"Luddi is the national dance of people."
Luddi is a famous and traditional folk dance that originates from Punjab.
People perform the routine in circles and both sexes can take part in the dance.
It is an excellent means of celebration, pride, and victory.
The South Asian diaspora includes Indian, Pakistani, Bengali, and Sri Lankan groups and this dance is popular among Pakistanis.
Luddi is therefore one of the most influential dances of Pakistan as well.
In this article, we dive into the origins and history of Luddi and find out more about it.
Origins
Luddi originates from historical moments that saw Punjabi Sardars rescuing Indian women.
These women used to be forcefully taken to Basra in the Middle East.
The dance comes from the Malwa, Punjab to celebrate victory over enemies.
Luddi gradually saw its popularity increase, leading it to become a common routine.
Weddings are a frequent occasion for the dance, with many attendees swaying to music and enjoying the folk steps.
The routine is not restricted to single-sex. People, no matter who they are, can enjoy it with equal fervour.
How is it Performed?
At first glance, Luddi is fast-paced and it seems like a show of spontaneous footwork.
However, the dance requires attention, precision, and careful choreography.
The dancers put their entire bodies to the test.
This includes their head as well as their upper and lower limbs.
Performers clap their hands while moving together in a circle and they also click their fingers.
Jumping and semi-twisting are key components of Luddi.
Music for the routine is provided by drums, cymbals, and oboes.
The circle is usually formed in pairs and forms a shape resembling a snake.
The Attire
Luddi is known for the colourful, vibrant clothing of the performers.
They wear Punjabi attire. The men wear turbans, kurtas, and salwars.
Meanwhile, the women are draped in bright blouses.
Jewellery is a significant aspect of the routine, with the dancers adorned in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.
When it comes to women, Luddi is typically performed by older people. However, younger women do join in.
This is also believed to give younger female performers an insight into becoming an adult woman.
The attire certainly makes the routine all the more engaging to both watch and perform.
Representations of Luddi
Madam Noor Jehan sang the song ‘Luddi Hai Jamalo‘ from Sahib Jee (1983).
The chartbuster features women dancing energetically and enthusiastically.
They celebrate Mendhi functions, adhering to the common ‘wedding’ connotation of the routine.
A YouTube viewer praises the song and says: “Love this song. I used to listen to it at my childhood parties and weddings of relatives.
“Now, I realise this song is really good and attractive.”
Another person adds:
“Luddi is the national dance of people of G.T. Road from Gujranwala, Wazirabad, Gujrat, Jehlum, Rawalpindi and adjoining areas of Azad Kashmir like Bhimber and Mirpur.
“We do it at weddings even if only for a couple of minutes.”
Luddi is also a common performance in sports. Fans of cricket have been known to break into the routine to celebrate their team’s victory.
Examples of this include the 1992 Cricket World Cup, 2009 World T20 and the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.
Milestones
In 2020, Tribune India reported about a Punjabi group of dancers known as The Folk Blaster Society.
The group entered the International Book of Records continuously for over 112 minutes.
They consisted of 10 dancers, two singers, and five folk instrument players.
One of the performers was Bhupinder Singh, who says:
“All of us have one thing in common — love for Luddi.
“This is a traditional folk dance about which people have forgotten.
“We aim to let everyone know about this dance form.
“We utilised the [Covid-19] lockdown period in preparation.”
The director of the society is Arshdeep Bains. He adds: “Everyone knows about Bhangra, but a few know about Luddi.
“People are now attracted to Western dance and music.
“Our aim and mission is to let the youth of Punjab know about other folk dances of the state too.
“We will continue doing the same in the future.”
Impact of Luddi
Particularly among female dancers, Luddi symbolises a connection between family members.
The clapping also represents celebration and creates a sound and rhythm that people can relate to.
Luddi allows the dancers to let go of their troubles and create a sense of victory and triumph.
Professional performers lead to a graceful and fun showcase of talent, agility, and skill.
Luddi is original, unique, and a honing of dancing talent.
The purpose of it is to highlight victory, which is a testament to the routine’s infectious energy.
Its history is a representation of triumph and freedom, which are steeped in Punjabi culture.
It is no wonder that this is one of the most famous and adored routines within South Asian communities.
So, what are you waiting for? If you’re a dancer eager to explore new and fascinating routines, Luddi is one for you.