Yesterday we talked about the history and other details linked with Bhangra, today we will cover the costumes that are worn by Bhangra dancers.
Reference Courtesy: wikepedia
Traditional men wear a chaadra while doing Bhangra. A chaadra is a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist. Men also wear a kurta, which is a long Indian-style shirt. In addition, men wear Pugdee - also known as turbans - to cover their heads.
In modern times, men also wear turla - the fan attached to the pugdee. Colorful vest are worn above the kurta. Fumans - small balls attached to ropes - are worn on each arm.
Women wear a traditional Punjabi dress known as a ghagra. A ghagra is a long colorful skirt which fans out into a giant disk as a woman twirls. Women also wear duppattas, colorful pieces of cloth wrapped around their neck. Many Bhangra songs make references to the duppatta. Also, women wear suits called salwars kamiz; long baggy pants tight at the ankle (salwars) and a long colorful shirt (kamiz).
These items are all very colorful and vibrant, representing the rich rural colors of Punjab. Besides the above, the Bhangra dress has different parts that are listed below in detail:
- Turla or Torla which is a fan like adornment on the turban
- Pag (turban, a sign of pride/honor in Punjab). This is tied differently than the traditional turban one sees Sikhs wearing in the street. This turban has to be tied before each show
- Kaintha (necklace), some men even wear earrings like the large hoops worn by the women dancers
- Kurta - Similar to a silk shirt, with about 4 buttons, very loose with embroidered patterns.
- Lungi or Chadar, A loose loincloth tied around the dancer’s waist, which is usually very decorated.
- Jugi: A waistcoat, with no buttons.
- Rammal: Small ’scarves’ worn on the fingers. They look very elegant and are effective when the hands move during the course of bhangra performance.
Have a good day folks!
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