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| Folk
Dances |
Bhangra : 
Originated in the Western Punjab, Bhangra reflects
the vigour and the cheerfulness infused among the
rural folk by the promise of a bumper crop. The
Bhangra season starts with the wheat sowing. On
every full moon day young men, in every village,
dance for hours in open fields. The dancers move
around the 'dhol' drummer in a circle. As the tempo
increases, their hands, their feet and their whole
bodies comes into action. They whirl round and round
bending and straightening their bodies alternatively,
hopping on one leg, raising their hands and clapping
with their handkerchiefs. Colourful clothes comprised
of the flowing turbans, chadra (covering for the
lower body) and long kurtas (shirts) and waistcoats
make this a very attractive dance to watch. The
Bhangra season concludes with the Baisakhi fair
when the wheat is harvested.
Though originally a harvest dance, now a days, Bangra
is performed during the festival of Baisakhi, family
occasions, get-togethers and many other happy occasions.
Many believe that the Bhangra dancer needs an inborn
sense of rhythm; it cannot be acquired.
Giddha : Giddha is a very
vigorous folk dance of the women of Punjab performed
during family and festive occasions. It has almost
the same intensity as Bhangra. In Giddha, women
translate bolian-verses (light-hearted satirical
verse) into gestures. The folk poetry satirizes
politics, the in-laws, loneliness of a young bride,
evils of society and almost any other subject. The
dance rhythm is set by the dhols and the distinctive
hand claps of the dancers. So quick is the movement
of the feet as the tempo rises that it is difficult
for the spectator even to wink till the tempo falls
again. The embroidered 'duppattas' and heavy jewellery
of the participants further exaggerate the movements.
Jhumar : Jhumar, originally
from Sandalbar (now in Pakistan), has become very
much a part of Punjab's folk heritage. It is a graceful
dance based on a Jhumar rhythm. Dancers circle around
the drummer and sing graceful lyrics as they dance.
The Jhumar is a dance of ecstasy and a testimony
of the happiness of men. Jhumar is performed in
every occasion especially during Melas, weddings
and other major functions and celebrations. Performed
exclusively by men, the dance recreates and enacts
all the functions of daily life.
Luddi:
Luddi is a male dance of Punjab to celebrate a victory
in any field. Luddi is performed with the drummer
in the center and its costumes are simple. Only
a loose shirt (kurta) and a loincloth are used.
Some tie turbans, others tie a Patkas, which resumbles
a scarf across the forehead. The performers place
one hand at the back and the other before the face
copying the movement of a snake.
Kikli : Kikli is generally
popular with the younger girls. It is more of a
sport than a dance. The girls form pairs, crossing
their arms, hold each other`s hands and whirl around
singing folk songs. The movements gets faster and
faster, the upper part of the body bends backward
and the arms remain fully stretched. the spinning
gathers momentum and goes on till they are exhausted.
Even though they move very fast, they maintain the
rhythm and keep singing various songs about various
incidents connected with daily life.
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