Sammi (dance)

Sammi (Shahmukhi: سمّی) is a traditional Punjabi dance form originating from the tribal communities of Punjab.^[1] The dance originates from Sandal bar^[2] but is also popular in other Bars and Pothohar region of Pakistani Punjab.^[3]

Sammi

A group of Punjabi men performing Sammi
Origin	Punjab
Related dances	Luddi

History

The dance is named after a young heroine of a legend, Sammi, who was madly in love and used to sing and dance as best as she could for the sake of her love.^[4]

Costume

The dancers are dressed in bright colored kurtas and full flowing skirts called Ghagra or Lehenga. A peculiar silver hair ornament is associated with this dance.

Performance

Like Giddha it is danced in a circle. The dancers stand in a ring and swing their hands bringing them up from the sides, right in front. The refrain of the most popular Sammi song is "Sammi Meri waar..".

See also

• Punjabi dance
• Giddha – Punjabi Female dance.
• Bhangra – Punjabi Male dance.