Bhangra

Bhangra is a lively form of folk music and dance that originates from Punjab. Punjabis performed Bhangra to celebrate the sucess of the harvest. People perform Bhangra on the day of Baisakhi, April 13. Bhangra is considered the king of dances.

During Bhangra, people sing Punjabi Boliyaan lyrics, at least one person plays the the dhol drum. The dancers begin to move in a circle around the drummer, who now and then lifts the two sticks, with which he beats the drum, to beckon the dancers to a higher tempo of movement.

The costume of a Bhangra dancer consists of a bright, colored Patka on the head, a lacha or lungi of the same color, a long tunic and a black or blue waistcoat and ghunghroos on the ankles. Some dancers also wear small rings (nuntian) in their ears.

Lyrics of Bhangra
Bhangra Lyrics cover social issues like love, relationships, marraiges, alcohol. These also include Punjabi Independence Heroes like Bhagat Singh. A high, energetic voice is there while singing the couplets with lots of pomp and show. Dance is the main aspect of Bhangra rather than the Music.

Costume of Bhangra Dancers
Men wrap a four to six meter long Chadra or a silken cloth around the wrist along the coat and the headgear. Long shirts known as Kurtas are also worn. Women on the other hand wear a Ghagra - a long skirt. Dupattas - the colorful veils are also worn by the women.