Punjab

Punjabi folk music is the traditional music of the Punjab region of the Indian subcontinent, which is currently divided into two parts: East Punjab in India and West Punjab in Pakistan1 Punjabi folk music reflects the diverse styles, cultures and traditions of the Punjabi people, ranging from folk and Sufi to classical, notably the Patiala gharana1 Punjabi folk music is also influenced by the geographical location of Punjab, which serves as a gateway to India from the west2.

Punjabi folk music has a wide repertoire of songs for every occasion, from birth to death, including marriage, festivals, fairs, religious ceremonies, love, separation, beauty, social and economic status, village lifestyle, food, nature, bravery, folklores and folktales, folk and historical heroes and many more23 Some of the most famous folk songs are Heer and Mirza, which are sung using the traditional compositions3.

Punjabi folk music is highly rhythmic and very diverse. The western region of Punjab is the home of styles like dhoola and mahiya, while the popular boli style is performed differently across the region. The vocals are another integral part of Punjabi folk music, as are instruments such as the dhol, tumbi, dhadd, sarangi, algoza and ektara3 Some of these instruments are closely tied to Punjabi culture and heritage, such as the dhol, which is important for special proceedings such as weddings and sporting events1.

Punjabi folk music is also associated with some professional castes of Punjab, such as mirasis (musicians), jogis (ascetics), doms (low-caste performers) and baazigars (acrobats). They have their own songs and styles that reflect their occupations and social status2.

Punjabi folk music has faced some challenges in the past century due to political turmoil, technological advancement and cultural changes. Some notable artists were killed and major festivals were cancelled during the terrorist events of the late 1980s, which threatened the existence of Punjabi folk music and the instruments that accompanied this genre1 The boom of technology also created a new genre of music known as Punjabi pop, which mixed electronic and folk music and became more popular among the younger generation1 However, Punjabi folk music has also seen some revival and innovation in recent years due to the efforts of artists, scholars and enthusiasts who have tried to preserve and promote this rich musical heritage.