Bhangra

Bhangra is a vibrant folk dance from Punjab that celebrates spring and Vaisakhi, a festival that marks the harvest season and the joy of farmers after their crops have reaped. It is a highlight feature of Punjabi festivals, traditions, and weddings. The performance blends classic Bhangra moves with traditional Punjabi dance styles such as Luddi, Dhamaal, Gham Luddi, and Jhummar.

Father and son duo performing bhangra on stage.

Initially, Bhangra was performed only by men, but over time, women began participating, transforming it into a widely popular dance form. Bhangra's influence has now reached mainstream global culture, where it is often modernized and infused with new styles. Traditionally, Bhangra performances include beats of the dhol (drum) and the music of the Iktar (ektara), a single-stringed instrument. Today, instruments like the tumbi, chimta, dholki, dhad, and dhamru are commonly used, along with couplets known as "bolis" and sung to complement the dance.

An artist playing the Dhol.

Several props and instruments add flair to Bhangra performances, including:

‍Saaps: Named after the Punjabi word for snake, this wooden instrument has X-shaped parts that expand and contract, creating a snakelike motion. Also known as shikke or kenchi, it adds rhythmic accents to the performance.

‍Khunda: A long stick, traditionally around 5 feet, with a hooked end. Historically used by Punjabi farmers, it symbolizes pride and respect, with dancers swaying it from side to side. It is also known as Daang.

‍Kato: Shaped like a squirrel, the kato consists of a stick, a wooden block, a flap resembling a head, and a tail. Strings connecting the head and tail create rhythmic sounds when pulled, adding an engaging beat to the performance.

NSDA students performing Bhangra on stage.