The Indian state of Punjab is known for its rich cultural heritage and the folk dances reflects the veracity, liveliness, vivacity of the people of the state. Punjab is considered as one of the most prosperous states of India and Punjabi people are known to be high spirited and jovial by nature, which is very well reflected in their dance forms. All the dance forms of the region are energetic that makes the whole surrounding livelier. The folk dances of Punjab are usually performed during celebrations and festivals, especially during the celebration of festivals like Lohri and Baisakhi. There are several dance forms of this region that have evolved with time and have gained popularity all over the globe. The sole objective of performing these dances is enjoyment and entertainment; however, these dance forms are segregated into male and female folk dances. Bhangra, Dankara, Jhummer, Luddi, Julli and Dhamal are performed by the male folks while Giddha, Kikli, Jaago and Sammi are performed by the females. Some of the popular dance forms of Punjab are listed below. Bhangra Bhangra, the most popular folk dance of Punjab, performed during the Baisakhi festival. This dance is exclusively performed by the male folks and displays the enthusiasm of the people of Punjab. Filled with energy and vigor, Bhangra is performed to celebrate the harvesting of crops. In earlier times, this dance was solely performed during the harvesting festival, but today, this dance form is performed during any occasion that is worth celebrating. Known as the “King of Folk Dances”, Bhangra characterizes virile, zeal together with a blend of tricks and acrobatic feats. Dancers wear colorful costumes which matches the vivacity of the dance. There are several styles of performing Bhangra like Sialkoti, Sheikhupuri, Tribal, Malwa, Majha etc. The dance is performed in lively and energetic music that further add to its vigor and enlivens the environment. Giddha Another popular folk dance of Punjab is Giddha, which is performed by the women folk. It is the female version of Bhangra and is deemed to have originated in the Western Part of the region. This dance form is performed on special occasions such as marriage, Teej festival, mundans and even during harvest season. Even this dance form is very energetic with invigorating and swift movements and the dancers sway in the rhythm of drumbeats and the clapping of their palms. The songs on which Giddha is performed are based on different emotions such as love for maternal home, evils of society, separation of young brides with their husbands, deep love, etc. Dancers dress in vibrant colored salwar kameej and adorned with heavy jewelry. Jhumar Originated in Sandalbar, which is now a part of Pakistan is one of the essential parts of the Punjabi culture. This is a dance form, which is performed during the harvest season by the male folk. It is a dance of elegant steps, which is based on specific Jhumar rhythm. This is a dance filled with enthusiasm and is particularly performed during occasions like weddings, fairs and other celebrations. Jhumar is the only dance form where one can witness the 3 generations of a family dancing together in joy, celebrating the special occasion. This dance form is characterized by acrobatic movements and the costumes are similar to what is worn while performing Bhangra. Jaago One of the popular dance forms of Punjab, which is performed by the women folk, is Jaago Dance. It is performed especially during wedding celebrations. Literally, the word Jaago means “wake up” and this dance awakens members of a household where a marriage is going to take place. On the previous night of the wedding young and lighthearted girls of the bridegroom dance merrily through the village streets carrying a pot of jiggery decorated with candles lighted and loudly chant the Jago tunes and the whole night is spent dancing to the tunes of the folk song. Dankara Another folk dance of Punjab, which is performed by the male folk, is Dankara. Also known as Gaatka, Dankara is a ceremonious dance form, which is performed during weddings. In this dance form, men in duo hold colorful sticks and dances to drum beats. It is performed in circles and the dancers wear turban of different colors. Women as well participate in this dance form but they do it separately and not in the company of men. Kikli Kikli is a famous folk dance among the young girls of Punjab and is usually performed in pairs. This dance form reflects the jovial mood of young girls. They lift their heels and swing in circular motion with colorful `orhnis` or `daupttas` flowing from their heads and anklets producing tinkling melodies. There are several traditional songs that are sung with Kikli dance. Julli Also known as Jalli, Julli is a religious dance form of Punjab, in which only the male members of the society participate. It is associated with the Pirs and the hermit and performed while sitting by the males who are the folk artists. A thick staff is held in the hand of the dancer and is revolved while dancing. The dancers generally wear clothes which are black in color and the head is also covered with a black scarf. In some situations, the followers tie ghungroos around their waist just like it is done in Bhangra. The beats of this dance is fast but the movements are slow.
