Introduction
 Bhangra
originated in the Western Punjab's district of Shekhpura, Gujrat
and Sialkot. It is the folk dance of Punjab and an
integral part of Punjabi culture. Bhangra celebrates the
harvest and is associated with the festival of Vaisakhi
(April 13) when the sight of tall heaps of golden wheat fill
the farmer’s heart with joy. To the accompaniment of large
drums called dhols, S/he and his/her fellow villagers
circle round and round in a leaping, laughing caper. It’s a
dance that cuts across all divisions of class and education. At
marriages, parties, or celebrations of any sort, it is quite
common for men and women to break out in Bhangra. There are few
sights more cheering than that of a dignified elder in
three-piece suit getting up to join the young fellows for a
moment of Bhangra revelry.
Festival of Vaisakhi: It's significance
to different people
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Listen
to the Story Of Vaisakhi (ram file, requires real player)
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People of Punjab: The beginning of the month of Vaisakh
symbolizes renewal and regeneration, ripening and
fruition. Bhangra is a vibrant dance with dhol (drums)
and boliyan (couplets), performed during the harvest season
(Vaisakhi).
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Buddhists: Earlier, it was on this day that Gautam realized
enlightenment and became the Buddha, heralding a new era in
Indian civilization qualitatively different from the
prevalent Hindu civilization and culture.
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Sikhs: For unfolding the Bachittar Natak (cosmic event) at
the mound (where now stand the Takht Sri Keshgarh) at Sri
Anandpur Sahib, Guru Gobind chose the first day of solar
month of Vaisakh ( the Vaisakhi day) that fell on March 30
in 1699 AD-now celebrated on April 13. Guru
Gobind Singh purposely chose this day for ushering in a new
dawn, a new chapter in world history, a new phase of world
civilization, envisioned by the first Prophet of Sikhism,
Guru Nanak. The Guru had asked the faith-followers from all
over India to assemble at Sri Anandpur Sahib on the chosen
day. The huge congregation became mysteriously innervated
when the Guru with a divine glow in his eyes and a naked
sword in his hand, gave a thundering call for a devout Sikh
to come forward to offer his head then and there for the
sake of dharma. Guru Gobind Singh was putting to test his
followers readiness for sacrifice of life - a sacrifice of
the mundane life sibilated into the Life Divine. Guru Nanak
himself had laid down the test. Read
more on this
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