Folk dances of Punjab

Punjabi dances are an array of folk and religious dances of the Punjabi people indigenous to the Punjab region, straddling the border of India and Pakistan. The style of Punjabi dances ranges from very high energy to slow and reserved, and there are specific styles for men and women. Some of the dances are secular while others are presented in religious contexts.

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The dances are typically performed at times of celebration, such as harvest (Visakhi), weddings, melas (festivals) like Lohri, Jashan-e-Baharan (Spring Festival) etc., at which everyone is encouraged to dance. Married Punjabi couples usually dance together. The husband dances in the style of male Punjabi dances, frequently with arms raised, and the wife dances in the style of female Punjabi dances.

The main Punjabi folk dance for females is giddha or giddhah and for men or for both men and women is bhangda or bhangra.

Common Punjabi folk dances for females

Punjabi girls dancing

• Sammi
• Giddha
• Jaago
• Kikli

Common Punjabi folk dances for males

Dhamaal dance

• Bhangra
• Malwai Giddha
• Jhumar
• Luddi
• Mirza
• Sial Koti
• Jugni
• Khichan
• Dhamal
• Dankara
• Gatka or khatka (sword dance)
• Tipri dance (Punjab)

Common Punjabi folk dances for males and females

• Bhangra
• Karthi
• Jindua
• Dandass