Recently, I had the opportunity to witness a traditional dance performance at Lok Virsa in Islamabad, Pakistan which drew a large crowd of both local and international spectators.
A gracious woman standing beside me told me that it was not just a dance, but a legacy of culture and joy. Her words inspired me to delve deeper into the history and roots of this captivating art form.
Dance has been an integral part of human civilization since its earliest days, evolving into countless forms and styles.
As a powerful means of expression, dance conveys joy, celebration, and emotion through rhythmic and coordinated body movements, often accompanied by music.
Dance offers a way to release energy, foster relaxation, connect with others, and immerse oneself in the present moment.
It is also an art form that communicates aesthetic ideas, blending creativity and emotion in dynamic performances.
Pakistan, with its rich cultural heritage, boasts a diverse array of traditional dances, each region has its own unique folk dance traditions, reflecting the country’s vibrant cultural tapestry.
To honour the contributions of artists, the Pakistan National Council of Arts, an organization dedicated to promoting art and culture, hosts annual folk, classical, and Sufi dance performances on the occasion of the World Dance Day.
Dances like Bhangra, Attan, Luddi, Jhumar, and Dhamal are a few of the popular folk dances in Pakistan that have evolved over the centuries and hold a specific place in the country’s cultural heritage.
BHANGRA
Bhangra, a traditional folk dance, originated in Sialkot, Pakistan and is widely performed across the Punjab province of Pakistan. Bhangra is typically performed in the form of a group where dancers move together in energetic kicks and body bends.
The dance also features vigorous movements of arms and shoulders. Bhangra is usually performed on the beat of the drums and was initially performed by the farmers of Punjab during the harvest season.
In Punjab, people performed Bhangra to celebrate the success of their yearly farming efforts and to welcome the harvest season during the Vaisakhi Festival.
Today, Bhangra has evolved into a popular part of modern music and dance, featuring prominently in Punjabi films.
ATTAN
Attan is a famous Pakistani folk dance performed in the regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pashtun perform this traditional dance to express their joy and happiness in Pakistan and worldwide.
It is a lively and energetic dance performed by Pashtuns during special occasions like weddings, the birth of a child, or other celebrations.
Some historians believed that Attan was performed by Pashtun tribes before battles to instil energy and confidence among warriors.
In a traditional Attan performance, 30 to 50 dancers move in synchronisation with the beat of the drum (dhol), waving scarves in the air. They begin with slow steps in a circle, gradually increasing speed while matching their movements to the rhythm of the drum.
It has various styles and types, as it is performed differently by different tribes and genders wearing different attires.
DHAMAL
Dhamal is a well-known folk dance in Sindh, Pakistan often connected to Sufi traditions. It involves quick movements of the head, legs, and hands, all synchronous with the beat of drums.
Dhamal is always performed to the beat of a drum, and people can be seen dancing Dhamal at different Sufi shrines in Sindh.
Annually, thousands of devotees joyfully perform Dhamal on the powerful beat of the Nagara (a large traditional drum of Sindh) during the Urs of great saint Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar.
During the Dhamal, the devotees would chant Qalandari slogans like “Jhoolay Jhoolay Lal Qalandar” and “Damadam Mast Qalandar” at regular intervals.
Dhamal is an improvised expression of devotion, often accompanied by listening to Qawwali or a Sufi song.
LUDDI
Luddi is another popular folk dance that holds a special place in Punjab’s vibrant culture.
Similar to Bhangra, it is performed by a group of people at weddings and other celebratory events.
Luddi usually involves movements of the lower body, with minimal use of the arms and body turns.
Unlike Bhangra, Luddi is primarily performed by women at mehndi functions. Many songs have been composed about Luddi, including the iconic “Luddi Hai Jamalo” by Madam Noor Jehan from the 1983 film Sahib Jee.
JHUMAR
Jhumar is another popular traditional dance of Punjab, especially in the Seraiki region. The name “Jhumar” comes from the word “Jhum,” meaning swinging.
While it shares similarities with Bhangra, it is slower and more rhythmic. Jhumar, often performed at weddings, is also popular in some regions of Balochistan, where it is typically danced by men at a slow tempo. It involves coordinated movements of the arms and feet performed to the rhythmic beats of a drum.
The traditional attire for ladies performing Jhumar is lehnga choli, and Shalwar Ghera is for men.
Traditional dances in Pakistan have evolved, overcoming various cultural and political challenges. Dances like Attan, Bhangra, Jhumar, Luddi, and Dhamal remain popular and have spread joy and love beyond borders, gaining appreciation worldwide.
These dances, deeply rooted in Pakistan’s culture, continue to connect communities and are expected to flourish for generations to come.
