Phag Dance of Farmers of Haryana

Phag dance also known as Faag or Phaag dance is a popular folk dance form of Haryana. This folk dance is performed by the agricultural community of Haryana.

Phag dance is celebrated primarily in the months of February and March. These months fall in Falgun month in the Hindu calendar, which has lent its name to the dance. The name Falgun became Faag or Phag in common people’s tongues.

These months are chosen because farmers usually do not get leisure time to dance and enjoy. These are the only months when they have sowed the crop and are waiting for the harvest.

Phag Dance Performance

Both men and women participate in the Phag dance. Sometimes it is only performed by men. People celebrate the season of harvesting and take pleasure in cheerful weather through this dance. They pray and celebrate for a good harvest. 

Dance Costume

There are no special costumes for the Phag dance. As this dance is performed by village people, they wear their daily clothing. If this dance is being performed on a special occasion then both men and women wear colorful garments. Women wear ghagra-choli with dupatta and men wear colorful Pagdi (turban). 

Both men and women dance in a passionate way. One can feel their joy and energy while watching them. Women dance using their graceful manners and men dance with enthusiasm. 

Instruments Used in Phaag

The instruments used in Phag dance are very basic. People use whatever they can use to make their bodies move.

• Dholi
• Dholak
• Nagada
• Tasha

If only men are performing Phaag dance then the song will be different from the one which is used when both men and women dance together. 

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