Bhangra Essay

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Bhangra, an expressive form of Indian dance, unifies people with joyous celebration and collaboration. It originated in the rural region of Punjab, a northern area of India. Punjab contains plentiful crops and abundance of agricultural farming and the Punjabi farmers celebrated the new harvest season and year, called Baisakhi, by dancing to the music and dance of Bhangra. Since its inception, Bhangra has become a popular pastime for millions of Punjabis around the world. The dance occurs during ceremonious celebrations such as Indian weddings, receptions, cultural seasons, and other festive events. The style of dance follows the festive movements of the farmers who became prosperous during the rainy seasons and has expressive and joyful elements. The clothing of Bhangra mimics the customary garb worn by the men and woman of the region. The music has unique qualities, uplifting beats, and traditional Indian instruments. Through the dance, clothing, and music, Bhangra maintains its Indian culture. Bhangra’s characteristic style of dance originates from its historical connection to the Indian culture. Bhangra began as a dance of celebration by the working class Punjabi farmers and therefore expressed in a cheerful manner as it relates to the harvest festival called Baisakhi (Roy 19). Along with the celebration of Baisakhi, Bhangra emerged as an identifying factor for Punjabis: “Bhangra heralded the coming of age of the new generation and gave them a voice with which to tell their white compatriots who they were and what they were; not the shy, insular and conservative creatures they had hitherto been stereotyped as, but fun loving young people” (Banerji 212). Because Bhangra began as a dance form where Punjabis created a new sense of identity, the dance contains very expressive style: “The basic step consists of lifting the knees, rocking back and forth, and hopping

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