Abstract

Punjab is famous for its Literature, Language and culture. Punjab, a land synonym with vibrant culture, Rich history, agricultural purpose and diverse & lively tradition of music and dance. Punjabi folk dances, hold immense cultural significance, religious, socialization, emotions, values & sense of community. These art forms are carried immense of cultural and spiritual significance of Punjab, not only for entertainment purpose. In Punjab, there are so many famous Punjabi folk and traditional dances like Bhangra, Gidha, Jhumar, Kikli, Sammi, Malwai Gidha, Luddi, Jaggo etc. All dances form is performed at the end of harvesting season of Punjab region. The study also examines the gender dynamics reflected in these dances. This paper highlights a comprehensive analysis of the cultural significance of dances with description, origin, its music and attire also.

Keywords: Punjab, Folk, Culture, Dance, Heritage

Introduction:

Punjab, derived from the Persian words Panj (five) and abh (rivers), the land of five rivers- Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej. Punjab was home of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, the Indus Valley civilization. After the Indus valley civilization, the Aryans settled in Punjab and introduce Vedic culture (1500 BCE- 1300 BCE). Punjab is also witnessed the birth of Sikhism in the 15th century with Guru Nanak Dev ji. Over the time, Sikhism became not only a religious but also a political force. The language of the state is Punjabi and written in Gurmukhi (India) and Shahmukhi (Pakistan)¹. Punjab and Punjab’s people are always been closely to their land, and the cycle of season of sowing and harvesting were accompanied by celebrations that included their culture. In Punjab, dances were performed the end of the harvest season, express regards to the gods and seeking blessing for the future.

There are many dance forms were performed in Punjab like, Bhangra, Gidha, Jhumar, Luddi, Kikali, Sammi, Luddi etc. such as Bhangra and Jhumar, were performed by men during the vaishaki festival, which is the beginning of the Harvest Season. These dances were performed by former and their labours. On the other hand, women also performed more rhythmic and energetic forms of dances like, Gidha, Kikli and Sammi. These forms were also involved various movements and energetic steps.

BHANGRA:

Description- The vibrant and joyous traditional dance known as Bhangra originated in the Punjab region of both India and Pakistan. Over time, it has grown to become a universal phenomenon, capturing not only Punjabi culture but also the happiness, celebration and vibrancy². The original intention of this age- old dance was to honour the harvest, and during the Baisakhi celebration. The farming profession of Punjab have a deep connection to its origins. Bhangra is basically a vibrant, colourful and musical Art.

Origin- The origin of Bhangra can be identified back to several centuries to the agricultural and farming communities of Punjab region. Bhangra is basically performed by male farmers, to celebrate the arrival of the harvest, expressing and gratitude for a bountiful crop. The bhangra is said to be connect with wheat farm harvesting, which is a paramount importance in Punjab, known for its fertile land and agricultural productivity. The Baisakhi festival is typically occurring in April month, marks the zenith of the Harvest Season, and bhangra is typically part of the Baishaki Festival.

In its ancient form, bhangra was a rustic dance of Punjab region, performed to the beat of Dhol (a large, doubled side drum), and was characterized by vigorous movements that mimicked the activities of farmers, such as sowing and harvesting. The rhythms and beat of the Dhol, which were using in this dance form.

In present, bhangra began to be performed in more structured, choreographed settings, often during festivals, wedding, and community events. In the mid- 20th century, bhangra shifted from being a purely male-dominated dance to one that involves women as well as. This was a significant change, as traditional bhangra was mainly a male expression of strength and vitality. The biggest transformation in bhangra came with fusion and standardized with other musical genres. In the 1980s and 1990s, Punjabi immigrants in the United Kingdom began experimenting with bhangra music, involving with western musical elements like hip-hop, reggae and electronic dance music (EDM).

Music- The music that goes with Bhangra is as lively, vibrant, energetic as the dance itself. Traditionally, the Dhol is the main instrument, and its booming sound establishes the dace’s dynamic rhythm. Other instruments that are playing in Bhangra, includes Tumbi, Chimta, Algoza (a double flute), Bhugchu, Nagada etc. These instruments add more layers of melody and rhythmic, which enhancing the performance of bhangra. The music is often fast-paced, with beats that inspire dancers to move with strength and happiness. Vocals also play a crucial role, with traditional boliyaan- short, catchy lyrical couplets- being sung to praise nature, celebrating life and expressing joy. There are many boliyan used in bhangra and were performed in live with dhol and others instruments. Like: –

Asi Gabru Kanthiya wale Asi Gabru

Gabru Kanthiya Wale, Chad de Na Bah Fadke Fadke…… Fadke

Tere Utte Dil Agyaein, Ni Sun Khadke…

In these lines (Boliyan), they mentioned that we are Punjabi boys, we are brave guy we’ll holding your hand without letting you go, listen… my heart fell on you.

Attire- Bhangra attire is bright, colourful and made to accentuate the dance’s exuberant movements. Although, the designs for men and women differ slightly, they both seek to highlight the vibrant, celebratory atmosphere of the represent and performance Punjab’s rich cultural. Traditionally, male dancers were wearing a kurta (a long shirt) with a chadar (scarf), pagri (turban) and a bright vest. The entire attire often decorated with ornaments or tassels. Female dancers wear a kameez (a long shirt over the knee) with salwar (trouser) or lehenga (skirt), accessorized with colourful dupattas (scarves) and some ornamentation jewelry.

Bhangra remains a lively and energetic performance or dance of Punjab region and it is reflecting the Spirit of Punjab’s culture, tradition, unity and harvesting heritage.

GIDHA:

Description- Gidha is performed by women of Punjab. It is very colourful and traditional Punjabi folk dance, which embodies the spirit of happiness festivity and cultural legacy. Gidha has its root in Punjab’s rural lifestyle. Gidha is characterized by its vivacious motions, rhythmic clapping, beats and passionate singing of boliyan, which are little poems with a light-hearted or fun tone.

Origin- Gidha, a vibrant and expressive folk dance of Punjabi people. It was originated from the cultural traditions of the rural Punjabi community. It is mainly performed by women and is deeply rooted in the agrarian and celebratory daily routine of Punjab, both in India as well as Pakistan also. Its origins can be found back centuries, as a part of Punjabi women’s way of celebrating festivals, family occasions and significant life moments. Punjab has been predominantly an agrarian region, where festivals like Baisakhi (the harvest festival). Traditionally, Gidha provided Punjabi women with a platform to express their emotions, share anecdotes, and even comment on social issues. The accompanying songs, known as boliyan, are witty, satirical, or humorous, focusing on everyday life, family dynamics and marriage. This is blend of humor and storytelling is identity of Gidha. Gidha’s distinctive style includes dancing in a circle, with women clapping in rhythm and perform in the Centre. This format allowed for both group and individual expression.

Music- The boliyan sung during Gidha are passed down orally through generations to generations, helping to preserving the folk wisdom and cultural stories of Punjab region. These songs are composed of short stories, life, love, and family relationship, often its playful and teasing manner. These short stories (Boliyan) are performed with Punjabi folk instruments like, Dholaki, Gadha (made by soil), harmonium etc. These instruments only for Rhythmic, beat and Notes. The wording of boliyan is connected with comedy purpose and teasing manner also. Boliyan are like,

Aari aari aari,

Akh teri vich rakhdi, kund kad di sharam di maari, O ladduon nu tu pattdi, o teri tohr pateya patwari, Moh layi phul wargi, saare pind cho majajan bhari, Huali hauli sang khul ju, aaje sajri mala jedari, Chad meri baah mitra, kadan payi phulkari,

Phulkari…

Which means, she means although she has a kund (veil) because she feels shy, she is looking at him through the kund (veil). In next line he says she has impressed him by her laddo (Punjabi sweet) and with her attitude, she says u have also impressed the most beautiful girl of the village (phul wargi majajan – girl like flower). After this he says, you will open slowly slowly (shyness will gone very soon), means slowly the shyness will fade away because for now its new love bonding. At the last she requesting him to leave her hand with shyness.

Attire- Gidha is a vibrant traditional dance from the Punjab region of india and pkistan. Gidha is typically performed by women during festivals and celebrations. The attire of Gidha reflects energetic spirit and vibrant culture of Punjab. They wear kameez (a long, vibrant coloured shirt with embroidery) and salwar (trousers, pleated pants tied at the waist, matching with kameez) with Dupatta (scarf, a long flowing dupatta is draped around the neck or over the head) or Phulkari (means, “flower work” is a hand- embroidered fabric draped over the shoulders like dupatta). They wore accessories also like Paranda (a colourful tassel braided into the hair), Jhumkas (earring), Tikkas (forehead jewelry), churiyan (bungles), Nath (nose ring) and footwear like Jutti (traditional Punjabi footwear).

The overall attire is designed to enhance the grace and beauty of the dancers, who performed Gidha. The all attire involves a lot of expressive movements and all.

JHUMAR:

Description- Jhumar is a lively and graceful traditional dance originating from the Punjab region, traditionally performed by men of the same region. It is closely associated with harvest heritage celebration, Vaisakhi, and is characterized by gentle, flowing movements symbolizing joy and harmony. Over the time, women have also adopted jhumar, adding more expression and variations for the aesthetics of jhumar dance.

Origin- The Jhumar traces its originated rooted to the Punjab region of the Indian continent, including the areas of India and Pakistan. The word “Jhumar” is derived from ‘jhoom’, meaning to swing, which means it is reflecting the dance’s gentle, rhythmic swaying movements. Traditionally jhumar was performed by men of the region. It is associated with harvest celebration and festival gathering, it is reflecting the joy and contentment of rural life of the Punjab region. It holds deep cultural significance, embodying the emotions of unity, gratitude, and happiness that come with the season of harvesting. Jhumar has agricultural rooted dance. Jhumar is generally started by standing upright with feet slightly apart, then swaying your body gently from side to side. Raise your arm alternately, forming fluid movements, as if swaying with the rhythm. Take small steps forward in a slow movement, with the feet tapping the ground with beat.

Music- The music of Jhumar dance plays a vital role in setting its beat, energy and tone also. Traditionally, folk instruments and songs accompanist with the Jhumar, which reflect the rural and cultural essence of Punjab. the music which is use for Jhumar is light, rhythmic and melodic also, matching the graceful, flowing nature of the dance. Folk instruments like, Dhol, Algoze, Chimta, Tumbi, Sarangi, Bansuri etc. are used in Jhumar dance. The song (boliyan) which were used with Jhumar is like:

Which means, they remembered you, they made snails in their feet. You had promised to come, they touched their feet and their hearts. A pair of black swans, we will pick up their feet and clothes. You keep looking at the front, we will dance and dance.

Attire- The attire of Jhumar, a traditional dance, is vibrant and the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. it emphasizes vibrant colours, intricate pattern and accessories that complement the lively movements of the dance. In Jhumar, men wearing Kurta (long shirt) with Tehmat or Lungi (a cloth, wrapped lower garment, tied in a way to allow free movement). They wore Pagg (turban) with Kaintha (Punjabi mala). women wearing salwar kameez or ghangra choli (a bright suit) with phulkari dupatta (shawl with traditional embroidery). They used some accessories also like Paranda, Jhumka (earing), tikka (forehead pendant) etc.

The attire reflects the lively spirit and festive nature of the dance, with its moves revolving around themes of celebration, love, and happiness.

KIKLI –

Description- Kikli is a vibrant and graceful folk dance performed primarily by women of Punjab region. Kikli, is known for its playful and rhythmic nature, it is often danced in pairs or groups, symbolizing joy and shared experience. Kikli is traditionally associated with young girls of Punjab, although it may also be performed on festivals, special occasions etc. kikli, is a beautiful expression of simplicity, energy and coordination and joyful spirit of rural Punjab.

Origin- The origins of kikli are deeply rooted in the rural cultural of Punjab, with historical links to the everyday lives of women and children. Kikli has been practiced for centuries as part of punjab’s oral and cultural traditions, passed through generations. Kikli likely began as a childhood game or playful dance among young girls in villages, offering a way to bond, socialize, and stay physically active. Unlike other dances of Punjab, which were associated with harvests- kikli emerged as a recreational pastime for girls and women. Kikli dance is free from ritualistic or agricultural significance. In the traditional patrical society of Punjab, spaces where women could express themselves freely were limited. Kikli provided an opportunity for self-expression and bonding within the private and social spaces allowed for women.

Music- The music accompanying kikli is relatively simple yet lively, reflecting the spontaneous and playful nature of the dance. Traditionally, the music for kikli comes from folk style songs known as boliyan- short, lyrical sung by participants. Kikli involves two dancers standing face-to-face, holding each other’s hands or interlocking arms. The participants then whirl around in a circular motion with synchronized footwork. The rapid spinning is accompanied by rhythmic steps, requiring both dancers to maintain perfect balance and coordination. As the dancer’s spin, the colourful dupattas worn by the dancers create mesmerizing patterns, adding visual appeal to the performance. The boliyan of kikli is same as Gidha. In other words, kikli is a part of Gidha.

Attire- The attire worn for Kikli reflects the colourful, traditional clothing of Punjab, enhancing the beauty and charm of the dance. although kikli is not associated with elaborate costumes like bhangra or gidha, the playfulness and simplicity of the dance are captured through traditional outfits. Here is the traditional attire of kikli, Salwar Kameez is the most common attire for kikli. It consists of a long tunic (kameez) paired with loose trousers (Salwar) with Phulkari and Dupatta (scarf), in ornaments they wear chooriyan (Bangles), Ghungroo (Ankle bells) and Jutti (footwear).

LUDDI –

Description- Luddi is also lively and expressive folk dance from Punjab, associated with joy, celebration and happiness. Traditionally performed by men, the dance marks important events like weddings, sports victories, or successful harvests. It is known for its vigorous movement and gestures, often imitating a sense of celebration after triumph. In Luddi dance, dancers often cup their hands behind their ears, imitating a hunter or someone trying to catch a sound. Luddi involves vigorous spinning, leaping and bending, with the dancers moving on beat. The dancers perform barefoot, enhancing their connection with the beat or rhythm and facial expressions play a key role in every dance as well as in Luddi also. Luddi is performed in group.

Origin- Luddi, originated from the Punjabi region of India and Pakistan. Is has roots in the celebratory customs of Punjabi culture and is closely tied to victory celebrations. While the exact historical date of its emergence is unclear, it evolved from traditions where communities came together to mark military triumphs, sports victories, or significant achievements with dances. Historically, Luddi was performed by villagers to celebrate the return of victorious soldiers from the battles or military. They were mimic the posture of soldiers scanning the horizon for returning troops or enemies⁴. Luddi, like other Punjabi folk dances, became associated with seasonal festivals and weddings, reinforcing its function as a communal dance performed during moments of joy and success. It shares similarities with other Punjabi folk dances like, Bhangra. After the partition of India in 1947, Punjabi folk dances like Luddi continued to thrive on both sides of the border, preserving shared traditions despite political changes.

Music- Luddi’s music, muck like other Punjabi folk traditions, is vibrant, energetic, and an essential part of the region’s cultural identity, blending rhythm, melody and community spirit seamlessly. The music associate with Luddi dance is upbeat, energetic, and reflective of Punjabi folk traditions. Bolyian is performed with some folk instruments like Dhol, Tumbi, Sarangi, Dholki etc. The word of song (Boliyan) is like:

They mentioned that, I am throwing Neils in Raavi River and I wish you will become patwari so I can watch you while you writing or doing your work.

Attire- Luddi is a traditional dance of Punjab, which is typically performed by men to celebrate their victory or success. The attire of Luddi dance is very vibrant, traditional and aesthetic. That attire reflects the tradition and cultural of Punjab. In Luddi, men wearing a kurta (a long shirt) with Tehmat or lungi with Pagg (turban) and Sadri (waistcoat). Handkerchief is a key prop of Luddi dance and Jutti (footwear) also.

The Luddi dance attire emphasizes freedom of movement and complements the energetic choreography. The combination of colourful garments, props, and accessories reflects the joyful and victorious spirit of the dance.

MALWAI GIDHA:

Description- Punjab (India), is divided into three parts: Malwa, Majha and Doaba. Malwai Gidha is originated related to Punjab region, basically from Malwa region of Punjab. this dance is performed by Bachelors. This includes teasing of other people in their folk boliyan (songs)⁵.

Origin- It originated in the Malwa region of Punjab (like Muktsar, Bathinda, Faridkot, Firozpur, Mansa etc Districts). Malwai Gidha was usually performed by bachelors. Luddi originated as a Celebratory dance among soldiers and warriors. After triumphs in battles, Soldiers would express their joy through vigorous movements and rhythmic music. While Gidha is typically associated with Punjabi women, Malwai Gidha is a variation performed exclusively by men. Malwai Gidha originated as a way for rural men to express joy, humour, and social commentary through dance, music and mimicry. Malwai Gidha has regional roots in Malwa region of Punjab.

Music- The music of Malwai Gidha relies heavily on traditional folk instruments, creating a rhythmic and melodic foundation for the dance⁶. The rhythm in Malwai Gidha is moderate to fast, matching the dancer’s movement and expressions. Syncopate beats and alternating patterns from instruments like the Dhol crate a lively atmosphere. The music aims to enhance the humour and expressiveness of the dance. it is typically light hearted joyous, reflecting the dance’s themes. The words of the songs (Boliyan):

It means, put bells on my shoes, I will be hitting my heels by passing you.

Attire- The attire of Malwai Gidha is also traditional and very colourful like other dances form of Punjab. the attire of Malwai Gidha reflects the traditional rural style of Malwa region Punjab. it has simplicity, comfort, and colourful aesthetics, like: men wearing kurta (a long shirt) with Tehmat or lungi (a cloth, over the lower body) and Pagg (turban) also. Here are some accessories like Kaintha (necklace), Handkerchiefs and Jutti (handmade footwear).

The attire of Malwai Gidha is designed for both aesthetic appeal and practicality, allowing performance to execute swift, energetic movements while looking visually captivating.

Conclusion:

Punjabi folk dance holds profound cultural significance, representing the essence of the Punjab’s spirit and lifestyle. Rooted in the agrarian culture of Punjab, these dances serve as expressions of celebration, community, joy, harvest seasons like Baisakhi, and Lohri, and particularly during festive. The vibrant music, energetic movements, and colourful costumes associated with these folk dances reflect Punjab’s rich cultural heritage, embodying themes of love, social unity, resilience and heroism. They also play a pivotal role in preserving oral traditions, stories, and folklore, as many Punjabi dances are intertwined with Punjabi folk songs that tell tales of local heroes, historical events or everyday life in rural Punjab. Thus, Punjabi folk dances remain a vibrant cultural symbol, reflecting the history, values and collective consciousness of the Punjabi people, while also fostering connections across communities both within India and abroad.