Thursday 29 March 2012

Folk Music Of Uttarakhand

Music
The term Uttarakhand music is used to denote folk,religious and contemporary music from both kumaon and garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. The term Uttarakhand music is also used to denote the unique experience of the faithful who enjoy the traditional chalariya dance or hum to the latest musical numbers .
The hills of himalayas have inspired generations of singers and musicians throughout the ages. The natural beauty of the mountains that inspires a deep spirituality, and the values of life have resulted in Uttarakhandi music having a mix of lyrical texture and reprsentying the social,cultural ethos of the place. The traditional forms of Himalayan music have deeply popular. This has been especially true of the Pahari penchant for folksy values, biting humour, raw honesty, loving devotion, and soaring spirits that shines through each of the Uttarakhand songs.The Uttarakhand Himalayas have inspired generations of singers, balladeers, and musicians throughout the ages. Both the natural beauty of the mountains that inspires a deep spirituality, and the harshness of life that darkens the heart with adversity and anguish.Indeed, in face of other homogenizing trends in India, Uttarakhandi music has distinguished itself in retaining its cultural uniqueness and vibrant sound, while remaining popular among the masses.
If the music and dance styles of any region are profuse, it automatically emphasizes the rich cultural heritage. The culture of Uttarakhand is an illustrious example of this trend. Music is integrated to every nook of Uttarakand society. The aura of this mountainous region is such that it had inspired musicians to compose wonderful tunes. Mighty streams of rivers, lushness of the pine forests, rugged mountain peaks, celestial beauties of hill stations-all these became themes of numerous musicals composition. The folk music primarily is related to the various festivals, religious traditions, folk stories and simple life of the people of Uttarakhand. The music of Kumaon and garhwal region is a medley of fine tunes and lyrics. Content is spiritual and it depicts conundrum of the socio- cultural scenario of the state.




Uttarakhandi music, heightening its poignancy and enriching its lyrical texture. The Grahwal and Kumaonese are fond of music, folk dance, and songs accompanied by local musical instruments. They go from place to place narrating folklores, dancing and singing the praise of their gods and goddesses. During fairs and festivals and at harvest time, the Kumaonese often dance the Jharva, Chandhur Chhapalior, and many other forms of folk dances. Major dance forms of the Garhwal region are Langvir Nritya, Barada Nati folk dance, Pandava Nritya, Dhurang, Dhuring and Chhura, Chapeli (folk dances).
Singers :-
1).The most famous personality associated with Kumaoni Folk Music is Mohan Upreti, who is known for his Nanda Devi Jagar & Rajula Malu Shahi Ballad.He is famous for the great Kumaoni song Bedu Pako Baro Masa which for many years the identity of the hills of Uttarakahand. It is said this song was also a favourite of Jawahar Lal Nehru who heard it in a band march as this song is also apopular marching song.
2). Shri Gopal Babu Goswami who is considered to be a legend in Kumaon for his melodious voice.His songs on the life of the members of the armed forces and their families like Kaile baje muruli , Ghughuti na basa and many others are legendary, it is said that when these songs were transmitted on All India Radio women with their husbands could not help but weep when they heard the soul touching voice of Gopal Da as he was lovingly called.
3). Shri Narendra Singh Negi who is considered to be the voice of Garhwal. Likewise Chander Singh Rahi is another popular singer, a balladeer and storyteller. His recordings are perhaps the most authentic to the hills, and he incorporates many legends and folk tales into his rousing songs.
4). Chander Singh Rahi, another popular singer, is both a balladeer and storyteller. His recordings are perhaps the most authentic to the hills, and he incorporates many legends and folk tales into his rousing songs.
This has led to a sudden surge of a number of hidden talents from various corners of Uttarakhand which include famous personalities such as Fauji Lalit Mohan Joshi, Heera Singh Rana, Kalpana Chauhan, Meena Rana, Anuradha Nirala, Pritam Bharatwan, Gajendra Rana who have made their contribution to the Kumaoni / Garhwali Music by various hit songs / music albums over the period. Heera Singh Rana is identified as a singer and asocial activist whose songs tell the tale of the pain of the people of the hills .
Musical instruments :–
Musical instruments used in Uttarakhand music include the dhol, damoun, turri, ransingha, dholki, daur, thali, bhankora and masakbhaja. Tabla and harmonium are also used, but to a lesser extent. The Music and its development have seen various phases of growth and have undergone lots of transformation during the course of time. 'Mandals’, ‘panwaras’ and somber 'khuded’ , ‘thadya’ and ‘jhoda&’ are popular folk songs of this region.
Tradition of Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful and enchanting region located on the northern part of India on the valley of Himalayas. Nature has endowed this land with so much beauty and spiritual bliss that it is also known as Dev Bhoomi the Land of Gods. Ganga, Yamuna and scores of other rivers originate in Uttarakhand. Among them Ganga is the most holy and prominent as she represents the soul of India - her rich culture, history and civilization.
The Culture of Uttarakhand has its roots in pre-history and has passed through the millennia, assimilating the influences of the waves upon waves of settlers that have sought sanctuary in the mountains. The essence of the past, however, has remained unchanged, with reverence for Nature and the celebration of life being its fundamental creed. The arts, crafts, dance and music remain centered to this day on the many gods and goddesses, as well as the seasonal cycles. Irrespective of the sect or religion, the entire community participates in the festivals associated with religious or natural events. Of late, other events associated with history, the freedom struggle and national life have also begun to be celebrated. The Culture of Uttarakhand finds manifestation in the lifestyle of its people.
Uttarakhand has a cultured and colourful society. Uttarakhand has every thing that any tourist could want. The most significant donor for giving mass appeal to tourism in Uttarakhand is the state’s rich culture, an excellent intermingling of exoticism as well as the way of life. Frequently thought-out to be the belt of Hindu culture, the Uttarakhand’s culture is beyond doubt one of the most vital tourist attractions of Uttarakhand.
The highlights of the Uttarakhandi culture should be its history, people, religion and dances. All of them are a beautiful amalgamation of different influences from all the races and dynasties it has been ruled by. Its history is chequered in comparison to the arts culture but still interesting enough to hold a person’s consideration. Its dances are connected to life and human existence and exhibit myriad human emotions. Any trip to this tranquil will be incomplete unless you explore the wonderful culture and lifestyle of the local people.The religious, social and cultural urges of the people of Uttarakhand find an expression in various fairs and festivals, which are in turn closely linked to the social and economic activities of the region.
Uttarakhand Society and Culture contains a significant cultural divide based on the two regions of the state including the Himalayan region of Garhwal and the hilly region of Kumaon. However, the state as a whole portrays a varied cultural heritage.
the Society and Culture of Uttarakhand's Kumaon region can said to be a blend of influences from the native population as well as from the immigrants that have come and settled in the region. And this is depicted in the dialects, languages, festivals, and fairs of the region.
The religious, social and cultural urges of the people of Uttarakhand help in forming a colourfulsociety and culture of Uttarakhand.
The rich cultural heritage of the state is, in fact, one of the major contributors in popularizing tourism in Uttarakhand, along with its exotic beauty and pilgrim centers. Any trip to this tranquil state will be incomplete unless you explore the wonderful culture and lifestyle of the local people.

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