Gidda

Women have a different but no less exuberant dance called gidda. During Lohri occasion, the Punjabi women revelling joy, give vent to their suppressed feelings in a male dominated society through the Giddha. Slogans known as bolis are sung while dancing which exhibit the deep human feeling.

The dance is derived from the ancient ring dance. One of the girls plays on the drum or 'dholki' while others form a circle. While moving in a circle, the girls raise their hands to the level of their shoulders and clap their hands in unison.Rhythm is generally provided by clapping of hands.

Quick is the movement of the feet in its faster parts that it is difficult for the spectator even to wink till the tempo falls again.

The traditional dress during giddha dance is short female style shirt (choli) with ghagra or lehnga (loose shirt upto ankle-length) or ordinary Punjabi Salwar-Kamiz, rich in colour, cloth and design. The ornaments that they wear are suggi-phul (worn on head) to pazaibs (anklets), haar-hamela, baazu-band and raani-haar.

Giddha is a very vigorous folk dance and like other such dances it is very much an affair of the legs. So quick is the movement of the feet in its faster parts that it is difficult for the spectator even to wink till the tempo falls again. The embroidered -duppattas- and heavy jewelry of the participants whose number is unrestricted further exaggerate the movements.

During the dance -giddha- songs called -bolis- are also sung. One participant generally sings the -bolis- and when the last but one line is reached, the tempo of the song rises and all start dancing. In this manner -bolis- alternate with the dance sequence which continue for a considerable period of time.

Mimicry is aso very popular in -Giddha-. One girl may play the aged bridegroom and another his young bride; or one may play a quarellsome sister in law and another a humble bride. In this way Giddha provides for all the best forum for giving vent to one-s emotions.