Himachal Pradesh is a state of India that lies in the Himalayan region. The state has a rich and diverse musical culture that reflects the natural beauty, religious traditions, historical events, and social life of the people. The folk music of Himachal Pradesh is mainly based on folk songs that are sung with or without musical instruments. Some of the most popular folk music forms of Himachal Pradesh.
Jhoori
It is a form of music that celebrates extramarital romance. The word means lover. It is popular in the Sirmaur district and is accompanied by a female dance called Jhoomar. Jhoori songs are based on folk stories and legends, especially related to Lord Krishna and his affairs with gopis (cowherd girls). Jhoori is performed at weddings or other festive occasions12.
Samskara
It is a form of music that is sung by women of higher castes during the celebration of major festivals. These songs are based on ragas, which are compositions of Indian classical music, as are the martial songs called Jhanjhotis. Samskara songs are sung to praise the host, the guests, the village, the crops, etc. Samskara is performed to welcome guests, honor elders, celebrate harvests, or mark auspicious occasions12.
Ainchaliyan
It is a form of music that is sung at the house of a newly wed bride or an unmarried girl who is about to get married. These songs are religious in nature and are sung to bless the bride or the girl and wish her a happy married life. Ainchaliyan songs are based on folk stories and legends, especially related to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati. Ainchaliyan is performed by women relatives and friends of the bride or the girl12.
Barada Nati
It is a form of dance music that originated in the Chakrata tehsil of Dehradun district. It is performed by both men and women on religious festivals or fairs. The dancers form a circle and move in sync with the rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals. Barada Nati songs are lively and cheerful, and the costumes are traditional and vibrant23.
Jagar
It is a form of devotional music that originated in both Kumaon and Garhwal regions. It is performed to invoke the local gods and goddesses, who are believed to possess the singers or mediums called Jagariya. Jagar songs are based on folk stories, legends, myths, and historical events related to the deities. The music is accompanied by drums called Hurka or Dhol, and wind instruments called Damoun or Damaha13.
Mandal
It is a form of ceremonial music that originated in both Kumaon and Garhwal regions. It is performed to welcome guests, honor elders, celebrate harvests, or mark auspicious occasions. Mandal songs are sung by a group of singers who praise the host, the guests, the village, the crops, etc. The music is played by drums called Dhol or Dholki, and wind instruments called Turri or Ransingha13.
Conclusion
Apart from these folk music forms, there are many others that are specific to certain castes, communities, regions or occasions in Himachal Pradesh. Some examples are Khuder (melancholy songs), Bajuband (love songs), Basanti (spring songs), Chhopati (flirting songs), Ghazal (lyrical poetry), Thumri (semi-classical music), etc12. These folk music forms reflect the diversity and richness of Himachal Pradesh’s musical culture.