Bhangra Dance is a traditional cultural dance by the Punjabi since harvest season, when farmers enjoy earning from their crops. It is originated from Punjab, India.
During the early 20th century when Sikhs came to Malaysia with the British Army, this tradition was practiced here ever since. Bhangra Dance is lead by a Thol (a drum hange around the neck played with sticks) Drummer. A Thol Drummer leads the dancers to various Bhangra steps from light and casual steps, to vigorous movements such as stunts. Colourful costumes of the Bhangra Dancers lightens and shines the occasion. The costume for male consists of a long Kurta (long sleeve shirt - knee length), Lungi (meter long cloth tied around the waist), a jacket above the Kurta, Handkerchief tied at the last fingers, Turban with fan-like decorations and a scarf tied around the waist.
Nowadays, in Malaysia, Bhangra Dance is very much appreciated and performed for all happy occasions (e.g. Festivals, Weddings, Corporate functions, Multi-racial Drum Symphonies, Parties, Commercials, National Parades / Fiestas, VIP Ushering / Welcomings, Carnivals and Opening Ceremonies.
In Malaysia, the only National Bhangra group is the Malaysian Punjabi Bhangra (MPB) Group, consisting of 16 members (dancers, singers, and musicians) lead by a very experienced Manager / Choreographer, Mr. Harchran with 21 years of service. The oldest member is Mr. Chamkur Singh, the Advisor with 28 years of service, Mr. Jaswat Singh, the Lead Thol Drummer with 24 years of service. This groups also consists of five wonderful ladies who are the queens of Bhangra and Gidha Dance (a dance performed by the ladies during wedding ceremonies).
The Malaysian Punjabi Bhangra has performed six times in Bangkok, Thailand, four times in Jakarta, Indonesia, five times in Labuan, East Malaysia, several times in Singapore and once in Brunei. Went back to Bangkok again in April 2001 has proved that they have pratically been travelling throughout the whole of Malaysia. The Malaysian Punjabi Bhangra also performed with popular Jazz singers like Gloria Estafan and the Miami Sound Machine, The legendary Bollywood film playback singer, Asha Bhonsle, Bollywood actor like Mazhar Khan, Actress like Zennat Aman, Punjabi singer, K.Deep & Jagmohan Kaur (Malaysian Tour), Bollywood singers like Hema Sendesai & Rajeshwari in Jakarta, and not to forget the talented singing group from the U.K, Apna Sangeet.
The group has also performed with the Legendary Bhangra Pop singer, Daler Mehndi and entertained our former Malaysian Prime Minister, Dr. Mahathir Mohamad's daughter's wedding at their own private home. They are quite popular among all the Malaysian Ministers' Private Functions. Registered with Tourism Malaysia, the Malaysian Punjabi Bhangra also perform for almost all tourist functions.
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Enjoy your stay. Thank you.
Regards,
HARCHRAN SINGH
