music of punjab
A glimpse into the lives and culture of the people of Punjab can be got through the folk idiom of Punjab. There is a great repertoire of music, right from the time of birth to death, of love and separation of dance and rejoice of marriage and fulfillment. Culturally Punjab can be divided into three regions, Malwa, Majha and Doaba. Today Malwa represents the true spirit of Punjabi folk traditions. The Punjabi fold idiom is so rich, so varied and so very versatile. It is a culture of generous, vast, large hearted people which is devoid of any fanaticism and religious narrow mindedness of ideology Punjab is a region in the world which has a diverse style of music. However, it is musically best-known as the home of Bhangra, a lively folk dance that evolved into a popular form of electronic music among overseas Punjabis in the United Kingdom and United States. Giddha is also a popular Punjabi dance practiced by women in Punjab.
jugni and sammi
Jugni, Sammi are basically songs centering around love, in the Jugni normally the bachelors gather together and sing about their beloved. The Sammi is more a gypsy dance, which is performed as an expression of joy and victory, around the fire at night. Sammi is an imaginary female character of folk poetry, belonging to the Marwar area of Rajasthan who fell in love with the the young prince, and it is around their love story that the music and dance is set to. In the list of happy songs are included, Luddie, Dhamal and of course the Giddha and the Bhangra, which is all set to music, which is typical of Punjab. Along with the -Dhol- primarily, are sung -Bolis- which can be divided into two categories, -singly boli- and- lengthy boli-. Centering around mother-in-law, father-in-law, sister-in-law and other character from everyday life the music of these two lively traditions is extremely enervating.
Bhangra
Bhangra, a traditional form of folk music and dance that
originates in Punjab, a region spanning across northern India
and northeastern Pakistan, has become increasingly popular in
Western music cultures. More than 500 years ago, traditional
Bhangra was first performed during harvest festivals, and
eventually during other joyous occasions such as wedding and new
year celebrations.
Bhangra is still performed in this traditional fashion but has
also been evolving into a new form of Bhangra in recent years.
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giddha (gidda)
Women have a different but no less exuberant dance called
Gidda or Giddha. During Lohri occasion, the Punjabi women
reveling joy,
give vent to their suppressed feelings in a male dominated
society through the Giddha. Slogans known as Boliyan 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 colours,
cloth and design. The ornaments that they wear are Suggi-Phul
(Worn on Head) to Pazaibs (Anklets), Haar-Hamela,
Baazu-Band and Raani-Haar.
A strong tradition of the Kissa Sahity of Punjab is very much part and parcel of Punjabi folk music. The legends of Heer Ranjha, Sohni Mahiwal, Sassi Punnu, Puran Bhagat are sung more in a semi classical style. The Punjabi Kaffi and Kali are part of this genre. Related to this is the Sufiana Kallam of Punjab as a result of a strong Sufi tradition in the state. The Heer in particular has a strong Sufi base.