The culture of Himachal Pradesh is significantly different from that of the rest of the nation. Folk songs are abundant in this hilly region, and the locals never seem to pass up an opportunity to enjoy some uplifting traditional music! Despite the fact that not all the songs require an accompaniment, the majority of them are sung with musical instruments.
The Himachal region is home to many traditional folk songs, many of which are performed on important occasions. The people of Himachal Pradesh always add their traditional music to the celebration like marriages, births, anniversaries, birthdays etc. Let it be a folk song, Himachali bhajan or Himachali Pahari song, Himachali gane; Himachal has its own touch in each kind of music.
Let us know more about Himachali music and songs.
Himachali bhajan: Hindu devotional songs are known as bhajans. Bhajans typically include catchy melodies and repetitive choruses that are simple to sing. Since bhajans are mostly performed by groups rather than individuals, they tend to appeal to the public and are an important part of communal and village life in India.
Himachal Pradesh’s bhajan, also known as the Himachali bhajan is particularly popular among the local people of Himachal Pradesh. The team as a whole follows the choir when the first line of the Bhajan is sung by one member.
Typically, tabla, dholak, or a tambourine are used to accompany Himachali bhajans. To keep the beat, people frequently utilise handheld miniature cymbals called “kartals.” A bhajan may be sung at a temple, a house, outside beneath a tree, next to a riverbank, or in a location with special historical value.
Himachali Nati or Traditional Himachali folk songs:
The Indian subcontinent’s Western and Central Hills are home to several traditional folk tunes known as nati. In the same way, as a tree grows on the ground, traditional folk music develops alongside culture. It has its own characteristics as well as pastoral constraints.
Through these folk songs of Himachal Pradesh, one can draw attention to the lush valley. These folk songs provide considerably greater relaxation. Himachal Pradesh comprises most of the areas in its surrounding region. Despite living a fast-paced lifestyle, some local people continue to practise traditional living. They lead a pretty simple life and they love traditional folk music or Himachali Nati a lot. Himachal Pradesh’s folk music was performed without the use of instruments. This folk music is sung to cheer the heart. All of one’s innermost feelings are released after listening to the music.
Himachal Pradesh’s folk music had three main themes: desire, separation, and love. The people of this state begin dancing as well after being entertained.
Jhoori: Popular folk music in Himachal Pradesh is known as jhoori. Songs of this genre are sung about extramarital relationships. The songs are typically accompanied by a female dance called “Jhoomar,” which is done along with the songs.
Samskara: During the celebration of significant festivals, ladies from upper castes sing samskara or folk melodies. The songs are very lovely and a pleasure for music lovers because they are composed using the ragas of Indian classical music. The musical compositions known as ragas serve as the foundation for these songs.
Ainchaliyan: This devotional song is sung in the home of the prospective bride and is quite well-liked by the farmer class in Himachal.Using drums or platters of images as accompaniment, the males of the community sing this song in the homes of wedded couples. These songs are, nevertheless, sung by the local women at the unmarried girls’ homes. These songs have energetic singing that recounts events from the union of gods like Shiva and Rama. You should listen to this song in the Chamba-Pangi regions, where professional singers perform it while touring the villages while playing a khanjari (tambourine).
Laman: This Kullu district song represents loving feelings between men and women. These songs are performed in the mornings and at night by women of higher status. You’ll hear that several of these morning tunes have elements of Raga Asa if you listen closely.
Other Himachali Gane:
Songs about love include Chhinj, Jhori, Laman, Gangi, Mohana, and Tappe. It is a season to sing Dholru. Songs sung at childbirth include Soohadiyan and the warrior ballads Bare-Haren. Family songs include Pakkahad, Losi and Suhaag; Karak is a song of adoration for the gods; and Alhaini is a song of lamentation. These songs all adhere to a particular singing style, and the geographic details strongly influence these. The vocalist chooses which notes and syllables to pronounce in which way when they are sung in unison. They alter lines by adding new words or changing existing ones.
Read More: TRADITIONAL DANCE FORMS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
Himachali Song list:
Some of the most popular Himachali songs are listed below-
- Lok Geet– Shiv Kailashon ke Vaasi, Aya Wo Lalariya
- Folk songs– Lal Chiidiye Seri na jana, Isa Graen Deya Lambra Ho, Pyari Bhotaliye, Bhava Roopiye.
- Himachali Bhajans: Car Guran Di, Pandwo ne bhawan banaya, Satguran Ji Da diteya Naam, Aaya Budhapa etc.
Musical instruments which are used in the Himachali song:
The Drums are the predominant musical instrument in this region of Himachal Pradesh. The most popular drums include Dhol, Dholki, Dholku, Dammam, nagara, Nagarth, damanght, Doru, gajju and dhaunsa; though each region has its own distinctive selection. The main attraction in the Lahaul, Kinnaur, Pangi, Kullu and Sirmaur regions is a variety of drums in all sizes and shapes.
Their safekeeping is given a lot of consideration, and they are handled with extreme care in places of worship like gompas, temples and Mathas. Before they are presented to the audience, prayers are performed and offerings of flowers, turmeric paste, and rice are offered to them. While Dafoe is played during weddings, a particular drum known as “Tamaka” is played during fairs.
Drums are not the only essential musical instrument during the various festivals; wind instruments also play an important role. Wind instruments that are in demand include the Rana Singha, Turhi, karnal, Bishudi or Flute, Shehnai, Algoja and Peepni. Weddings and other auspicious occasions feature the playing of these instruments. The flute is a shepherd’s favourite, and it can revive weary travellers. You should visit the Jumang, Granyang and Mahasu regions of Spiti and Lahaul so that you can hear some traditional musical instruments like the Kindari.
Additionally, there are stringed instruments including the Ektara, Gramyang, Kindari Davatra, Sarangi, Ruman and Jumang. Rumals, gram yang and Jumang are traditional instruments from the Lahaul and Kinnar regions that are used by professional vocalists.
Read Some More About:
Who are the Top 10 Great Musicians of the Himachal Pradesh
Conclusion:
The primary culture of Northern India appears to differ from Himachal Pradesh as a state. However, music is one area where they do appear to be comparable. The Himachal Valleys are teeming with people who never miss an opportunity to perform their beloved folk melodies. Although an accompaniment is not generally required, the Locals use their traditional musical instruments to enhance the joy of these songs. The countless folk tunes of Himachal are a delight to the music world, with many saved for special occasions.
Read More: हिमाचल प्रदेश के लोक-गीत – Folk Songs of Himachal Pradesh
FAQs:
Q. Which is the most popular traditional music of Himachal Pradesh?
A. Jhoori is the most popular form of traditional music in Himachal Pradesh.
Q. Which musical instrument is the most famous in Himachal Pradesh?
A. A wind instrument called a Narsingha is made of metal and copper. This is a traditional instrument that is used in Bihar and Himachal Pradesh. It is the most popular musical instrument in Himachal Pradesh.
Q. Who is the most famous singer of Himachal Pradesh?
A. Karnail Rana is the most famous Indian singer of Himachal Pradesh.
