Saturday 21 November, 2009

What is Giddha (ਗਿੱਧਾ, giddhā) - Bhangra (ਭੰਗੜਾ, pə̀ŋgɽä )?


Giddha (ਗਿੱਧਾ, giddhā) - Bhangra (ਭੰਗੜਾ, pə̀ŋgɽä) is a popular folk dance of women in Punjab region of India and Pakistan. The dance is often considered derived from the ancient dance known as the ring dance and is just as energetic as Bhangra and at the same time it manages to creatively display feminine grace, elegance and elasticity.

Bhangra enhanced during the Vaisakhi festival celebrations of the Punjab. The Punjabi dance performed at this time in ecstasy with the beat of Dhol came to be known as Bhangra. The tradition spread slowly to other parts of the region and developed into a unique folk dance form. Bhangra has come of age and is now performed at every major celebration and in clubs, etc.

Traditional Bhangra is a fusion of music, singing and the beat of the dhol drum, a single-stringed instrument called the iktar (ektara), the tumbi and the chimta. The accompanying songs are small couplets written in the Punjabi language called bolis. They relate to current issues faced by the singers and (dil the gal) what they truly want to say. In Punjabi folk music, the dhol's smaller cousin, the dholki, was nearly always used to provide the main beat. Nowadays the dhol is used more frequently, with and without the dholki. .
As many Bhangra lyrics reflect the long and often tumultuous history of the Punjab, knowledge of Punjabi history offers important insights into the meaning of the music. During the last thirty years, Bhangra has enjoyed a surge in popularity worldwide, both in traditional form and as a fusion with genres such as hip-hop, house, and reggae.


Friday 20 November, 2009

BHANGRA / PUNJABI DHOL


The construction and the type of skin are similar to the Dholak.


The Bhangra Dhol is also tuned like the Dholak by moving the metal rings along the strings and thus increasing or reducing the tautness of the skins. Compared to the Dholak it has the considerably larger diameter of appproximately 40 cm; - the length of the body is about the same. The large diameter produces an enormous powerful bass tone. It is used traditionally in the Punjab for accompanying the Bhangra dances. It is mostly played not with the hands but with two drumsticks.



PUNJABI BHANGRA ON TRADITIONAL BAND WITH PUNJABI GIRLS MEAN HE IS BOY WHO WEARING GIRLS SOOT nachhar.
ITS VERY ENJOYABLE WHO DANCE ON THIS BAND.

Saturday 10 October, 2009

What is " Shastriya Sangeet " ?

Music that is sung and played by strictly following the rules of notes, rhythm, melody and harmony is called Classical Music or 'Shastriya Sangeet' in India. Despite its strong technical connection and a tendency to follow established rules in music, Classical or Shastriya Sangeet is extremely pleasing to the ears.

Though Indian Classical Music offers a lot of scope for improvisation, musicians & artists can do so while following the rules and guidelines of such music. Ragas are the guiding force behind melodies in Indian music and musicians have the liberty to improvise after selecting the basic raga and taal format.

Shastriya Sangeet is a well art form in India and is widely popular especially with those sections of the society who have an ear for such music. Well established and distinguished performers in the field of Classical Music are bestowed with titles to their names as a mark of respect. Some of the common titles include 'Ustad' and 'Pandit', among others.

Some of the instruments associated with Classical Music include the Veena, Sitar, Bansuri. Sarangi, Sarod, Shehnai, Tabla and the Harmonium.