Sammi (dance)

Sammi is a traditional dance primarily associated with the Balti people of Baltistan, a region spanning parts of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, India-administered Ladakh, and the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China. It is a group dance, usually performed in a circle, and is considered an important part of Balti culture and social gatherings, particularly during weddings, festivals, and other celebrations.

The Sammi is characterized by its rhythmic footwork, hand movements, and chanting, often accompanied by traditional Balti music played on instruments such as the daman (drum) and surna (shehnai-like wind instrument). The dance symbolizes unity, community, and shared cultural heritage. The specific movements and songs associated with the Sammi can vary slightly from village to village, reflecting regional variations within Balti culture. The dance is often performed by both men and women, either in separate groups or together. While primarily a celebratory dance, it can also, in some contexts, reflect historical or storytelling elements within its movements and lyrics.