Origin Bhangra is a traditional and lively form of folk dance which originated from Punjab.

People in Punjab traditionally perform Bhangra while celebrating the harvest. During Bhangra, people sing Punjabi Boliyaan lyrics, at least one person plays the the dhol drum, and other people may play the flute, dholak drum, or other musical instruments. 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. Bhangra folk dance and music of the Punjab and the popular music genre which emerged from it in the mid-to-late 20th century. Today the newer bhangra blends various Western popular musics with the original Punjabi tradition. Bhangra enjoys an immense following in South Asia and within the South Asian diaspora. The celebration in India of Harvest and the Baisakhi Festival begins with the dance steps known as Bhangra. This tradition has been followed since 1947 - the year when India became Independent. Bhangra is one of the most significant traditions of the Punjabi culture because it symbolizes the imagination, talent, potential and charisma of Punjabs people. Illustrating the sowing of seeds, hoeing, cutting of wheat and the selling of crops in the beautiful choreography, this folk dance remains popular within the villages of the Gujranwalla, Gujrat, Shekhpura, Sialkot and Gurdaspur districts. Simple but vigorous, bhangra is a dance of enthusiasm and gaiety. Bhangra dance, typically performed in a team, involves co-ordination, timing and technique amongst the various team members. Traditionally Bhangra in India is accompanied by the pulsating rhythm of the Dhol, the Algozeh, the Chimpta, the Tumbi and traditional folk songs sung by men and women. The Dhol plays an integral part of many Bhangra performances. The large, wooden, two-sided barrel drum, which is played with two thin curved cane sticks, provides distinct treble and bass sounds. The outcome of pulsating rhythm, in conjunction with Bhangra, brings together the elements of music and dance into its most expressive form captivating the attention of audiences of all ages.

Bhangra is a Punjabi folk dance which is massively popular all across the world. Historically, Bhangra is being celebrated during the harvest festival of Baisakhi in Punjab. Springing from the land of five rivers, it abundantly reflects the vigor, the vitality, the leaven of exuberance, and the hilarity permeated among the rural folk by the promise of a bumper crop. The Bhangra season starts with the wheat sowing and then every full moon attracts teams of young men in every village who dance for hours in open fields. Initially its reach was limited to Punjab only. But with the passage of time, it has attained huge fame outside Punjab also. Bhangra class and education, eventually becoming a part of weddings, New Year parties, and other important occasions. Men wrap a four to six meter long Chadra or a silken cloth around the wrist along the coat and the headgear. Long shirts known as Kurtas are also worn. Women on the other hand wear a Ghagra - a long skirt. Dupattas - the colorful veils are also worn by the women. Steps involved in the dance Bhangra is all about symmetry, speed, balance, grace and fun. One of the most interesting

thing about Bhangra is that its not just a single dance but it encompasses large number of sub genres as well. The major sub genres of Bhangra are Dhamal, Jhumar, Daankara, Luddi, Giddha, Julli, Gatka, Saami and Kikli. Gidda dance is stylistically simple with the Jingle of the bells, thumping of the feet, along with the beat of the drum and the resplendence of Punjabi women in salwar kameej creates an enchanting atmosphere for people visualizing it. The musical instruments used in Bhangra make rhythm of music very energetic and catchy. Main instruments used in Bhangra are; Sarangi, Dafli, Tumbi or Ektar, Dholak, Chimpta, Dhol and Damaru The traditional Bhangra consists of lively vivacious music with a distinct Dhol beat which gets people moving involuntarily. Right from its origin to the date, Bhangra has always evolved itself. Considered as a dance as well as a musical style, Bhangra has truly gone international. Bhangra is a very rich art form, which takes its cues from the folk roots of Punjab, its warriors and folklores. The sparkling colours, beats and rhythms of Bhangra can easily force anyone to shake their legs. Popular dancers Sukhshinder Shinda, Inderjit Nikku, Jagmohan Kaur, Jasbir Jassi and Jassi Premi Jas are some of the well known Bhangra Dancers.

Indian clothes are popular with all age groups, they have been well accepted not only in the Indian market but also internationally and designs are created keeping in mind the trends fabrics and colures of the season. Indian clothes go well with regular western wear, ideal for a great unique look. They come in various lengths, sizes designs and fabrics which are suitable for all sizes. Some are embellished with intricate embroidered work in pleasing designs, they manage to look smart enough to be worn for casual family gatherings in the lounge, or even for an that afternoon tea session with friends in the garden. A salwar kameez or a kurta churidar is accompanied by a dupatta. Dupatta is a 2.5 meter rectangular cloth. Dupattas come in all hues and colors. Generally the dupatta color is the same as the salwar. A dupatta enhances the beauty of the salwar kameez. A extensive bridal salwar kameez will have an extensive embroidered dupatta. Sometimes the embroidery on the dupatta will be heavier than the embroidery on the kamiz. A dupatta is a very handy accessory of the salwar kameez. The dupatta can be worn in many ways, it can be thrown over the shoulders one side or two sides. Conservative women generally put the dupatta in a way it falls on their bosom and covers the curves. It is also used by women to cover their heads to show respect to their elders and during religious ceremonies.

For Muslim women, the dupatta is a less stringent alternative to the chador or burqa. For Hindu women (especially those from northern India, where the salwar kameez is most popular), the dupatta is useful when the head must be covered, as in a temple or the presence of elders. For other women, the dupatta is simply a stylish accessory that can be worn over one shoulder or draped around the chest and over both shoulders. Salwar kameez in its various styles: 1. Salwar Kameez 2. Churidar Kurta 3. Anarkali 4. Indo-western outfits 5. Short kurta pant Indian dresses are always in demand all over the world or in the international fashion market because of its unique and outstanding styles and types of garments. While the saree is considered sensuous attire, the other commonly worn Indian garment is the salwar kameez. Salwar Kameez garment is essentially a three-piece attire consisting of: Salwar (bottom, or the pajama) Kameez (top, also known as kurta) Duppata (scarf) Generally the salwar kameez is long, going below the knees. It is straight and has two slits on either side. The salwar is flared with a horizontal band at the end. The duppata or scarf is rectangle in shape and worn in front with the sides falling at the back from over the shoulders. This is the basic description of what a salwar kameez usually is. However there are modifications with various garment in terms of the length of the kameez. Silks are great and flowing and suited to the Indian climate. Satins or heavy brocade work is suitable for the winter in India. There is zardozi, hand embroidery or lace works that remind us of the olden era. Retro hairstyles, kundan jewelry, gold-silver embroidery is very much combination mingled in a party wear. Cool cottons makes its round each summer with tie and dye prints. There are mulmul specials with or without the odhni. Contrasting styles have also been very much in fashion with the salwar-kurta-odhni all in a different colours. Designers are inspired to create special collections for bridal wear and also for Diwali and other important festivals.Formal chiffons, organza, taffeta and exclusive silks with work is seen with embellishments, matching accessories like bags and shoes for the bridal season. There are soft shades, bold prints and Indo-western look for parties. Salwar kameez retains its feminine charm with newer appeal with designs each season. Corset pattern would be the ultimate design.

During a large earlier part of the 1900's, say between the 1920's to the 1960's, the women usually wore a short kameez that was somewhere between the hip and the knee. They were generally made from cotton or khadi (jute). Actually the fit resembled that of a long shirt. The difference being that it would be straight with a slit on either side. The salwar then was widely flared with a narrow horizontal band at the end. Post 1970's the salwar kameez styles seemed to have expanded to uncountable numbers. In fact very rarely would one come across people wearing common designs and patterns. The variations were in the fabrics being used, the kind of work being done, as well as the cuts. Apart from the straight-cut kameez, there are the frock styles of varying lengths short, knee length, as well as those that flow down to the ankle. In fact, Indian ladies feel that this garment is more comfortable and convenient to wear than the saree. Actually this garment is primarily hailed from the northern regions of India where the climate is too cold for the saree. It is also considered the national garment of Pakistan. In fact, a lot of designers in India imbibe the Pakistani styles with their Indian original patterns to bring about their entrancing ensembles. Today, this garment is much in demand almost everywhere in the world, and Indian designers have managed to set-up booming Indian garment business across the seas. The fact is that while this garment may not reveal skin, unlike the saree, yet it can make a woman look stunning and very attractive. Tradition always had an impact on Indian fashion. First came the Indian sari, which will always be a fashion statement, then came the Indian salwaar kameez or Indian salwar khameez. The salwar is preferred and is a favorite among the younger generation, as it is easier to carry out. Indian salwaar kameez is very much comfortable and fashion clothing for women and so it is worn at home and even outdoors. In other words, it is used for formal and casual occasions. Salwar Kameez from India is very popular all over the world. These are very popular amongst the teenager girls to the old birds. Salwar Kameez serves as the most respectable and adorned attire for women. There is no comparison of Salwar Kameez from India in respect of quality, variety, range and prices. Women community living all around the world prefer the salwar kameez from India due to their comfortable designs and cost effectiveness. There is multiple range of salwar kameez from India in respect of: 1. Fabric Selection 2. Basic and creative designs 3. Cost Range 4. Style range 5. Customized designing

6. Readymade designer's collection One can find huge fabric selection for salwar kameez from India starting from simple cotton to high quality fine cotton. There is no suitable argument in respect of mix fabric in multiple compositions like cotton with different synthetics. There are many varieties available in silk from artificial silk to pure silk. There is an infinite range for basic and creative designs that can be found in salwar kameez from India. There is a huge range and upcoming range that can be seen in the hot selling market of simple salwar kameez design including neck style, length, sleeves, salwar shape, etc. Even the basic style may be traditional salwar kameez, but the designing may be appealing to the eyes. There is no parameter regarding cost. It starts form Rs.100 to thousands and lakhs depending upon work done on it. Bollywood is number one for salwar kameez from India for high range qualitiy salwar kameez. After sarees the most preferred outfit for women India is salwar kameez that especially when it comes to ceremonies and celebrations. Salwar kameez designs are innumerable due to which sometimes it becomes difficult for one to choose the best design that is not just fits well but also is latest in trend! Of all the different designs that are available, short and long Anarkali style of salwar kameez is still in vogue. It is the design of the kameez that is body fit from the upper torso and below turns into frock design below that makes a woman look elegant and graceful. Since it becomes like a frock and its circumference is increased by adding cloth below the knee. The A-line salwar kameez which is the standard style is an evergreen trend that will never fade. Most women in their forties prefer wearing A-line salwar kameez as it looks simple and elegant. As far as the duppatta goes, a variety of designs have been introduced. Crushed duppattas, embroidered duppattas, scarf-like duppattas are very much totally in style and are only going to be popular in the coming seasons. Salwar kameez today are adorned with a lot of embroidery and sequence work as well. This beautiful attire is often enriched with beads, threads and zari work. Neatly done embroidered booties all over the front panel are also a feast to the eye. Patchwork and mix-matching in terms of material is also done quite often. Different colored Salwar and duppatta with neat patchwork designs on edges add grace to a salwar kameez. Block printing is one salwar kameez design that is going a big way of late. As far as the neck designs for a Salwar kameez go there are much endless possibilities. Women are now experimenting with new neck designs ranging from deep necks to one side cut and even off-shoulder. This adds some freshness in terms of cuts to a Salwar kameez which is otherwise the attire that women have worn since ages. Crepe, cotton, silk, georgette and even jute and khadi are materials that are preferred while choosing a salwar kameez. Cotton salwar

kameez are very light and cool and so they are ideal for summer season. Rich cotton salwar kameez are made of finest quality of cotton and this gives a very soothing effect. Silk salwar kameez are rich and they are worn to weddings and other occasions. Choose any Salwar kameez design that you like but make sure that it suits you and embellishes you. English Yes No Thank You Thank you very much You're welcome Please Excuse me Hello Goodbye So long Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Hindi Ha Nahi Aapakaa bahut bahut dhanyavaad Aapakaa svaagat hai Kripyaa Namaste Alavidha (namaste) Phir milengay Shubha prabhaat Namaste Namaste Bengali Ha Na Marathi Hoye/ Ho Nako Dhanyavaad Tumcha Khup Dhanyavaad Suswagatam Krupya Maaf Kara Namaskar Accha Yetho Evada ved Suprabhat Namaskar

Dhanyavaad Dhanyabad Tomake onek dhanyabad Swagatam Anugrah kore Nomoskar Accha - Aashi Abar dekha hobe Suprovat Subha aparannah

Shamma kare Maaf korben

Subha sandhya Namaskar Shubh Ratri Mala samjat nahi

Good night Shubha raatri Subha ratri I do not Mai nahii understand samajta hu Aap ise How do you angrezi mei say this in kaise [English]? bolengay? Do you speak ... English French German Spanish Chinese I We You Kyaa aap...bolate hain? Angrejii Phransisi German Spanish Cheeni Mai Hum Tum Ami bujhte parchi na

Heey engraji Apni eta engraji madhye Kase te ki bolben? mhanaiche? Apni ki bolte paren? Engraji Pharasi Germani Spanish Chinese Aami Amra Tumi Tumhi ...boltat? Engraji Phransisi German Spanish Cheeni Me Aamhi Tu

(singular) You (formal) Aap You (plural) Aap sab They Vo sab What is your Aapka naam name? kya hai? Apni Onara Aapnar naam ki? Tumhi Thyani / Tey Tumche nav kai aahe? Tumhala bhetun anand Jhala Tumhi kashe ahat? Chaangle Wayit Thik Thak Baiko Navra Mulgi Mulga Aei Vadil Mitr Tomra/Apnara Tumhi

Aapnar sathe Nice to meet Aapse milkar dekha kore you. khushii huyii bhalo laglo How are you? Good Bad So so Wife Husband Daughter Son Mother Father Friend Aap kaise hai? Achchhey Buray Thik thak Patni Pati Beti Beta Mataji Pitaji Dost, mitra Apni kemon achen? Bhalo Baaje/Kharap Motamuti Sthree/Bou Swami/Bor Kannya/Meye Putra/Chele Maa Baba Bondhu

JEWELLERY AND METALWARE JEWELLERY Man's desire to decorate himself with objects of nature like feathers, seeds, and cowrie shells was the initial stage in the development of jewellery. The tribals took great pains to collect these items for their personal decorations. With the advent of the agrarian society, jewellery became associated with the status of a man in society and became a form of savings. In India, jewellery is counted as the wealth of a woman and she inherits it from her father or her husband as gift. Jewellery is mostly associated with married woman in Indian society and a widow hardly displays any form of jewellery. A special community of people called Sonars in India make the jewels. They are attached to specific groups and castes of people. Most of the jewellery items worn by Indian women are the same but for some regional influences. Nose ornaments are widely used throughout India. Different shapes and designs are involved, as also different materials are used in its making. Gold, silver, pearls and a variety of precious stones are used. The nose ornament took shape only in the 10 the century, with the arrival of the Arab invaders. It is of different types like the simple Lavang, clove, to Phuli, the elaborately worked stud, or Nath the nose ring worn in the right nostril and the Bulli the ring worn in the center just over the lips.

Bore is a head ornament, which is placed at the parting of the hairs. It is also called as Boldra in Rajasthan, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The tikka is a round pendant at the end of a long chain and which falls on the forehead. It is also commonly used throughout India. Bengal has a range of hair jewels, which decorate the hair tied as a bun at the back. In South India a variety of ornaments are available for decorating the loose plait.

For the neck there are scores of chains, necklaces, and chokers available. Guluband is made of beads or rectangular pieces of metals strung together with the help of threads. Then there is the longer Kanthi. Under this can be worn a silver chain or a necklace of beads. To adorn the hands there are of course a variety of rings from the cheap silver items to diamond rings, which are worth a fortune. The top of the hand can be adorned with the hathpool or Rattan Chowk. For the wrist there are the Karda, the Paunchi, the Gajira and the Chuda and these all together make up the bracelet category. Bracelets come in cheap mixed metal varieties to diamond studded gold ones. Above the elbow women wear the Bazoo, the Joshan and the Bank. For the hips women wear a series of chain item called the Kandora. Anklets for the toes come in different models of heavy metals and silver. The delicately worked paizebs ending in tinkling silver hollow bells is really a good piece to adorn oneself with. The bichua or scorpion ring for the toe is a symbol for married women.

Designs and the mode of techniques vary from region to region and the material used depends upon the status of the wearer in the society. Ornaments range from the simple metal collections to the silver ones, mixed metals, gold, diamond and platinum. Regional Jewellery The Tribals of Assam patronize silver jewellery but the others use mostly gold items. The patterns are extremely beautiful and they are finely polished. The Thuria earring, which has a most distinctive design of its own in the form of a lotus with a heavy stem, is a common item. It is made of gold and studded with rubies. Necklaces and pendants of other neighboring regions are also common here. In West Bengal, silver and gold jewellery are made. Delicate filigree works are practiced here. Tara Kanta and Pan Kanta are some of the finest pieces of jewellery, which are meant for the hair. The Tara Kantas are pins made in the form of flowers and stars. The Pan Kanta is a betel leaf ornament, which is fixed at the center of the hair bun. In Odisha, the dominant technique employed is that of granulation and filigree. Both gold and silver are patronized. Mainly arm jewels, necklaces, nose rings and anklets are prepared. Finest designs are available for the nose rings. Maurpankhi, one of the designs is shaped like a peacock with open feathers and the whole thing is prepared according to the granulation and filigree technique. Sampangi is another nose ring, which is of the stylized pagoda type from which hangs delicately worked chains each ending in a small pipal leaf. Another peculiar jewel item of this area is the Bank worn on the forearm. This is formed of stiff chains brought together by adjustable links of flowers. Sambalpur is famous for brass jewellery. Delicately worked bangles in different patterns are available but they need regular polishing.

Punjab has hair ornaments that are different from the other parts of the country. Here the Tikka is flat and circular with small pendants hanging in the front of the Tikka. In the Kulu region, most of the items are made in Hoshiarpur, which has its own style. The Pipal Patra made out of silver pipal leaves fastened to an enameled piece of silver is commonly worn by the women folk of this area. Here necklaces are formed out of large metal plates, which are engraved with traditional designs and filled with green and yellow enamel. The nose ornaments of this area are highly specialized. The large sized nath and boulak designs of single leaf are specials of this region. Kashmir differs a lot from the other regions in jewellery. The most important designs here are for the ear ornaments. These are known as Kan Balle or Jhumka normally worn by the Muslim women on both the sides of their head. Then comes the common Zululand , a neck jewel item. Engraving and cut works are the important techniques used here. In South India, wearing of silver jewellery is mostly associated with the tribals and the rest resort to gold items only. The Chettinad (in Tamilnadu) jewellery made of uncut rubies is one of the finest. The Addigai is an important neck item also made of uncut rubies set in gold. Mangai Malai, a long necklace made of mango shaped pieces studded with uncut rubies and diamonds is another specialty of this area. Nowadays diamond jewellery has caught the fancy of the South Indian women. The Thalli, a necklace, which is worn during marriage, also has various patterns according to the community of the couple. Kerala has a rich variety of gold designs but precious stones are very rarely used. Necklaces are available in various shapes and designs. The Garuda necklace is famous here. North India is famous for a special form of jewellery called meenakari combined with the Kundan technique. Very delicate stuff are developed using these techniques. First, a basic form of the jewellery is created with hollow spaces allowed for the stones to be inserted. Then the Meenakar fills it with lac and engraves delicate designs on it. Lines are engraved to hold different colors. First the colors, which require the maximum temperature, are filled in and fired. Then the other colors are applied and fired until both the sides are enameled properly. Then the Kundan worker places the stones in their respective area. The piece is then polished with a leather cloth. Different types of jewel items are prepared by this method and Jaipur is the main center specialized in this technique. This art is also practiced in Delhi, Lucknow and Varanasi. BREAST CUTTING The cutting of the feminine breast has been a peculiar practice in different parts of the world including India. In India it prevailed among the Cholas in Tamilnadu and also in Gujarat. It not only existed among the Hindus but also with the Buddhists. In the Divyavadana, a Mahayana text of probably the 6th or 7th century A.D, mention is made of this practice. Buddha, in a previous birth was a woman named Rupavathi. She came upon a starving woman who was about to devour her newborn child. Thereupon she cut off her breasts and gave them to her for food. Later her breasts were restored. In Gujarat there is the story of a woman who was traveling to a neighboring village was attacked by some tribal men. Then she snatched a sword from one of them and cut off both her breasts. She then perished and she is worshipped as a Goddess still there. In the entire history of this peculiar custom the best example can be taken from the Chola period in Tamilnadu. Kanaki, on hearing that her husband,Kovalan was wrongfully sentenced for stealing an anklet of the queen, cried on the streets of the city of Madurai, then plucked her left breast and hurled it onto

the streets. As this legend of Kanaki in the Tamil classic, Silapathikatram ascribed to the 6th or 7th century A.D, it may be presumed that this custom was known and practiced in the Tamil Ian country during that period.