Bhangra beats to welcome fest

LUDHIANA: With Baisakhi being one of the most significant festival of Punjabis who pride themselves of belonging to the country of farmers, cultural troupes and residents of city are busy practising bhangra and giddha to prepare for the special day.
‘‘Three groups of residents are coming to learn bhangra and giddha from me for the Baisakhi festival.This is a vibrant festival and these Punjabi dances would surely add exuberance to the celebration, said Ranjeet Singh Tinku, 30, resident of Ram Nagar near Sangeet Theatre.
Sixteen-year-old Simar Kaur, a student who is a resident of Bhai Randhir Singh Nagar, said, ‘‘We have organized a party at our residence on the occasion. I also plan to give a special bhangra performance on the day. My friends are also coming to learn dance with me as some of them would be joining me in the performance,’’ said Bawa.
Guneet, 19, a student residing in Model Town said, ‘‘I have to perform in a college function on Baisakhi. For the same I am learning bhangra on dhol beats and folk songs.’’
“Celebrations in Punjab are incomplete without bhangra and giddha, thus I am learning bhangra. I want to enjoy this festival in true Punjabi style”, said Harpreet Singh, 21, residing in Model Town.
Gagandeep Singh, who is heading Gagan International Bhangra troupe, was practising in the fields along with his troupe comprising of 15 boys and nine girls. He said, ‘‘It’s absolutely a different feeling when you actually dance in the fields. We even did some work in the fields to get a feel of the harvest festival and have a better understanding of it.’’