Jangam is the worshippers of Siva in Punjab who recite verses on the mythological marriage of Siva and Parvati. Recitation is done in a ritualistic hypnotic monotone. As performers, they entertain people during religious and social festivals in the obscurity of the villages. Their dramatic presence is heightened by their headgear, a brass band with the image of a snake and peacock feathers flashing in the air. Their narrative and rhythmic movement is embellished by bells, gongs, manjim or cymbals, and chhenna or percussion sticks, weaving the most incredible musical patterns. Today, forced into penury by the loss of rural audiences to mass media, they are reduced to begging for alms in the alleys of Punjab`s cities and towns.
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