Bhangra is a Punjabi folk dance which is massively popular all across the world. Historically, Bhangra was celebrated during the harvest festival of Baisakhi in Punjab, as the sight of their crops growing invigorated the farmers. Springing from the land of five rivers, it abundantly reflects the vigor, the vitality, the leaven of exuberance, and the hilarity permeated among the rural folk by the promise of a bumper crop. The Bhangra season starts with the wheat sowing and then every full moon attracts teams of young men in every village who dance for hours in open fields.Initially its reach was limited to Punjab only. But with the passage of time, it has attained huge fame outside Punjab also. moved through all divisions of class and education, eventually becoming a part of weddings, New Year parties, and other important occasions.
Bhangra is all about symmetry, speed, balance, grace and fun.One of the most interesting thing about Bhangra is that its not just a single dance but it encompasses large number of sub genres as well. The major sub genres of Bhangra are Dhamal, Jhumar, Daankara, Luddi, Giddha, Julli, Gatka, Saami and Kikli.
The musical instruments used in Bhangra make rhythm of Bhangra very energetic and catchy. Main instruments used in Bhangra are; Sarangi, Dafli, Tumbi or Ektar, Dholak, Chimpta, Dhol and Damaru The traditional Bhangra consists of lively vivacious music with a distinct Dhol beat which gets people moving involuntarily.
Right from its origin to the date, Bhangra has always evolved itself. Considered as a dance as well as a musical style, Bhangra has truly gone international. Most of the popular Bhangra songs have elements of hip-hop, rap and different other western form enfolded within it. Bhangra is considered as very expressive form of music though it uses small number of notes. Bhangra songs have a lyrical nature which makes it very melodious.
Undeniably, bhangra is a very rich art form, which takes its cues from the folk roots of Punjab, its warriors and folklores. The sparkling colours, beats and rhythms of bhangra can easily force anyone to shake their legs.
