Giddha is a traditional Punjabi folk dance performed primarily by women, known for its grace, playful energy, and the witty sung couplets called boliyan. It's often considered the female counterpart to Bhangra — though it has a character all its own.
What happens in a Giddha performance?
Dancers form a circle, and women take turns stepping into the center to dance while others clap rhythmically and sing boliyan. The movements are expressive and often act out everyday life, relationships, and emotions — sometimes tender, sometimes hilariously sharp.
What are boliyan?
Boliyan are short folk verses — sometimes traditional, sometimes improvised on the spot. They can be romantic, teasing, or full of social commentary, and they're a big part of what makes Giddha so lively. The singing and dancing feed off each other.
How is Giddha different from Bhangra?
Bhangra is traditionally a high-energy men's dance driven by the dhol drum, while Giddha centers on women, clapping rhythms, and sung poetry. Both celebrate the same culture and often appear at the same events — weddings, festivals like Vaisakhi, and family gatherings. Today, performances are often joyful and mixed.
Why Giddha matters
Giddha is a space where women's voices, humor, and creativity take center stage in Punjabi culture. Through its verses, it has long carried stories, social commentary, and community memory — passed down generation to generation.
Frequently asked questions
Can men perform Giddha?
Traditionally it's a women's dance, though modern performances are increasingly mixed and fluid.
Do you need special training?
No — Giddha is rooted in community celebration, and people of all skill levels join in.
We celebrate every side of Punjabi culture — explore it in our Desi & Punjabi collection.