A globally famous folk dance… Bhangra has its roots in Punjab. It`s been their traditional dance since ages but last few decades got Bhangra an incomparable popularity. While Bhangra was originally a male dance, females in Punjab would be at their dancing best with Gidda.
Both Bhangra and Gidda are power-packed dance. The energy level displayed by the dancers is out of the world. They form a crucial part of festivals like Baisaakhi but not necessarily limited to festivals only. It is also a specialty during wedding celebrations in Sikh/Punjabi communities.
In Bhangra, first to come is the drummer who plays a heavy beat music, followed by the dancers. The dancers then circle the drummer and dance to the beats of his drum. And this goes on for a long time non-stop.
While in Gidda, it`s an all-women dance; there are ladies playing some music with a dholak (one type of drum). These ladies also sing along with the dancers. In a Gidda dance, the ladies form a circle and come forward in pairs to do their part; while the rest would remain in their position and dance, clapping their hands. There can be a different themes for Gidda songs however more popular is the newly wed or would be bride`s relationship with her in-laws.
The traditional costumes for both males and females are almost the same, a colorful silk lungi, kurta and a short sleeveless jacket. The males then have a turban over their head and the females take a chunni (a long veil like cloth) but leave their face open. However, now with the changing times Women wear Salwar kameez also.