Punjabi Dances, due to the extensive history of the Punjabi civilization and of the Punjabi people there is a large number of Punjabi dances. These dances are generally performed at times of celebration, the most prominent being at Punjabi weddings, where the ecstasy is mostly intense. The particular background of the dances can be non-religious and religious. The overall style can range from very high energy to more reserved, on the other hand the common elements make it much attractive to the viewers whether they are of Punjabi heritage or not, the allure is considered universal. Punjabi dances are designed for either men or women.

Punjabi folk dance has developed as a combination of dances from different parts of the Punjab region. There are several kinds of dances and arts of Punjab, including Bhangra, Jhumar, Luddi, Giddha, Julli, Daankara, Dhamal, Saami, Kikli, and Gatka. Jhumar, originally from Sandalbar, Punjab, comprises an important part of Punjab folk heritage. It is a graceful dance, based on a specific Jhumar rhythm. Dancers circle around a drum player while singing a soft chorus.

A person performing the Luddi dance places one hand behind his head and the other in front of his face, while swaying his head and arms. He typically wears a plain loose shirt and sways in a snake-like manner. Like a Jhumar dancer, the Luddi dancer moves around a dhol player. Women have a different and much milder dance called Giddha. The dancers enact verses called Bolis, representing a wide variety of subjects – everything from arguments with a sister-in-law to political affairs. The rhythm of the dance depends not only the drums, but also on the handclaps of the dancers. Daankara is a dance of celebration, typically performed at weddings. Two men, each holding colorful staves, dance around each other in a circle while tapping their sticks together in rhythm with the drums. Dancers also form a circle while performing Dhamal. They also hold their arms high, shake their shoulders and heads, and yell and scream. Dhamal is a true folk-dance, representing the heart of Bhangra. Women of the Sandalbar region traditionally are known for the Saami. The dancers dress in bright colour kurtas and full flowing skirts called lehengas. Like Daankara, Kikli features pairs of dancers, this time women. The dancers cross their arms, hold each other’s hands, and whirl around singing folk songs. Occasionally four girls join hands to perform this dance. Gatka is a Punjabi Sikh martial art in which people use swords, sticks, or daggers. Historians believe that the sixth Sikh guru started the art of Gatka after the martyrdom of fifth guru, Guru Arjan Dev. Wherever there is a large Khalsa Punjabi Sikh population, there will be Gatka participants, often including small children and adults. These participants usually perform Gatka on special Punjabi holidays.

Female Punjabi Dance List

• Sammi
• Giddha
• Jaago
• Kikli
• Luddi

Male Punjabi Dance List

• Bhangra
• Malwai Giddha
• Jhummer
• Luddi
• Julli
• Dankara
• Dhamal

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