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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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