Balle Balle! This very sound at once has got the potentiality to lift our spirit the very moment we hear it. Bhangra is one of India's most popular dance forms, which has got worldly acclamation and a special position in the international dancing platform. This folk dance originating from the North-Western part of India is known and practised in many celebrations and functions besides the traditional ones.
In Bollywood, a lot of the movies have showcased this particular dance form through the years which have increased its importance. As a result, many people have shown interest in learning this dance style, and so many trainers are helping them to learn the dance in its right form.
History of Bhangra:
It is essential to have a brief idea about the past or the origin of a dance form before joining the course. Bhangra, as said, originated in Punjab and was basically a harvesting dance performed in the 14th and 15th centuries. However, with time, people started incorporating the bhangra dance form in all the major Punjabi celebrations. Generally, those were ritualistic ceremonies and weddings. Rhythm is very important in this dance form, and it is maintained with a special drum that is exclusively used for Bhangra dance only.
According to another belief, the origin of Punjabi bhangra dance dates back to the 1880s as a popular community dance that was practised in the Vaisakhi festival. Now, Bhangra is not just a territorial, state or national dance form; it has successfully created its position in the international stages. However, the origin of Bhangra is believed to be places named Gurdaspur, Gujranwala and Sialkot of Punjab.
About the dress:
The style of dress is very colourful and gorgeous. Although the type of dress is quite similar to what people in Punjab generally wear, it is much more gaudy and vibrant. However, the style of the dresses differs according to gender. Except for the fabric and colour, everything is different.
For Men -
Pag is the turban, which is styled in a particular way. Sometimes it is highlighted with a brad lace known as Gota. There is ornamentation on the turban, which is known as Turlal Torla and looks like a fan. Kaintha is the necklace that the men wear. Kurta is a typical shirt that is a little bit longer than traditional shirts. The bottom is mostly silk or a silk-like cloth that starts from the waist and ends at the foot. There is no button or chain. The cloth is tied around the waist properly, and this is known by many names like Lungi or Tehmat or Chadar. Just above the shirt, a waistcoat without buttons is worn. Generally, the colour of the waistcoat, lungi and turban matches and the shirt is worn in contrast colour. Two scarves known as Rammal are worn on fingers, one on each side. All the costumes are shiny and shimmery and made out of light materials so that the dancers feel free and the audience can see the dance from a distance.
For Women -
Dupatta is a scarf and a must for women dancers. They wear it on their head. Kameez is the shirt that women wear. The loose fitted pants with flair sometimes are known as salwar. Jewellery is an important part of this dance form. Tikka is a piece of jewellery that is worn on the forehead. Jhumka is a long earring that is very popular in Punjab. These long earrings dangle and are mostly gold in colour. Braid is very important and all the women have to braid their hair with tassels typically known as Paranda. Jewellery known as Suggi-Phul is worn on the head. The Gold necklace worn by women is known as Haar-Hamela. Most of the time, necklaces are studded with gems. Baazu-band is a piece of cloth that is worn on the upper arm. Pazaibs are the traditional anklets worn by women.
Importance of Learning Bhangra:
Learning the Bhangra has many benefits. The physical benefits are enormous. Going out to the gym and staying fit takes a lot of workouts. Sometimes the classes are so boring that many stops visiting that place. However, Bhangra is quite energetic and the music pumps up the adrenaline. Thus, most people who want to regain their fitness and enjoy at the same time choose Bhangra over any other fitness classes.
People of any age can take part in this type of class. The steps of Bhangra are very basic and easy to learn. This is the beauty of learning a folk dance, as most of the folk dances are meant for common people. Even the senior members of the family can take part in the dance easily and effortlessly.
Such dance certainly improves health. People having joint pain and other muscular issues have found bhangra gidha very helpful. They have found that it decreases back pain and also improves their mobility. Aged people have mostly found this beneficial.
Staying active is very important. However, people who do regular office work or housewives who spend most of the time cooking and doing the other household chores find it difficult to spare some time to improve their health. Punjabi bhangra dance, however, helps in improving the health condition and maintaining their fitness.
Learning the Bhangra thus has many advantages, so people who are willing to stay fit and continue their healthy lifestyle should certainly choose this folk dance form and practice regularly. This way, they can learn the dance form and also stay healthy.
