Giddha
AI-drafted · awaiting admin review
The women's folk dance of Punjab, danced in a circle to clapping and witty boliyan, with each woman stepping into the centre in turn.
FolkWhere: PunjabOccasion: Teeyan (the monsoon festival of Sawan), weddings, Lohri and other celebrations
| Performed by | Women and girls |
|---|---|
| Costume | Bright salwar-kameez or ghagra with a phulkari dupatta, jewellery such as jhumkas and parandi (tasselled braid ornaments) |
| Music and instruments | Rhythmic clapping, the dholki, and boliyan sung by the group |
How it is performed
- Women stand in a circle and clap to a steady rhythm while a dholki keeps time.
- One woman sings a boli, a short and often teasing couplet about family life, in-laws or love.
- The circle repeats the last line while two or three dancers move into the centre.
- The dancers act out the words with gestures of the hands, face and shoulders.
- They return to the circle and the next pair steps in, so everyone gets a turn.
Significance
Giddha gives women a space to sing, joke and comment on everyday life. It is closely linked to Teeyan, when married daughters return to their parents' homes during the monsoon.