Bhangra is well known as one of the best and favorite traditional and modern forms of Indian folk music. It is originated in Punjab, located in the Northern part of India. Bhangra is sung in Boliyaan lyrics in Punjabi language. Bhangra is a traditionally a part of Sikh community, widely spread across the state of Punjab. In earlier days playing Bhangra music was a part of harvest festivals such as Baisakhi. This specialty Indian folk music has taken a new shape in modern day as it is being played during New Year and wedding celebrations. Bhangra has gained global popularity in traditional as well as innovative form.
Bhangra is believed to be originated in 15th Century or even older than that. Men in their traditional dresses normally sing and dance for Bhangra songs, where as women perform traditional music called Giddha. Due to a great influence of Punjab, Bhangra has rapidly spread and inculcated into various festival and other celebrations of various communities across the globe. Bhangra music and dance have gained more popularity across the globe due to the world wide presence of Punjabi native people. Due to the traditional life style of Punjabi native people, Bhangra music and dance has become a most important component of various other cultures across the globe.
Bhangra has gained popularity in most parts of U.S., and Canada and performed by various music groups including Bhindajatt and Sangeet Group from California. Bhangra music has also gained more reputation in U.K., which has various Bhangra artists including Dippa and DCS. Majority of these artists form part of Annual Bhangra competitions held by various universities across Canada, U.S., and U.K. These competitions pave path to cultural understanding, where competitors from Asian and Non Asian countries learn and perform the dances. Though western audience does not understand the exact meaning of the Punjabi based Bhangra lyrics, they feel the happiness in participating the Bhangra dances and other celebration events involved with Bhangra Music.
Bhangra lyrics are mainly based on various social aspects of Punjabi lives including dances, relationships and love. Majority of the Bhangra songs are dedicated and sung in the name of some of the Great heroes from Punjab, who participated in various Indian freedom movements. Bhangra music gives more importance to its drum player, who holds the drum around his neck with the help of a strap. The specialty of the drum player in Bhangra music is that he plays the drum with lively physical movements and also dances to the music at times along with paying the drum.
Bhangra is facing major issues, which might let itself get disappear from other traditional Indian folk music list. This happens due to modernization of people, who believe in simplicity and not to participate in more socializing events and celebrations. In various incidents, as artists not being so serious in promoting the Punjabi culture, Bhangra music is misinterpreted and not considered with special interest. These issues can be easily dealt by many Punjabi natives, who take initiative to protect Bhangra music and dance cultures.
