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Bhangra:-
Bhangra celebrates the harvest
and is associated with the festival of Baisakhi (April 13) when the
sight of tall heaps of golden wheat fill the farmer’s heart with joy. To
the accompaniment of large drums called dhols, he and his fellow
villagers circle round and round in a leaping, laughing caper. It’s a
dance that cuts across all divisions of class and education. At
marriages, parties, or celebrations of any sort, it is quite common for
men to break out in Bhangra. There are few sights more cheering than
that of a dignified elder in three-piece suit getting up to join the
young fellows for a moment of bhangra revelry.
Gidda
Women have a different but no
less exuberant dance called gidda. The dancers enact verses called bolis, which represent folk poetry at its best. The subject matter of
these bolis is wide ranging indeed – everything from arguments with the
sister-in-law to political affairs figure in these lively songs. Aside
from the drums, the rhythm of this dance is set by the distinctive
hand-claps of the dancers.
Jhumar
This dance has originally come from Sandalbar (now in Pakistan),
but is now very much a part of Punjab folk heritage. It is a dance of
graceful gait, based on specific Jhumar rhythm. Dancers circle around
the drummer, and keep up a soft, sibilant chorus as they
dance.
Luddi
Luddi is a victory-dance recognisable by the swaying movements
of the head. Its costume is a simple loose shirt. The performers place
one hand at the back and the other before the face; the body movement is
sinuous, snake-like. This is also danced with the drummer in the centre.
Julli
This dance associated with Muslim holymen called pirs and
is generally danced in their hermitages (khangahs). This dance is mostly
performed in sitting posture, sometimes it is also danced around the
grave of a preceptor. A single dancer can also perform this dance.
Normally the dancer wears black.
Dankara
Also called the gaatka dance, this is a dance of
celebration. Two men, each holding colourful staves, dance round each
other and tap their sticks together in rhythm with the drums. This dance
is often part of marriage celebrations.
Dhamal
Similar to bhangra and is danced by men in a circle.
Sammi
Traditionally by women of the Sandalbar region, now in Pakistan. The
dancers are dressed in bright coloured kurtas and full flowing skirts
called lehengas. A peculiar silver hair ornament is associated with this
dance.
Jaago
Literally, "wake up!" When there’s a marriage in the house, girls
dance through the village streets carrying a pot (gaggar)
decorated with lightened candles and singing jaagu songs. The
theme of song in the ‘Jago’ is social and typically a bit of teasing
(often aimed at elders) goes with the song.
Kikli
This dance is performed by women in pairs. They cross their arms,
hold each other’s hands and whirl around singing folk songs. Sometimes
four girls join hands to perform this dance.
Gatka
Martial art of Nihang
Singhs.
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