Its Tumbi, Dhadd, Chimta for Punjabi youth

The Punjab Cultural Society is training the young in Punjabi folk music and dances, to keep alive their culture and traditions.The rhythms of the Dhadd, an unconventional percussion instrument holds the music pupils spellbound at the training camp.

By Karan Kapoor

Ludhiana, Aug 10 : The Punjab Cultural Society is training the young in Punjabi folk music and dances, to keep alive their culture and traditions.The rhythms of the Dhadd, an unconventional percussion instrument holds the music pupils spellbound at the training camp.

"Foreigners are adopting the instruments which we have cast aside. We teach instruments like Tumbi, Dhadd, Chimta, Dhol and Kaato. We also make the children aware of Punjabi culture," said Ravinder Sangowal, the President of the Society.

Tumbi is a famous folk instrument and Chimta is a rhythm instrument used for various folk dances. Dhol is an instrument for Bhangra.

Were it not for the great contributions of Bhangra (folk dance of Punjab) exponent Sant Ram Kheeva and Dhol (instrument for Bhangra) exponent Rakesh Jogi, Punjab's folk instruments would have become extinct.

Every evening, about 50 teenagers and young adults gather at Punjabi Bhawan in Ludhiana to know more about folk instruments and folk dances.

"I love folk dance and have no curiosity in Western dance. I want to be a folk singer," said Vicky, music enthusiast.

Mannat, another music enthusiast, said: "Western music depicts the culture of other countries. But, if we live in India, we should know about our Indian culture and everything."

No fees are charged as the society's core motive is to preserve the state's cultural heritage.Seeing the global popularity of Bhangra, the Punjab Cultural Society was formed in 1998 by a group of folk artists.

Bhangra originated in the Western Punjab district of Shekhpura, Gujarat and Sialkot. It is an integral part of Punjabi culture.

ANI