Bhangra began as a folk music and dance in the rural Punjab region of India (now partly in Pakistan). The feast of Vaisakhi was celebrated with the farmers' dance to welcome the spring with movements that suggested the actions of cultivating and harvesting crops in the fields. The energetic and rhythmic dance was a man's dance though a female dance, more narrative in form, was also danced.
Bhangra is both music and dance. Its accompaniment is traditionally the double-headed barrel-drum, the dhol, played on both ends with sticks. The lyrics sung were and still are primarily in the native Punjabi language Boliyan. The accompaniment is always the dhol drum, but may also include the flute, dholak drum, or other musical instruments.
Punjabi immigrants came to England and Canada in the 1960s and 1970s seeking employment. They brought Bhangra with them. Most current bhangra artists were born in England, Canada or the Caribbean. But wherever Indian and Pakistani emigres have settled, Canada, the United States and other parts of the United Kingdom Bhangra music in central to their communities.
Bhangra music, in the 1990s and into the21st century, is a constantly changing genre. As Punjabi communities rub elbows with other cultures, the genre is infused with diverse elements. It is mixed with styles of music as diverse as hip hop, house and reggae. It enjoys a prominent position in club music styles and more classical forms such as jazz and R&B. Bhangra increasingly borrows from and is lent to the constellation of world music.
Bhangra is an integral part of the London club scene and that of other cities where South Asians are prominent. With Western percussion, electronic music and DJs it became an an irresistible multi-purpose genre. Bhangra is increasingly important with young Asians reflecting their connection to both ancient rhythms and the immediate pulse of musical culture. It is used at weddings, New Year's Eve celebrations and simple gatherings. College groups host Bhangra dance competition and Bhangra as a fitness regime is marketed in DVDs and in exercise classes.