Indian Folk Music: Diverse Traditions & Narratives

(West Bengal)

• Sung by the Baul sect, having both Bhakti and Sufi influences.

• Rasiya Geet (Uttar Pradesh)

• Braj Region songs based on Lord Krishna’s charming leelas.

(Jammu  and Kashmir)

• Sung during wedding ceremonies.

• Alha (Uttar Pradesh)

• Ballad of Bundelkhand that narrates the heroic deeds of Alha and Udal.

• Bhakha is sung by the villagers when harvesting is done.

• Ghasiyari Geet (Uttarakhand)

• Sung by women who have to go into far-off forests to get grass for their cattle.

(Rajasthan)

• Songs about scarcity of water. Romantic and domestic themes.

• Pai (Madhya Pradesh)

• Songs for a good monsoon and harvest. Saira dance is performed. 

(Gujarat)

• Associated with scenes of Holi and lila of Krishna and Radha at Vrindavan. It is a featured dance of Navratri evenings.

• Pandavani (Chattisgarh)

• Mahabharata stories with Bhima as the hero. Teejan Bai is a famous exponent. 

(Rajasthan)

• Semi Folk, Semi Classical Style. Songs are about the bards singing the glory of the Rajput rulers. Famous song Kesariya Balam.

• Daskathia 

(Odisha)

• Derives its name from a unique musical instrument called “Kathi” or “Ram Tali”, wooden clappers used during the presentation.

(Maharashtra)

• Traditional dance and song performed on Dholki.

• Khubak Eshei

(Manipur)

• A song accompanied entirely by clapping.

(Maharashtra)

• These ballads describe the events of Shivaji’s glorious past and his heroic deeds. 

• Ougri Hangen,

Heijing Hirao

(Manipur)

• They are the song of creation and a ritualistic song, respectively sung on the last day of the Lai Haraoba festival.

(Karnataka and Maharashtra)

• Themes include nature, love and philosophy. It is similar to Ghazals.

• Khongjom Parva

(Manipur)

• A musical narration of the Battle of Khongjom fought between the British army and the Manipuri forces in 1891.

(Goa)

• Unique blend of Indian and western musical traditions.

• Chai Hia

(Mizoram)

• Sung during Chapchar kut festival.

(Assam)

• Blessings for the new year and harvest.

• Hereileu

(Nagaland)

• War songs

(Assam)

• Embodies the teachings of Islam.

• Teej Songs (Rajasthan)

• Themes revolve around the union of Shiva and Parvati, the magic of monsoon, greenery etc.

(Tamil Nadu)

• Sung in praise of the Chola monarch.

• Burrakatha 

(Andhra Pradesh)

• Highly dramatic form of ballad.

(Tamil Nadu)

• It is also called Bow Song.

• Kolanallu 

(Andhra Pradesh)

• Also known as Kolattam. Similar to “Dandiya”.

(Karnataka)

• During Dusshera procession.

• Bhuta song

(Kerala)

• To send away the evil ghosts and spirits.