Uttar Pradesh is a state of India that has a rich and diverse musical heritage. The region’s folk music reflects the cultural, religious and historical influences of various communities and dynasties that have ruled or inhabited the area.
Some of the most prominent folk music forms of Uttar Pradesh are:
Sohar
It is a form of music that celebrates the birth of a child. It is sung by women relatives and friends of the mother, who bless the newborn and express their joy and happiness. Sohar songs are based on mythological stories and legends, especially related to Lord Krishna and his childhood. Sohar is popular in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh, where Krishna is believed to have been born1.
Kajli or Kajri
Qawwali
Marsiya
Ramlila
It is a form of musical drama that enacts the epic story of Ramayana, which narrates the life and deeds of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ramlila is performed during the festival of Dussehra, which celebrates Rama’s victory over Ravana, the demon king who abducted Rama’s wife Sita. Ramlila songs are based on various regional languages and dialects, such as Awadhi, Braj Bhasha, Bhojpuri, etc. Ramlila is a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage of humanity2.
Marsiya
It is a form of elegiac poetry that mourns the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and his companions at the battle of Karbala in Iraq. Marsiya is recited or sung during the month of Muharram, which marks the Islamic lunar calendar. first month. Marsiya songs are composed in Urdu or Persian, and are rich in imagery, emotion, and symbolism. Marsiya is an important part of the Shia Muslim culture in Uttar Pradesh.