Giddha Dance – A Vibrant Folk Dance Tradition Of Punjab
Giddha Dance of Punjab
Giddha (Punjabi: गदहा, गिध्धा, giddā) is a popular female dance in the Punjab region. This dance is generally believed to come from an ancient dance known as the ring dance and is as dynamic as bhangra; she also manages to creatively express the grace, grace, and flexibility of women.
Circle Dance and Dholki
The Giddha dance is basically a circle dance. The ring is in the form of a girl and one of the dancers sitting in the middle of the ring is holding a dholki in her hand. In the faster version, the action is so fast that it’s hard for the viewer to blink before time drops again.
Giddha Dance is an art form performed in groups in Punjab. Dancers sing folk songs whose voices are soft and resounding, especially with percussion accompaniment.
One girl plays the drums or “dholki” while the other girls sit in a circle. During the circle, the girls raised their hands to their shoulders and applauded each other. Then they also grab the palms of the neighbors.
Rhythm and Expressive Gestures Giddha Dance
The bell usually makes a loud sound. During the performance of Giddha, the leader of the choir sings “boli” and other participants to the rhythm of dholak, Ghada, and Italian (flower music). By singing the song Bo Lian, the girls express their anger, hurt, and jealousy towards their parents, as well as their kindness, warmth, and love towards their parents’ farm. The songs in the poem are the backbone of this dance. The songs are about stories, daily life, time, love, politics, etc. comments.
Also, “Giddha” is a very popular recording.
A girl can play the old maid and her young bride, or one can play the belligerent sister and the other the bride. In this way, Giddha provides the best place for all young women to express their feelings. The unlimited number of participants further exaggerates the strength of the group.
Exploring the Origins and Evolution of Giddha Dance
Giddha is said to originate from an ancient dance performed in ancient Punjab. Women show the same energy as men while performing Bhangra. Giddha showcases Punjabi womanhood as seen in the clothing, choreography, and language. Since the Partition of India in 1947 and the division of Punjab into West Punjab (Pakistan) and East Punjab (India), Punjabi folk dances have been transformed, staged, and promoted as an expression of Punjabi culture on both sides of the border.
Giddha’s form was not affected by the split, and Gibb Schreffler wrote that this is because the male form of bhangra is classified as a female dance, but not entirely. As Punjabi dance forms stabilized after the 1960s, competitive bhangra and giddha became popular in the Punjabi and Punjabi diaspora. The Punjabi dance form has also been introduced in Punjab by dance colleges since the 1960s and among South Asian student groups in the US, UK and Canada since the 1990s.
Dance costume
Punjabi Dancers Perform Giddha Dance
in a performance on ‘Lok Tarang’ day, 19 January 2007 in New Delhi. Women wear traditional brightly colored salwar kameez and Ghagra and wear jewelry. Hair is braided in two braids and folk ornaments are made and a tikka is worn on the forehead to complete the outfit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Giddha Folk Dance:
Q1: What is Giddha Dance?
A1: giddha dance is a popular folk dance form that originated in the state of Punjab, India. It is primarily performed by women and is known for its vibrant energy, graceful movements, and lively music.
Q2: What are the key features of Giddha Folk Dance?
A2: Giddha is characterized by rhythmic clapping, expressive hand movements, and lively footwork. It involves a group of women forming a circle or a line, singing folk songs, and engaging in spirited dance movements.
Q3: What is the history of the Giddha Dance?
A3: Giddha has a rich history and is believed to have evolved from the ancient ring dance traditions of Punjab. It was traditionally performed during festive occasions and celebrations by women as a means of expressing joy and showcasing their cultural identity.
Q4: What are the traditional costumes worn during Giddha?
A4: The dancers wear traditional Punjabi attire, including bright-colored salwar kameez (a long tunic paired with loose pants), dupattas (scarves), and traditional jewelry such as jhumkas (earrings), bangles, and necklaces.
Q5: What is the role of music in Giddha?
A5: Music is an integral part of Giddha. It is accompanied by traditional Punjabi folk songs called “Boliyan,” which are usually sung by one or more women while others perform the dance. Instruments like the dholki (hand drum) and the tumbi (a single-stringed instrument) are commonly used.
Q6: Can anyone learn and perform Giddha?
A6: Yes, Giddha is open to anyone who has an interest in Punjabi culture and dance. Many dance schools and cultural institutions offer Giddha classes and workshops, allowing individuals to learn and perform this folk dance form.
Q7: Where can one witness Giddha performances?
A7: Giddha performances can be witnessed during various cultural festivals, weddings, and other special occasions in Punjab. They are often showcased in cultural events and competitions both within India and in Punjabi diaspora communities worldwide.
Q8: Is Giddha performed only by women?
A8: Yes, Giddha dances traditionally, Giddha is performed exclusively by women. It serves as a platform for women to express their emotions, showcase their talent, and celebrate their cultural heritage. However, in modern times, men may also participate in Giddha performances.
Q9: What are the themes of Giddha performances?
A9: Giddha dance performances often depict themes of love, relationships, social issues, and daily life experiences. Giddha folk songs sung during Giddha often have humorous and satirical elements, showcasing the wit and storytelling abilities of the performers.
Q10: How does Giddha contribute to the preservation of Punjabi culture?
A10: Giddha plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Punjabi culture. By showcasing the traditional dance form, costumes, music, and folk songs, it helps pass on the rich cultural heritage of Punjab from one generation to the next, fostering a sense of pride and identity among Punjabi communities.
