Invitation to an Indian Folk Dance Performance
on Sunday, 3 February, at AIT
The Embassy of India in Bangkok and the Indian Council for Cultural Affairs of the Government of India invites all members of the AIT community and their families and friends to a special performance of the Bhangra and Giddha dances, to be performed by an award-winning troupe of twelve dancers from Northern India. This special two-hour performance at the AIT Conference Center on Sunday, 3 February, starting at 6 p.m., is being organized with the cooperation of the Indian Association at AIT and the AIT Student Union.
About Bhangra and Giddha
The Bhangra dance originated in the North Indian state of Punjab. In India, the Bhangra is recognized as the harvest folk dance of the people of Punjab. In this season of goodwill, also known as Baisakhi, farmers and their families gather to celebrate their bountiful harvests and to welcome the new year. The movements of the colorful Bhangra dance depict everyday rural scenes, such as ploughing and sowing seeds. Its rhythm creates an electrifying atmosphere which enraptures the audience. The Bhangra is performed on happy occasions, such as fairs, festivals, wedding parties, receptions, birthdays and similar events.
The Giddha is an immortal folk dance that depicts the emotions of the women of Punjab. The women enact verses from folk poetry known as bolis, the subject matter of which ranges from politics to domestic topics. The rhythm is set by the beating of the dhols (drums) and the dancers' distinctive hand clapping. The Giddha is usually performed on the eve of weddings, serving as the perfect medium for young women to express their inner feelings and emotions. The colorful Giddha dance is characterized by gay movements that depict young women singing about their problems, hopes and aspirations. This dance originated in the Malwa region.