BHANGRA

Bhangra is a lively form of music and dance that originated in the Punjab region in Southeast Asia. Although Bhangra has possibly existed since as long ago as 300 BC. Traditionally Punjabi wheat farmers used to dance while working in the fields during harvesting. With time, these became part of harvest celebrations at Baisakhi (April 13) festivals, as the sight of their crops growing invigorated the farmers. From here the dance quickly moved through all divisions of class and education, eventually becoming a part of weddings, New Year parties, and other important occasions. The term "Bhangra" now refers to several kinds of dances and arts, including Jhumar, Luddi, Giddha, Julli, Daankara, Dhamal, Saami, Kikli, and Gatka.

A Bhangra performance typically contains many energetic stunts. The most popular stunt is called the moor, or peacock, in which a dancer sits on someone`s shoulders, while another person hangs from his torso by his legs. Two-person towers, pyramids, and various spinning stunts are also popular.

Bhangra singers employ a high, energetic tone of voice. Singing fiercely, and with great pride, they typically add random noises to their singing. Likewise, often people dancing to Bhangra will yell phrases such as "Hey hey hey," "Balle balle," or "Hey aripa" to the music.

Many South Asian DJs, and in America, have mixed Bhangra music with house reggae, and hip-hop to add a different flavor.

Costumes

Traditionally, men wear a lungi while doing Bhangra. A lungi is a colorful piece of cloth wrapped around the waist. Men also wear a kurta, which is a long Punjabi-style shirt along with
PAGRIS - also known as turbans - to cover their heads.

Women wear the traditional Punjabi dress, salvar kameez. A salvar kameez is composed of a long colorful shirt and light cloth vibrant colour trouser along with duppattas, colorful pieces of cloth wrapped around the neck.

PUNJAB'S BHANGRA INSTRUMENTS

DHOL

Dhol produces High bass, energetic tone. It is the main rhythmic instrument used in Bhangra, the folk music of Punjab state. Dhol is a large barrel-shaped drum made from a shell of
hollowed-out mango or sheesham wood, with the treble on the right and the bass on the left. Both sides of the drum used to be made from goatskin. Plastic is nowadays used for one of the sides. Two drumsticks are used to beat the drum. The SITTI or tili is a thin cane stick; the dagga is a crooked wooden stick. It is the rhythm they create that is the most significant feature of dhol playing. The beat is then followed by a tora, a means of shifting from one beat to another without a pause.

DHOL COLOUR POLISH ALSO BHANGRA DHOL NATURAL MOUTH SIZE 12-13 INCHES MOUTH SIZE 14-15 INCHES		DHOL WITHOUT POLISH (BLACK SHESHAM WOOD)
DHOL FRAME POLISHED
STEEL DHOL : WITH METAL HOOKS FITTING, FIBRE SKIN BOTH SIDES COMLETE WITH BAG DIAMETER SIZE 8 TO 20 INCHES
DHOL ACCESSORIES
DHOL GOAT SKIN		DHOL FIBRE SKIN
DHOL TILLI (SITTI ) - LEFT HAND PLAYING STICK		DHOL STICK OR DAGA - RIGHT HAND PLAYING STICK
DHOL METAL HOOKS		DHOL FIBRE BOX
DHOL ROPE		DHOL REXINE FOAM BAG
SNAKE(SUPP) Unpolished Natural CLAP STICK SOUND		KATOW(SQUIRREL)
SNAKE COLOURED, POLISHED AVAILABLE
DHOL PHUMMAN
ALGOZA / JORI : A woodwind instrument, also called a jori/ ngoza, resembles a pair of wooden flutes which the musician plays by using three fingers on each side. the sound is generated by breathing into it rapidly; the quick recapturing of breath on each beat creates a bouncing, swing rhythm. use to play traditional music such as Jugni, Jind Mahi, Mirza.
ALGOZA Low to high pitch, Piercing Melodious tune
DHADD
This instrument has the shape of Damroo drum. Player achieves different modulations by pulling the strings that tie its 2 heads. Held in one hand, it is struck on either side, with the other hand holding the skinned sides vertically or horizontally. Very popular with the Dhadies, who sing traditional ballads of brave warriors and heroes drawn from history.
DHADD Low bass , mellow tone
CHIMTAS
Chimta is a long instrument featuring 2 metal spades covered with small bells( several rings) that are tied together at one end . The rings are plucked in a downward motion to produce tinkling sounds.
CHIMTAS : CONTINOUS RINGING SOUNDS
SARANGI Sarangi is a gut stringed instrument that is carved in a single piece of wood. Neck is fretless and the bridge is seated on a skin stretched over the body of the instrument. Have 3 playing strings, 1 bronze rhythm string that is tuned on the high tonic (SA), 11 sympathetic strings placed on two flat bridges, and at least 24 sympathetic strings. The Sarangi's playing strings are played with a special bow. An ideal instrument for producing all types of Gamks and Meends
SARANGI		SARANGI PARTS
Sarangi features: 3 playing strings. 35 sympathetic strings. With case, bow, and peg turning tool. Refined decoration and Hand-polished finish
EKTARA / DHOTARA/TUMBI : HIGH STRINGY TUNES Tumbi is a one string instrument made with natural toomba,with a skin-covered body, used in Bhangra music and in FOLKS. Its one or two strings can produce both high and low tones. The body of the instrument is made from various types of wood over which a skin is stretched and strings are attached. It is played with the continuous flick and retraction of the forefinger. It has been popularized world-wide. Made of PUMPKIN gourd MADE OF COCONUT Made of Aluminium With nylon case
GHARAH(EARTHEN PITCHER) The simple earthen pitcher serves as a musical instrument in a number of folk songs. The Gharah player strikes its sides with rings worn on fingers of one hand and also plays on its open mouth with the other hand to produce a distinct rhythmic beat.
BEAN OR SNAKE CHARMER
SNAKE CHARMER OR BEEN PRODUCES BEAUTIFUL HIGH & LOW PITCHES
Been made of coconut shell Been made of PUMPKIN GOURD