Continuing my study on Folk Dances of various states under Dances of India subject, i further write on the Folk Dances of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir as below;
Bhangra Dance –This is the most popular and vigorous folk dance of Punjab. It is associated with harvesting Men folk mainly perform it with a Dholak. It requires little of training but lots of physical energy.
Gidha –This is purely a women’s dance performed at wedding’s, child birth and during teej Ghara is is a musical instrument at Gidha sessions. Clapping of hands to beat of dholak are the marks of this dance.
Jhoomar –This is a circle dance as its name suggests. It is a men’s dance.
Sammi –This is a traditional dance of the tribe of Sandalbar now in Pakistan. The dance is addressed to a ladylove, Sammi. Other folk dances of Punjab include Luddi, Kikali and Dandkra.
Dhamal - This is a popular dance of Gurgaon in Haryana. It is performed by men folk, involving a lot of jumping.
Phag –This is a folk dance, danced on the festival of Holi. Men and women both dance in celebration.
Loor –This folk dance is popular among the Bagri women of Haryana, wearing flowing ghagras. Gugga Pir is a minor folk dance of Haryana.
Kullu Nati –Kullu is a Valley of the Gods in Himachal Pradesh. Men and women hold big markets in the month of Dusshera where this dance is performed.
Thoda –This is also a Himachali dance performed at the Bisu festival. It is a ritual dance showing victory of good over evil.
Dandars –It is a male dance of the Gaddi tribe, performed with sticks.
Ghurehi –Women folk of Chamba do this Ghurehi dance.
Other dances of Himachal Pradesh are Badar Nati, Losar Shona Chuksam, Lahauli, Kayang, Thanjar, Thali, Tilchauli, Dhagi, Pangi, Burah and Mandali Nati dances.
Jabro Dance – It is a folk dance of Ladakhi people. It is a slow dance with little movements but lots of hand movements. Drugpa Rches is another dance of this area.
Roff – It is a Kashmiri folk dance and performed by womenfolk, during the month of Ramzan.
Dhamali – This is a folk dance of Kashmir performed by men. It involves a lot of legwork and is a religious dance.
Hikkat – It is danced by young boys and girls,of Kashmir. They dance in merry.
Bacha Nagma – It is a boy’s dance. Sarangi rabab, Shehnai and Dholak are played in almost all folk dances of Kashmir.