With dark clouds of coronavirus isolating people, the cross-cultural collaboration of two neighbours in Canada’s northern wilderness lifted up spirits. The amalgamation of uplifting music of bagpipes and the joyously intense bhangra moves left many on the internet with cheerfully surprising and satisfied smiles.
Cultural collaboration brings warmth and joy
Gurdeep Pandher, a public servant in the technology sector who also teaches Punjab-origin bhangra dancing, and Jordan Lincez, a teacher who also plays the famous Scotland bagpipes, collaborated to make a very interesting and entertaining Canadian video. It was filmed outside their cabins at Lake Laberge in Yukon, roughly 50 kilometres north of Whitehorse.
In the video, as the melody of bagpipes diffuses in the snow-capped landscape, Gurdeep Pandher who wears a saffron turban dances to the rhythm. One can feel the gush of joy and happiness in his highly energetic dance moves. He softly taps his feet, and bounces gently, while his arms and hands create beautiful moves in the air.
Sharing his experience, Pandher says that he wanted to showcase how people can connect and plan to organize activities with friends and neighbours even while maintaining social distancing. He said that the intention was also to put the spotlight on the beauty of Canadian cross-culture.
Lincez, who performed "High Road to Linton," remarked that chilly weather is difficult on the bagpipes and makes performing unpredictable. Adding to this, he says, "But what really counts for me was having fun, doing what I love doing in the ‘new normal,’ and bringing smiles and sharing joy with others during this time of crisis.”
What is Bhangra?
Bhangra is a type of Punjabi folk dance that originated in the Sialkot region of Punjab, Pakistan. It is performed during the harvest season and is particularly associated with the spring celebration of Vaisakhi. In a typical performance, multiple dancers perform a series of high-energy moves to the tune of short songs called boliyan and, most importantly, to the beat of a dhol (double-headed drum).
Many people use bhangra as a source of joy and amusement during weddings, parties, and other gatherings. Its modern evolution has allowed it to keep its traditional Punjabi roots while expanding its reach by combining it with popular music and DJing and showcasing it in group-based competitions. Today, bhangra is even used as a form of workout, and even in dance programmes in schools and studios.
Bhangra became a happy abode during the pandemic
Pandher has a history of creating beautiful videos to encourage intercultural harmony. He developed a bhangra dance routine with the Canadian military and taught the mayor of Whitehorse how to tie a Sikh turban. Also, he is known for having danced with a Paralympian. Living far from the land of Punjab, Pandher has successfully kept the true spirit of the Punjabi folk dance alive. Throughout the pandemic, he spread joy among people by providing online sessions for bhangra.
Sharing his experience, Pandher says, “ I live in a forest on open and big Yukon land, so it is helpful to stay away from the pandemic risks. But still, I am following all the health guidelines and use precautions if I need to go to town to get groceries. Living on land is so organic, nurturing and so beautiful.”