What is Bhangra?
Bhangra, a traditional form of folk music and dance that originates
in Punjab, a region spanning across northern India and northeastern
Pakistan, has become increasingly popular in Western music cultures.
More than 500 years ago, traditional bhangra was first performed during
harvest festivals, and eventually during other joyous occasions such
as wedding and new year celebrations.
Traditional bhangra is most notably recognized for its use of the Dhol,
a large, high-bass drum that is played with sticks and strapped around
the neck. Generally, people dance to the tune of the drum beats which
are sometimes accompanied by singing. Traditionally, men and women both
wear colorful costumes. The men wear a lungi (piece of cloth wrapped
around the waist) and a kurta (long shirt), while the women wear a traditional
dress called a salvar kameez (long shirt and baggy pants), as well as
a duppatta (piece of cloth wrapped around the neck).
Bhangra is still performed in this traditional fashion but has also
been evolving into a new form of bhangra in recent years. This new version
remixes bhangra with Hindi film music, hip-hop, reggae, and house music,
and has developed a growing Western audience, particularly in Europe
and North America.
Bhangra first emerged in the United Kingdom in the 1970s, and soon
after began to influence the British club scene. The presence of a large
South Asian diaspora, especially second generation youth throughout
Europe, but particularly in the UK, played a vital role in popularizing
bhangra as a musical form among western audiences. In the 1990s, bhangra
continued to expand even further, permeating North American music scenes.
Most recently bhangra has turned back to traditional drum beats, and
it is likely that bhangra will continue to change in the 21st century.