
It is best in Punjab where there may be no not unusual place to dance for guys and ladies.
Folk Dance of Punjab
Below is a listing of all of the maximum well-known people’s dances of Punjab:
Bhangra Folk Dances of Punjab
Originally, Punjabis achieved Bhangra to rejoice in the fulfillment of the harvest.
Now human beings carry out Bhangra at wedding ceremonies parties, receptions, birthdays, competitions, and different glad occasions.
Many farmers, engineers, teachers, store proprietors, and different kinds of human beings carry out Bhangra on the day of Baisakhi on the thirteenth of April.
In the villages, observed with the aid of using large drums, known as dhol, human beings pass spherical and spherical and burst into laughter.
People of all kinds of social instructions carry out Bhangra together.
Even the elders every so often part of the young people to rejoice and dance the Bhangra.
More about Bhangra
Bhangra is Punjab’s traditional and most popular folk dance.
It is a form of folk dance and folk music that originated in the Majha region of Punjab.
This dance form is extremely energetic and lively.
It is commonly performed by Punjabi farmers during the Vaisakhi season when they celebrate the harvest.
In most cases, this was done while the farmers were farming.
They would do the Bhangra on the spot as they carried out each task and did their farming activity so that, they could finish their jobs and chores in a pleasurable and fun way.
Once they harvested their wheat crops, they used to attend cultural festivals and perform Bhangra to demonstrate and exhibit a sense of accomplishment and also to welcome the new harvesting season.
The dance form represents the liveliness and the enthusiasm of the people and it involves both men and women, dancing to the fast and rapid beats of the drum and music.
The History and Origin of Bhangra
Although the origins of the traditional folk dance form, Bhangra are tentative and uncertain, it is said to have originated in the 14th or 15th century by Punjabi farmers to celebrate the harvesting season.
However, the folk dance of Majha originated in Sialkot, Pakistan.
Historical records from the late 1800s show the first mention of bhangra as a dance.
The current style of the Bhangra dance form was formed in the 1940s and has evolved ever since.
Bhangra uses the dhol instrument which provides loud beats and rhythms.
A set of short texts describe scenes or stories from Punjab to Bolyan.
These lyrics are usually based on themes of love, strength, patriotism, and celebration.
Bhangra started to gain popularity worldwide in the mid-20th century and it emerged as a regular element of celebrations like weddings, functions, birthday parties, local events, etc.
The folk dance spread beyond Punjab and is now performed mostly at all the celebrations and is also included in popular music and DJs, competitions, school dance programs, and even exercise.
In 1953, the Maharaja of Patiala requested a stage performance of Bhangra and he patronized it.
This is how, the 1950s saw the growth of the free form of traditional Bhangra in Punjab, India.
Bhangra has been established all over the world and is performed by both men and women.
It takes place mainly in the Punjabi culture and people nowadays tend to perform and exhibit it as a source of joy and entertainment at weddings, functions, events, parties, and all types of celebrations.
Many people turn to bhangra as a source of exercise as it is ideal for those who want to stay fit and have fun.
Tools of Bhangra
Dhol
Dhol is the most famous instrument of Bhangra.
It is a double-ended barrel drum and creates beats that Bhangra dances to.
A dholi is a person who plays the dhol.
The dhol is usually played with two sticks made of wood or bamboo.
Thicker sticks known as dagga are used to play the bass side, while thinner sticks known as tillys are used to play higher frequencies.
Algose
The Algose is two wooden flutes played simultaneously by the artist with three fingers on either side.
The music produced is more rhythmic than melodic.
A small stringed instrument, the tumbi consists of a small wooden stick attached to a gourd-shaped hollow shell to produce sound.
It has a single string that is constantly plucked to create rhythm.
Chimta
Chimta is like a pair of large metal claws.
Bells are attached to either side of the tongs and ring loudly when they bump into each other.
The person playing the chimta may be accompanied by another instrumentalist or may dance with other dancers while playing the instrument.
Dhad
Traditional drums from India-Dhad
Giddha Folk Dances of Punjab
It is the maximum well-known people’s dance in Punjab for ladies.
Giddha or ring dance is just as energetic as Bhangra.
The dance manages to creatively display feminine grace, elegance, and flexibility.
As a very colorful dance, many countries prefer to do this dance.
this dance is gaining popularity in other countries as well.
Females dance perform this dance at festivals and social occasions.
In Giddha, ladies carry out verses known as Bolis, people’s poetry, and dance.
The concern count number of those dialects consists of the entirety from debates with father-in-regulation to political matters.
The rhythm of the dance is decided with the aid of using the drums and the unique clap of the dancers.
Nowadays human beings partner Giddha with Bhangra.
Dress
Women wear short shirts with ghagra.
The dress is in a bright color like yellow, orange, red, green, etc.
jewelry is too heavy.
The Giddha dance attire is incomplete without a tikka on the forehead.
Jhumar Folk Dances of Punjab
Originally from Sandalbar (now in Pakistan), this dance is part of the people’s background of Punjab.
It is a stunning dance primarily based totally on Jhumar Taal.
The dancers flow across the drummer and sing stunning songs at the same time as dancing.
Jhumer Dance is for its passion and enthusiasm.
Jhoomer was introduced in Balochistan and Multan region.
The dance is a slow, rhythmic, and tone emotional song.
Jhumar is from the word “Jhoomer” which means to walk slowly.
Performances usually focus on love and other emotions.
Sometimes known as the “Ecstasy Move”, the dance recreates the movements of animals, plowing fields, sowing seeds, harvesting, and other such activities.
On the occasion of a wedding, a dance is usually done.
So, dance is a living example of happiness.
Luddi Folk Dances of Punjab
It is a victory dance in which human beings make unique actions in their heads.
However, there is no gender discrimination as they had a good time around this time.
it is just enjoyable dance.
The get dressed is an easy free shirt.
So to prove that there are no hard and fast rules.
The dancers placed one hand on their return and the alternative hand in front of their faces.
The motion of the frame is sort of a sinner, a snake. There is likewise a drummer in the middle of the dance.
Luddi is performed by males and is a subpart of the Bhangra Dance.
Which is identified by the shaking of the head. The dancers place one hand behind and the other in front of the face; The movement of the body is like that of a snake.
A Head movement is a vital part of the dance. The dance outfit consists of a loose shirt and a lame. Most of the dancers wear turbans, while others wear a patka, which resembles a handkerchief tied around the forehead.
Gatka
Also the Gatka dance, it’s miles a dance of celebration.
Two guys, every protecting colorful stick, dance around every different to the beat of the drums and faucet their sticks together.
This dance is frequently part of marriage ceremonies.
Gatka is a Sikh martial artwork wherein dancers use swords, sticks, and daggers.
People agree that Guru Hargobind Sahib commenced the artwork of Gatka after the martyrdom of Arjan Dev, the 5th Guru of the Sikhs.
Wherever there may be a huge Khalsa Sikh population, there may be Gatka members, which might also additionally consist of small youngsters and adults.
These members typically carry out Gatka on unique vacations like Baisakhi and Gurparv.
It is spiritual as well as physical exercise.
During learning this dance both aspects of the person are developed to a high level.
Julie
Muslim saints known as Pir carry out this dance.
Generally, they dance in their ashrams (khangas).
People take a seat down and dance.
Sometimes they dance across the grave of the Guru.
Usually, the dancer wears black.
This dance is usually executed in a sitting position, with the setting of the toes.
Even a single dancer can perform this dance.
The dancer holds a thick stick in her hand and dances around it.
The dancer usually wears a black dress and covers his head with a black scarf.
At times, even dancers, like the bhangra dancers of the past, wear jingling bells around their waists.
Sammi
Traditionally, ladies from the Sandalbar region, now in Pakistan, carry out Sammi.
The dance origins from tribal groups of Punjab.
The dancers put on brilliantly colored kurtas and complete flowing skirts known as langs.
A unique silver hair decoration is related to this dance.
Dancers stand in a ring and swing their hands up from the sides and right in front.
Dhamali
Like Bhangra, guys dance in a circle.
Dhamal is a subtype of Punjabi Bhangra Dance where a group of people comes in a circle and dances in dhol beet which looks quite attractive.
This type of folk dance also needs a lot of energy.
Dance is an adaptation of sequences in the Mahabharat like saving Draupadi by Lord Krishna, Pandavas exile and many more.
Jago
Jago actually manner woke up.
When the marriage takes area withinside the house, the women dance and sing Jagoo songs withinside the streets of the village wearing (gaggers) adorned with lit candles.
The songs are social and typically a touch of teasing, frequently aimed toward elders, accompanies the lyrics.
Kikli
Kikli is a traditional folk dance originating from the Punjab region, which is shared by both India and Pakistan.
It is primarily by women and is often a celebratory dance form.
Kikli is typically in pairs, with two women holding each other’s hands and spinning in circles, forming a human wheel.
The dancers often also wear vibrant traditional Punjabi attire, including colorful dresses known as salwar kameez.
During the Kikli dance, the pairs of women rotate and spin rapidly, maintaining their balance and synchronizing their movements.
Sometimes, the dancers also sing traditional folk songs while performing the dance.
The energy and joyous spirit of the dance make it a lively and entertaining spectacle.
Kikli is commonly performed during weddings, festivals, and other festive occasions in Punjab.
It is not only a form of entertainment but also a way for women to celebrate and express their joy and camaraderie females perform this dance by holding hands and twirling each other in a circle.
They move their arms, every different’s fingers and stroll round making a song peoples songs.
Sometimes 4 women part of fingers to carry out this dance.
Lots of energy needs in this dance.
Malawi Giddha
Malawi is a popular folk dance by men.
It often performs in the district of Bathinda, Muktsar, Ferozpur, Faridkot, Mansa, Sangrur, and Patiala.
This type of folk dance also needs quite an of lot energy.
In the older days, Old Males perform this dance but nowadays younger one is also doing the dance.
Teasing other people in folk poetry.
However, dance is the origin of the Malwa region.
Karthi
It is also a folk dance of Punjab.
male and female both perform this dance.
The dance is during the harvest period.
Females sing traditional songs later males join them.
By holding hands they form a circle.
The song is related to battles, victory, break up, or the union of love birds.
The rhyme and tone song is slow in comparison to other dances.
Jindua
It means ” the love of life”.
While performing dance both male and female dancers show their love.
The dance shows the bonding of each other.
Daankara
Only male dancers perform this dance.
This dance is gender specific.
Male Dancers dance in groups and revolve around the drum or the dhol players.
Khichan
The dance is by male dancers.
Conclusion
It’s in the jungles of Punjab where the first rays of civilization appeared.
So, Punjab is the motherland of dances.
Punjabi flok dance is so rich and so versatile that even the common man feels its charm.
