bhangra word of the day: chimta

chimta (n.) - the tong-like instrument often used as a prop in bhangra routines. (plural chimte)

the chimta is a thin strip of metal that has been folded in the middle and has many small cymbals attached to either side of it.

the word “chimta” in Punjabi literally means “tongs.” this reflects the origin of the instrument in the tools used by Punjabi cooks in the kitchen. the chimta is either played by clapping it together, similar to a castanet, or holding by it in one hand and striking it with the side of the other.

often, in bhangra performances, chimte are twirled in time with the music to add flair and style to the routine. in any live bhangra performance, and even in many music performances, the chimta player is an essential part of the act.

bhangra word of the day: vardi

vardi - (n.) literally, uniform. the traditional outfit that a bhangra dancer wears for performances. plural vardiyan.

vardiyan have many specific components, each of which is different for men and women.

Males:

1. Chadra - (n.) the bottom half of the garment; sort of resembles a cloth tied around the waist. plural chadre.
2. Kurta - (n.) the top half of the garment; basically a very long shirt.
3. Vest - (n.) worn above the kurta.
4. Paghari - (n.) the male headwear. an ornate type of turban. often called pagh.
5. Turla - (n.) the turla is the fan-like adornment that rises out of a paghari. A part of the paghari itself.
6. Phuman - (n.) outfit apparel worn on arms (either around biceps, or above the elbows) and around the wrists. Resemble small balls of yarn.

Females:

1. Salwar - (n.) the baggy, harem-style pants.
2. Kurta - (n.) the long shirt.
3. Parandia - (n.) the braid threaded into the dancer’s hair.
4. Chunni - (n.) the female head covering. a sash draped over the back of her hair. 

unisex:

1. Kaintha - (n.) a traditional heavy style necklace.
2. Safety pin - (n.) the linchpin of the bhangra vardi.
3. Chadre - girls may also dress in chadre depending on the type of team (traditional or not)

bhangra word of the day: khunda

khunda - (n.) the stick-like prop used by bhangra dancers. plural khunde.

alternatively known as a daang, these “sticks” are some of the most commonly used bhangra props, and sections in which they are used are crucial elements of most competitive bhangra performances.

bhangra word of the day: nakhre

nakhre - (n.) attitude, swagger.

the extra “oomph” that a dancer puts into his or her performance. elements include smiling, flirting with the audience, and generally being a boss. different from energy, or even technical skill.

this guy, ASG, has nakhre coming out of his ears.

bhangra word of the day: saap

saap - n. those criscrossy things that bhangra dancers “click” together, usually in time with the beat, during a routine.

also known as shikke and khenchiyan.

some sources claim that saaps were originally used to scare away crows from crops. others attribute the loud noise created from using the saap as an invocation of thunderous clouds.