Bhangra
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A vigorous harvest dance of Punjabi men, danced to the dhol with high jumps, shoulder shrugs and raised arms, especially at Baisakhi.
FolkWhere: PunjabOccasion: Baisakhi (harvest of wheat), weddings, fairs and celebrations
| Performed by | Traditionally men, in a circle or in rows; today men and women both dance it |
|---|---|
| Costume | Colourful kurta, a tehmat or lungi tied at the waist, a turban with a fan-shaped turla, and a waistcoat |
| Music and instruments | Dhol beaten with two sticks; also chimta, algoza, tumbi and sapp; boliyan (couplets) sung between rounds |
How it is performed
- The dhol player stands in the centre and sets a strong, steady beat.
- Dancers move in a circle, lifting their arms high and shrugging their shoulders on each beat.
- One dancer steps forward and sings a boli (a short couplet), and the group answers with a shout of 'Balle balle!' or 'Hoi!'.
- The tempo rises; dancers hop on one leg, kick and leap, often acting out farm work such as sowing and harvesting.
- Wooden props such as the sapp (a folding 'scissor' clapper) and khunda (a staff) are swung in time with the drum.
Significance
Bhangra began as a celebration by farmers when the wheat crop was ready at Baisakhi. It has become the best-known symbol of Punjabi joy and is danced at weddings and festivals across India and the world.