Giddha

Giddha (Punjabi: ਗਿੱਧਾ, Pronounce: Gidhā) is a popular folk dance of women in Punjab region of India and Pakistan. The dance is often considered derived from the ancient dance known as the ring dance and is just as energetic as Bhangra; at the same time it manages to creatively display feminine grace, elegance and elasticity. It is a very colourful dance form which is now copied in all regions of the country. Women perform this dance mainly at festive or social occasions.

Punjabi Giddha Dancer

Costumes

Giddha costume consists of bright coloured clothes complimented by heavy jewellery. The Punjabi Salwar Kameez (tunic top and loose fitting pants worn by women in Punjab region) and/or Ghaggra (colorful long-skirt) in bright and rich colours are the typical costumes of the dance, Giddha. Women also wear ornaments like mathapati on the forehcle. All of them clap their hands and sing small couplets (folk poetry of different sizes) called Boliaan/Boliyan (Punjabi: ਬੋਲੀਆਂ, Pronounce: bōlīāṁ). "Boliaan" is a plural from of "Boli/Bolee" (folk poetry). These Boliaan are emotional, humorous, teasing, love, nature and various topics.

Then, two or three (mostly two) of the dancers come to the centre and perform the dance. These boliyan (folk poetry) cover themes from nature to the excesses committed by the husband or mother-in-law or other relatives, and love etc.

Giddha is usually danced in harmony, swinging and twisting the body, shaking the shoulders while bending knees and clapping.

lala in ==Music==

Acts

Mimicry is very popular in Giddha. One woman may play the aged bridegroom and another his young bride; or one may play a quarrelsome sister-in-law and another a humble bride. In this way, Giddha provides for all the best forum for venting emotions. Gidha incorporates village life scenes of woman spinning cotton, fetching water from the well, grinding, etc. This is accompanied with appropriate Boli and songs.