Bhangra - Dance (Punjab, India)

Bhaṅgṛā (Punjabi: ਭੰਗੜਾ, بھنگڑا) (Hindi: भांगड़ा, Urdu: بھنگڑا; pronounced [pə̀ŋɡɽaː]) is a form of music and dance that originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Bhangra began as a folk dance conducted by Punjabi Jats to celebrate the coming of Vaisakhi, a Punjabi festival. The specific moves reflect the manner in which villagers farmed their land. This musical art further became synthesized after the partition of India, when refugees from different parts of the Punjab shared their folk dances with individuals who resided in the regions they settled in. This hybrid dance became Bhangra. The dance started from just one move and evolved later on. It has been popularized by Punjabi artists from the Sikh communities, with which it is now commonly associated. Today, bhangra survives in different forms and styles all over the globe – including pop music, film soundtracks, collegiate competitions and even talent shows.