Bhangra is a Punjabi folk dance which is massively popular all across the world. Historically, Bhangra was celebrated during the harvest festival of Baisakhi in Punjab. Basically a Punjabi folk dance, Bhangra expanded itself to incorporate the style of music used to come up with the original dance. Initially its reach was limited to Punjab only. But with the passage of time, it has attained huge fame outside Punjab also. Bhangra is a globally renowned style of dance and song.
Right from its origin to the date, Bhangra has always evolved itself. Considered as a dance as well as a musical style, Bhangra has truly gone international. Music scenario all over the world has changed. The forms of music has got a complete new look. This is the time of fusion. Most of the popular Bhangra songs have elements of hip-hop, rap and different other western form enfolded within it. Bhangra is considered as very expressive form of music though it uses small number of notes. Bhangra songs have a lyrical nature which makes it very melodious.
One of the most interesting thing about Bhangra is that its not just a single dance but it encompasses large number of sub genres as well. The major sub genres of Bhangra are Dhamal, Jhumar, Daankara, Luddi, Giddha, Julli, Gatka, Saami and Kikli. All these sub genres follow different dance formats and together they combine to form a kaleidoscopic view of original Bhangra. The musical instruments used in Bhangra make rhythm of Bhangra very energetic and catchy. Main instruments used in Bhangra are; Sarangi, Dafli, Tumbi or Ektar, Dholak, Chimpta, Dhol and Damaru.
Bhangra’s popularity on an international scale can be credited to expatriates living in Britain. Bhangra provided them with a reason to celebrate by indulging in the music of their land of birth. Its reputation is such that, we can afford to call it a subculture which represents songs, dance and a life style.