Gurdeep Pandher/Facebook

Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon has become a social media sensation by spreading the messages of joy, hope and positivity through the traditional Punjabi folk dance of Bhangra.

Pandher is travelling across Canada in his van on a positivity tour and he made several stops in New Brunswick this week.

Bhangra was created by Punjabi farmers many years ago when farming was very hard work according to Pandher who comes from a farming family.

“Those farmers created this form of dance for positivity, for joy and for happiness. Some people also call this a happy dance.”

Pandher has been dancing since he was a boy and became passionate about Bhangra when he moved to the Yukon a decade ago and began teaching locals.

At St. Andrews in New Brunswick, low tide created the beautiful ocean floor. The marvellous Sunset added golden light everywhere. Nature’s smile and open heart allowed me to add my moves and music. I am dispatching this joy, hope and positivity to everyone. pic.twitter.com/oBvKcnoe6S

— Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon (@GurdeepPandher) September 1, 2022

During the initial pandemic lockdown, Pandher began posting videos of his dancing on social media from his home in the Yukon.

“Lots and lots of people across the country from coast to coast to coast started connecting with my work. They started sending me notes and even handwritten letters telling me how the messages of joy, positivity and hope are helping them.”

Pandher says he has been touched by all the support he has received across the country.

During his time in New Brunswick, Pandher has recorded videos dancing on the ocean floor in St. Andrews and at Hopewell Rocks, teaching a class in Dieppe, collaborating with a highland dancer at Irving Nature Park and touring the Saint John City Market.