Folk Bhangra: The Heartbeat of Punjabi Culture and Why It’s Growing in Perth, WA

Folk Bhangra is more than just a dance, it is the soul of Punjab, a celebration of community, joy, strength, and tradition. Rooted in the harvest season, Bhangra began as an expression of gratitude and happiness by Punjabi farmers celebrating Vaisakhi. What started centuries ago as a simple folk dance in Punjab has now grown into a global cultural movement, inspiring millions across the world.

Where It All Started

Folk Bhangra originated in the late 1800s in the Majha region of Punjab, especially in villages around Sialkot, Gurdaspur, and Amritsar. It was first performed by farmers during harvest time to honour their hard work and to thank nature for abundance. Accompanied by powerful dhol beats, tumbi, algoza, and traditional boliyan, Bhangra became a natural way for Punjabi men to express energy, pride, and cultural identity.

Over time, the dance spread across Punjab and became a symbol of Punjabi strength and unity. By the early 1900s, it was recognised as one of the most vibrant folk traditions in India.

Bhangra Travels Across the World

As Punjabis migrated across the UK, Canada, USA, and Australia, Bhangra travelled with them. It became a bridge between the younger generation and their cultural roots. Today, you can find Bhangra performances at festivals, schools, weddings, sports arenas, and multicultural events worldwide.

In Australia, Bhangra began making its presence felt in the late 20th century as Punjabi communities grew. But in Western Australia, it remained rare, with very few formal schools promoting authentic folk Bhangra.

Why Bhangra Is Growing in Perth, WA

Perth’s multicultural community has increasingly embraced diverse cultural art forms, and Bhangra is one of the fastest rising. Parents are looking for activities that build confidence, teamwork, fitness, and cultural identity for their children and Bhangra delivers all of this.

In recent years, there has also been a rise in interest in Punjabi music, traditional folk instruments, and cultural festivals across WA. Combined with social media exposure, Perth audiences have started recognising how powerful and energetic true Folk Bhangra really is.

Perth Bhangra Academy Leading the Movement

Although Bhangra existed in smaller forms in Perth earlier, Perth Bhangra Academy has played a major role in growing it into a structured, professional, and highly respected art form. With a focus on teaching authentic Folk Bhangra not just modern or Bollywood fusion the academy is preserving the true cultural techniques that come from Punjab’s roots.

Perth Bhangra Academy has become one of the major platforms where:

• Children learn discipline, leadership, teamwork, and fitness

• Families reconnect with Punjabi cultural traditions

• Students perform at top multicultural events

• New dancers gain confidence and stage experience

Through community involvement, performances, competitions, and professional training programs, Perth Bhangra Academy is building one of the strongest Bhangra communities in Western Australia.

Looking Ahead

With the upcoming Perth City Bhangra Cup 2026 and increasing interest from schools, media, and cultural organisations, Folk Bhangra in Perth is entering a powerful new era. What started more than 100 years ago on the fields of Punjab is now inspiring a new generation in Western Australia.

Perth Bhangra Academy continues to lead this journey keeping the heartbeat of Punjabi culture alive, loud, and proud.