Punjabi Folk Arts: Bhangra, Giddha, Dhol and Tumbi
The words and traditions behind Punjabi music and dance, from bhangra and giddha to the dhol and tumbi.
Punjabi music and dance are known around the world, and each has its own vocabulary.
Bhangra (ਭੰਗੜਾ)
ਭੰਗੜਾ is an energetic men's folk dance, traditionally linked with the harvest season and Vaisakhi. Dancers move to the beat of the drum with strong, energetic steps. It has grown into a global music and dance style.
Giddha (ਗਿੱਧਾ)
ਗਿੱਧਾ is the women's folk dance, performed with clapping, rhythm and short verses called ਬੋਲੀਆਂ. It is especially associated with weddings and the festival of ਤੀਆਂ.
Instruments
| Punjabi | Romanised | Description |
|---|---|---|
| ਢੋਲ | dhol | a large double-headed drum, the heartbeat of bhangra |
| ਤੂੰਬੀ | toombee | a single-string instrument with a bright twang |
| ਢੱਡ | dhadd | a small hand drum used in ballad singing |
| ਚਿਮਟਾ | chimtaa | iron tongs with jingles, used as rhythm |
Songs and singing
- ਬੋਲੀ — a short folk verse
- ਗੀਤ — song
- ਕੀਰਤਨ — devotional hymn singing
- ਢਾਡੀ — singers of heroic ballads
Useful phrases
- ਢੋਲ ਵਜਾਓ! — Play the dhol!
- ਚੱਲੋ, ਭੰਗੜਾ ਪਾਈਏ। — Come on, let's dance bhangra.
- ਮੈਨੂੰ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਗਾਣੇ ਪਸੰਦ ਹਨ। — I like Punjabi songs.
Punjabi lyrics are a great way to meet everyday vocabulary, and they make new words easy to remember.
Tips
- Listen to folk songs with the lyrics.
- Learn the instrument names.
- Use the dictionary for lyric words.
English Punjabi Dictionary
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