Bhangra
/ˈbæŋ.ɡrə/noun
A lively Punjabi dance and musical style traditionally associated with harvest celebrations.
Did you know?Bhangra developed among Punjabi farming communities as a seasonal celebration and later became a global symbol of South Asian identity through diaspora music and dance.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
bhaṅga
“A possible distant source connected with hemp or an intoxicating substance; this link to bhangra remains uncertain.”
Medieval Punjabi
Punjabi
bhāṅgṛā
“The name of a Punjabi folk dance, associated especially with male performers and agricultural festivities.”
19th Century
Punjabi
ਭੰਗੜਾ (bhāṅgṛā)
“A traditional harvest and celebratory dance in the Punjab region.”
20th Century
English
bhangra
“An English borrowing referring to Punjabi dance and music, especially in South Asian communities.”
Late 20th–21st Century
Global English
bhangra
“A worldwide musical and dance genre blending Punjabi traditions with pop, hip-hop, reggae, and electronic production.”
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