Punjab, an epicenter of ancient Indian learning and cultural efflorescence celebrates a myriad of festivals. The Punjabi’s have it all; special dances for the men, women and even the young Punjabi girls. Kikli is more of sport form than a dance that is enjoyed by the young Punjabi girls. The youth of Punjab celebrate this athletic dance by them with great gusto.
Kikli is a beautiful dance performed by women in pairs or quartets. The women cross their arms, hold each other’s hands and twirl energetically singing folk songs. More of an athletic sport, the general idea is to perform the dance in pains. Hence an even number of dancers is mandatory.
The dance commences with the couples facing one another with their feet touching and body inclined backwards. Standing in this convoluted pose, the dancers stretch their arms to the maximum possible angle and intertwine their hands about each other. The pairs delicately balance themselves to maintain this pose and rotate swiftly with their feet rooted firmly to the same spot in the ground.
The girl’s dance to a multitude of tunes selected from the diverse repertoire of traditional songs and adorn their outfits with colorful dupattas and churnis and their feet are decked with pretty anklets that tinkle melodiously as they sway gracefully to the music.
Kikli, one of Punjabi culture’s most vivacious folk dances is highly enjoyed by the youth and draws admiring crowds who gather to watch the young and pretty girls perform their acrobatic heroics with unabated vitality and freshness.
