Uttarakhand 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 Uttarakhand is mainly divided into two regions: Kumaon and Garhwal.
Some of the most popular folk music forms of Uttarakhand are:
Choliya
It is a form of dance music that originated in the Kumaon region. It is performed by male Rajput warriors with swords and shields, who display their martial skills and agility. Choliya is usually performed at weddings or other festive occasions. The music is played by drummers called Dholies, and wind instruments called Turi and Ransingha. The costumes of the dancers are colorful and elaborate, resembling the ancient fighters1.
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. The music is lively and cheerful, and the costumes are traditional and vibrant2.
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.
Jhora
It is a form of community music that originated in both Kumaon and Garhwal regions. It is performed by men and women who hold each other%E2%80%99s arms and sway their bodies forward as they move in a circle. Jhora songs are based on various themes such as love, nature, seasons, festivals, etc. The music is played by drums called Hudka or Dholki, and cymbals called Thali or Manjira12.
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 Ransingha14.
Panwara
It is a form of martial music that originated in both Kumaon and Garhwal regions. It is performed to commemorate the bravery and heroism of the ancestors who fought against foreign invaders or oppressors. Panwara songs are sung by a group of singers who narrate the stories of battles, wars, sacrifices, etc. The music is played by drums called Dhol or Dholki, and wind instruments called Turri or Ransingha14.
Conclusion
Apart from these folk music forms, there are many others that are specific to certain castes, communities, regions or occasions in Uttarakhand. 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 Uttarakhand’s musical culture.