It was an East Indian dance explosion at the Naparima Bowl on June 6, as the San Fernando City Corporation, in collaboration with the High Commissioner of India and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Cultural Co-operation, celebrated the 162nd anniversary of Indian Arrival Day. Decked in traditional East Indian garb, many came out to witness some of the best performances from the Naksh Virsa Punjab da Bhangra and Gidda Music Dance Group from India. Virsa Punjab da Bhangra, which translates to Heritage of Punjab in dance, emphasises the centrality of Punjab culture. Among the performances from the group was the Giddha, a dance that is often considered similar to the ancient ring dance and is quite as energetic as the Bhangra.
In this dance the women formed a circle as they all clapped their hands and sang humorous couplets in the Punjabi language, called boliyan. The women in the audience also clapped and danced in their seats, with some even singing along. The men then performed the Jhumar, a lively and well executed piece, which was a slowed form of the Bhangra. In this dance, the men demonstrated routines that would usually be performed in the harvest season. The evening was completed with more spirited performances, as patrons were treated to some of the best traditional dances of East Indian culture.
