Bhangra is a popular genre of Indian folk music, with its roots deeply intertwined in the country Punjab has somewhat redefined the very structure of Indian folk to a great level. In its conventional sense Bhangra dace is a typical form. It was much later Bhangra cross the line to be just a folk dance of “harvest season” called “Vaisakhi”, gradually became a popular musical expression, where the term “harmony” received a direct articulation.
Among the most virile, energetic and captivating dance in India, Bhangra includes tricks and acrobatic feats in its performance. This reflects strong vigor, vitality, leaven of exuberance and gaiety permeated among people in the country because of the promise of a coming bumper crop. Bhangra includes drummer who usually stands in the middle of the circle in an open space surrounded by dancers who even recite meaningless `bolis`, words like” Hoay, Hoay “; or “Balle Balle” which not only inspire themselves but also others to dance.
At intervals, the pace of the dance is slow, dancers stop, but continue to beat the rhythm with their feet. One of the dancers from the group appears near the drummer and covers his left ear with his palm sings a Boali or dholla derived from traditional folk songs of Punjab. Picking up the last lines of Boali, dancers again begin to dance with greater force as before.
For powerful music set up, in addition to a drum, chimta musical pliers and burchu and the sound of beats from earthen vessels used. Costumes by a Bhangra dance is unique that fits strength in the dance. They are composed of a light colored Patka on the head, a Lacha or Lungi of the same color, a long tunic and a black or blue vest and ghunghroos at the ankles. Some dancers wear too small rings (nuntian) in their ears as an ornament.
The Bhangra season ends with the exhibition of Baisakhi when the crop wheat is harvested. There are several styles of performing Bhangra like Sialkoti, Sheikhupuri, Tribal, Malwa, Majha etc. One of the steps or the relocation of Bhangra also looks like it is moving in Shiv Tandav dance that is danced on one leg of Shiva. Damru ie hand-drum is also used in Bhangra.
It was during the later part of the 80s Bhangra first cross bars of the “secluded halls” entered the glamorous world of the clubs in England, which offers an international hearing for this folk art form while making it even more modern. Bhangra was then mainstream music on the international market, further outline the status of Indian music in the global arena. ArtsIT like Gurdaas Maan, Malkit Sing and troupes as Bhujungy Group, Apna and Alaap contoured Bhangra without offering an extensive description.
It is in the 90s among the young Indian Bhangra was somewhat a mainstream music. It was then pop, jazz and brass music all united with the beats of Bhangra to form a special kind of music that revives even the most tired soul.
Now days Bhangra Dance is just not a typical form of folk music, but has been a particular form of Indian music, which has, broke the barriers of the stage, pits and galleries and have been accepted form of expression of the mass.