Punjab is a region in South Asia which has a diverse style of music. However, it is musically best-known as the home of bhangra, a lively folk dance that evolved into a popular form of electronic music among overseas Punjabis in the United Kingdom and United States.
Traditional Bhangra costumes

Giddha is also a popular Punjabi dance practised by women in Punjab.

Jhumar a dance which was on the edge of extinctsion, primarily performed by men, is an old folk dance which is becoming more popular thanks to an elderly practitioner who is spearheading its revival in the Punjab.

Regional Variations

Punjabi folk music is highly rhythmic, and very diverse. The western region is the home of styles like dhoola and mahiya, while the popular boli style is performed differently across the region. The vocals are another integral part of Punjabi music, as are instruments such as the dhol, tumbi, dhad sarangi, algoza and Ektara.

A glimpse into the lives and culture of the people of Punjab can be gained through the folk idiom of Punjab. There is a great repertoire of music and songs, celebrating birth, daily life and including death; songs of love and separation of dance and rejoicement; of marriage, fulfillment and disappointment. Culturally Punjab can be divided into three main regions, Malwa, Majha and the Doaba. Today Malwa represents the true spirit of Punjabi folk traditions.

The Punjabi fold idiom is so rich, so varied and so very versatile. It is a vast culture of generous, big hearted people which is devoid of any fanaticism and any narrow minded religious ideology. The deeper we delve into the folk music of the land the more difficult it becomes to classify. But, perhaps, we can draw broad divisions for each season for the numerous festive occasion scattered throughout the year have distintive music associated with it.
The Changing Seasons

Not only the music, even the food changes with the seasons. Lohri is the time after which the biting cold o