Pakistani Folk Dances

Pakistani Folk Dances: Dances are traditionally part of the lives of people especially in Pakistan. Dance for Pakistanis is so important that people can communicate with each other and tell a story without uttering a word but rather dancing to send those messages.
Folk dances are still popular in Pakistan and vary according to region such as:

• Bhangra -Punjab
• Luddi - Punjab
• Dhammal - Performed at Sufi shrines/ dargahs in Punjab and Sindh
• Attan - Folk dance of Pashtuns tribes of Pakistan including the unique styles of Quetta and Waziristan
• Khattak Dance - Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
• Jhumar - Siraiki and Balochi folk dance
• Ho Jamalo Sindhi dance
• Lewa - Baluchi folk dance

Bhangra: Bhangra is a lively form of music and dance that originated in the Punjab region in Southeast Asia. As many Bhangra lyrics reflect the long and often tumultuous history of the Punjab, knowledge of Punjabi history offers important insights into the meaning of the music. While Bhangra began as a part of harvest festival celebrations, it eventually became a part of such diverse occasions as weddings and New Year celebrations. Moreover, during the last thirty years, Bhangra has enjoyed a surge in popularity worldwide, both in traditional form and as a fusion with genres such as hip-hop, house, and reggae.

Luddi: Luddi dance’s popularity is much higher in Pakistan, India and even in the entire world due to the Pakistanis and Indians’ residing there in foreign lands. Luddi is not a particular formed dance. It is a sign of celebration. When there is a celebration whether for victory, wrestling triumph or victory or any kind of celebration, Luddi is performed by the people. It is performed by girls in weddings and functions.

Dhammal: Religious dances are often used in religious ritual and this is popular among Sufis. Dance is important during some religious festivals. It is known as Dhammaal. A devotional dance characterized by high stepping and hands