Punjab’s rich musical and spiritual traditions will take centre stage at Bharat Parv 2026, as captivating performances by the Punjabi Folk Orchestra and Qalandri Dhamal enthral audiences at the historic Red Fort, New Delhi, on 31 January 2026. The event promises an immersive cultural experience, celebrating Punjab’s vibrant folk heritage and its deep-rooted spiritual ethos.
Punjabi Folk Orchestra: Tradition in Orchestral Harmony
The Punjabi Folk Orchestra is a unique musical ensemble that brings together a wide range of traditional Punjabi folk instruments into a single, structured orchestral presentation. Instruments such as dhol, dholki, taal-koze, tansari, flute, nagara, chimta, sap, kara, vanjli, and others are woven into a harmonious performance that balances rhythm, melody, and percussion.
Traditional Punjabi folk tunes have been carefully composed and arranged to retain their authentic folk essence, while presenting them in a collective orchestral format. This innovative approach not only preserves heritage but also reimagines folk music for contemporary audiences.
Nurturing Young Talent and Folk Traditions
The orchestra is performed by a group of twelve students, each assigned a specific instrumental role. Their performance reflects teamwork, discipline, and a deep understanding of Punjabi folk traditions. The initiative plays a vital role in:
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Preserving traditional Punjabi music
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Providing students with hands-on experience in ensemble performance
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Promoting folk orchestration techniques among the younger generation
Qalandri Dhamal: A Celebration of Spiritual Devotion
Adding a powerful spiritual dimension to the programme is Qalandri Dhamal, a traditional Sufi folk dance rooted in the cultural landscapes of Punjab and Sindh. The dance expresses love, devotion, and surrender to the divine, and is most closely associated with the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif.
The performance is accompanied by intense, soul-stirring music created using instruments such as dhol, ghadyal, sorna, shankh, and tumba, along with rhythmic clapping and devotional chants like “Damadam Mast Qalandar.”
Music, Movement and Mysticism
Qalandri Dhamal is marked by free-flowing, expressive movements, with dancers spinning, stomping, and swaying in sync with the pulsating beats. Many performers dance barefoot, adorned with ghungroos, symbolising humility, spiritual surrender, and detachment from material constraints.
The dance embodies values of spiritual freedom, unity, love, and devotion, transcending boundaries of caste, religion, and social status. Through music and motion, it conveys a timeless message of peace and communal harmony.
Conclusion: Bharat Parv 2026
Together, the Punjabi Folk Orchestra and Qalandri Dhamal performances at Bharat Parv 2026 promise a vivid celebration of Punjab’s musical brilliance and spiritual depth. Blending youthful energy, traditional instruments, and Sufi mysticism, the event offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience the living cultural heritage of Punjab in all its rhythm, devotion, and vibrancy.
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Source: PIB
