Learning Punjabi folk dance in unadulterated form

Minna Zutshi

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Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 19

Learning the basics of Punjabi folk dances, jhumar, giddha and bhangra, in their unadulterated form. Trying their hand at folk instruments such as tumbi and bugchu – even the names of these folk instruments are not a part of the young brigade’s lexicon. Getting familiar with cultural practices that have long been forgotten. And attempting to understand the very vibrant Punjabi culture that is robust, lively, vigorous and uniquely spirited. Well, the summer camp being organised by the Punjab Cultural Society at Punjabi Bhawan here is a cultural rendezvous for the 50-odd participants, some of whom have come from as far as Delhi to attend the camp.  

The youngest participant is about three, while the oldest is in his mid-forties. “Usually, our oldest participants are well into their sixties and seventies. We started the annual summer camp in 2006 – the accent has remained on Punjabi culture and heritage,” says Ravinder Ranguwal, the president of the Punjab Cultural Society. The best part is that the camp is free of cost for the participants. He elaborates: “The idea has been to acquaint the young brigade with Punjabi culture and heritage. The dilution (read adulteration) of the culture by any external influences is best combated by sustained exposure to various elements of culture – be it folk dance, folk music, folk traditions or even wedding songs.” 

At the camp, Mahi Singh, a nine-year-old girl, sings ghorian (wedding songs sung for boy’s wedding) beautifully. Her voice is expressive and she tries to capture the festive mood of weddings. “We learnt it all in the camp,” she says. Other children echo her sentiments, some of them rather boisterously. The Punjab Cultural Society chairperson Jagpal Khangura, educationist and industrialist Ranjodh Singh and the society advisor Harjit Dhaliwal, all special invitees for a day, are praises for the youngsters who have chosen to devote their summer vacations to experience the resilience and beauty of Punjabi culture!