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History Of Bhangra Dance
History –
- Bhangra is a form of traditional folk dance of Punjab, originating in the Sialkot region of Punjab, Pakistan. This is done during the harvesting season. According to Manuel (2001), Bhangra is particularly associated with the Vasant Vaisakhi festival.
- In a typical performance, several dancers execute vigorous kicks, jumps and body tilts – often upward, accompanied by vigorous arm or shoulder movements – to the accompaniment of short songs called bolis and, most importantly, a drum. To the beat of -headed drum).
- Struck with a heavy beater on one end and a light stick on the other, the dhol fills the music with a syncopated swinging rhythmic character that remains the hallmark of Bhangra music in general.
During Harvest Season
- Bhangra was mainly performed by Punjabi farmers during the harvesting season. It was mainly done when the farmers were doing agricultural work.
- As he used to perform each and every farming activity, he used to perform Bhangra on the spot. This helped him to complete his work in a pleasant manner.
- After harvesting their wheat crop during the Baisakhi season, people used to participate in cultural festivities by performing Bhangra dance. For many years, farmers performed bhangra to show a sense of accomplishment and to welcome the new harvest season.
Traditional Bhangra Folk Dance of Majha
- The origins of traditional Bhangra are speculative. According to Dhillon (1998), Bhangra is related to the Punjabi dance ‘Baga’, a martial dance from Punjab. However, the folk dance of Bhangra originated in the Sialkot district of Majha.
- The traditional form of Bhangra dance was considered the standard in the villages of Sialkot district. The community form of traditional Bhangra has been maintained in the Gurdaspur district of India, and has been maintained by those who have settled in Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India.
- Traditional Bhangra is performed in a circle and is performed using traditional dance steps.
- Traditional Bhangra is now performed on occasions other than the harvest season. According to Ganahar (1975), Bhangra originated in Sialkot, Majha, which shares high affinity with Jammu, which makes it a part of Jammu’s heritage, danced on Baisakhi.
- Other Punjabi folk dances like Gidda and Luddi have also been a legacy of Jammu. When people dance like this, the influence of Punjabi language can be seen. Jammu falls within the Punjab region and shares a connection with Punjab.
