Folk Songs of Himachal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh has its own identity for its rich culture of music and dance. It is the integral part of the life of Himachalis. There is no classical form of music in this state but plenty of Folk Music can be heard which are best performed by the people of a particular area. The folk songs of Himachal Pradesh lure through the green valleys. They are indirectly around daily chores and are a retreat after a hard day’s work. The state of Himachal Pradesh encompasses, within its vicinity, many remote areas. Such areas use traditional ways of living far from the modern day hustle and bustle. For these simple people, simple are the ways of life, simple is their music. Most of the Himachali folk songs require no such instruments to accompany. They are sung to the heart’s delight that renders the uniqueness. The emotions burst out in them for making the songs soul-touching.

The music and dance of the state is mainly religion-oriented where gods are invoked during the festivals by singing and dancing. This practice has continued since ancient times. The subject matter of the folk songs of Himachal Pradesh varies largely of romance, chivalry and changing seasons but loves, separation, eagerness for one’s love are common themes. Sometimes the songs are accompanied by dance which may mean community dances too. Important festivals, rituals, fairs and onset of seasons are perfect reasons for the beautiful rendering that is so peculiar to Himachal Pradesh. The tunes and melodies blend perfectly with the people and places as it reverberates through the mesmerizing landscape. The folk songs are full of charm. People gather in a circle in village fairs and dance to the tune of these songs.

Folk songs may be associated with history , religion , culture , customary life et al. But most of the songs sung in Himachal Pradesh are associated with love ballad, heroic ballad , praise of God seasons ballads and social recreation .These songs can be sung solo or in a group of many. This shows that how rich is the culture of a place has.

Himachali Folk Songs

The Himachal folk music is the greatest solace to the poor people living in the remote areas. The Junju Sukrat Bhunkh and Roopshu songs echo through the Chamba valley. The Mohna of Bilaspur, the Jhoori of Sirmaur, the Laman of Kullu, Gangi, Tappe are commonly sung as love songs. Dholru is a seasonal song. Bare-Haren is ballad about warriors. Soohadiyan are songs sung at Childbirth. Losi and Pakkahad and Suhaag songs are all family songs. Karak are songs of praise in honor of the deities and Alhaini is a song of mourning. All these songs follow a specific style of singing and the geographical facts have a deep effect on these. The songs are sung in harmony and the singer decides the way the notes and syllables are to be pronounced. They make changes in lines and substitute or replace words. No matter what it is, the folk songs of Himachal Pradesh ultimately come out from the core of the heart of these simple people.

Folk songs of Chambal :- Fulmu Ranjhu , Kunju Chanchlo , Raja Gaddan, Bhukku Gaddi , lacchi , Nuala , Aenchliya , Suhi Geet , Sukraat , Kunjadi

Folk Songs of Kangra :- Hari Singh Raajeya, Nurpure Diye Khatretiye , Suliya Tangoi gayi meri jaan , Prithvi Singh Inderdeyi , Pind Deya Lambda , Sithniya , Ghodi .

Folk Songs of Mandi :- Nirmanda Ri Brahmaniye, Mani Ram Patwaariya , Na Mansa O Hansa , Jiya Lal Bindiye , Panj Patra , Chhinj and Chhanjoti , Devku

Folk Songs of Bilaspur :- Mohna , Gangi , Gambhari , Baalo , Jhanjyoti

Folk Songs of Kullu , Shimla and Sirmaur :- Laman , Jhoori , Naati , Haar

Famous Folk Songs

Jhoori Song

It is a typical song of Himachal Pradesh and is sung with fun, joy and merriment. It is basically a theme of extra-marital romance. The word ‘Jhoori’ itself literally means lover, beloved or sweetheart. These folk songs are very popular in Mahasu and Sirmaur. Jhoori is accompanied by a folk dance form called Jhoomar and are entirely danced by Women only. Though Jhoomar is danced only by the women folk, both men and women together sing Jhoori. The songs and dance are performed only in the open space and attracts lot of gathering as the people assemble together to enjoy the interesting subject.

Each piece is sung in four lines and the last syllable of the first line is pronounced in a long-lasting fashion. This is a peculiarity of Jhoori songs and this part of the songs is greeted with cheer among the spectators and rhythm invariably plays the most important role in such songs.

Jhanjhoti Song

The Jhanjhoti songs are based on Ragas like Brindabani Sarang, Durga, Tilang and Desh. The Gidda songs are based on Raga Durga. The songs sung by professional singers have very attractive classical overtones. The famous love-lyrics in Himachal areas are Phulmu-Ranjhu, Kunju-Chanchalo and Raja-Gaddan. The Phulmu-Ranjhu lyric tells of a tragic episode. In Kunju-Chanchalo the song takes the form of a conversation between the lover and his sweetheart. The Raja-Gaddan song records the wooing of gaddan Nokhu by Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra.

Laman Song

Laman singing is popular in the Kullu valley. These songs are related with the romantic love between men and women. The first line is only for rhyming with the second and it is the second line which furthers the theme. Syllables like Oa, Aa form the ‘Tek’ or the note which is prolonged at the end of the line. These syllables help the singers to create a certain resonance and a definite rhythmic pattern.

SAMASKARA SONG

The Samaskara songs are folk songs of the state of Himachal Pradesh with the distinct tune that is reminiscent of a distant mountainous land. These songs are mainly sung at family festivals, gatherings and other similar moments for celebration. The Samskara songs of Himachal Pradesh have their base in classical Ragas. This bound the songs by intricate detailing that needs a considerable amount of expertise on the part of the Samskara singers. They are sung with great fervor by women who only belong to certain higher castes.

Ainchaliyan

These are religious songs popularly sung with great gusto in the state. These songs are similar to ballads in essence. Though they are religious songs, they are sung centering a family that has recently been through marriage ceremony. The custom of singing Ainchali or Ainchaliyan of Himachal Pradesh in the house of the bride is common in farming Society.

The singers comprising of males visit the house of the newly married couples and sing the Ainchaliyan songs. The subject matter usually centers on the auspicious marriage of Lord Shiva and Lord Rama. They are romantic songs depicting stories from the conjugal life of these two stalwarts of the Hindu pantheon. The Ainchaliyan singers also sing songs from episodes in Ramayana and Mahabharata. String puppets are common and are very attractive as accompaniments to these types of songs.

Musical instruments

The Musical instruments which are frequently used by the folk artists of Himachal Pradesh are Ranasinga, Drums, Karna, Turhi, Flute, Ektara, Kindari, Jhanjh, Manjara, Chimta, Ghariyal and Ghunghru.

Drums: This is one of the main instruments for the Himachalis. A variety of drums are played like Dhol, Dholku, Dolki, Nagara, Damama, Damanght, Nagarth, Gajju, Doru, Hudak and Dhaunsa. In the Kinnaur, Lahaul, Pangi, Sirmaur and Kullu areas, drums of different shapes and sizes are played at different festivals.

Percussion Instruments: Percussion instruments like Jhanjh (large cymbals), Manjira (small cymbals), Chimta (tongs). Ghanta (gongs), Ghariyal (large gong), Thali (platter), Ghunghru (bells), Kokatha Murchang (a stringed instrument played with a bow with bells) are very popular in folk dramas like Jagarata, Bhagat and Kariyala etc. The folk singers of the Chamba valley known as Ghurai sing to the accompaniment of cymbals.

Wind Instruments: Rana Singha, Karnal, Turhi and Flute or Bishudi, Algoja (twin flutes), Shehnai or Peepni are popular wind instruments.

String Instruments: Ektara, Kindari Davatra, Gramyang or Rabab, Sarnagi, Jumang and Ruman are some stringed instruments, commonly used by professional singers. Gramyang, Rumals, Jumang are tribal instruments of the Lahaul and Kinnaur areas.,

Himachal Pradesh is a state in India that is known for its beautiful Mountains, lush forests, and diverse culture. The state is home to a number of different ethnic groups, each with its own unique culture and traditions. One of the most important aspects of Himachali culture is its folk music.

Himachali folk music is a rich and vibrant tradition that has been passed down through generations. The songs are often about love, loss, nature, and the everyday lives of the people of Himachal Pradesh. They are typically sung in a call-and-response style, and they often use simple melodies that are easy to remember.

There are many different types of Himachali folk music, each with its own unique style and characteristics. Some of the most popular types of Himachali folk music include:

Jogini: Jogini songs are typically sung by women and are about the goddess Jogini, who is a symbol of fertility and motherhood. The songs are often accompanied by dancing and drumming.
Kinnauri: Kinnauri songs are from the Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh. They are typically sung in a high-pitched voice and are often about love and loss.
Lahauli: Lahauli songs are from the Lahaul and Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. They are typically sung in a slow, mournful style and are often about the harsh conditions of life in the mountains.
Mandi: Mandi songs are from the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh. They are typically sung in a lively, upbeat style and are often about love and marriage.
Shimla: Shimla songs are from the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. They are typically sung in a soft, lyrical style and are often about the beauty of the mountains.
Sirmaur: Sirmaur songs are from the Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. They are typically sung in a strong, powerful style and are often about the bravery of the people of Sirmaur.
Spiti: Spiti songs are from the Spiti region of Himachal Pradesh. They are typically sung in a slow, meditative style and are often about the spiritual aspects of life.
Tribal: Tribal songs are from the tribal areas of Himachal Pradesh. They are typically sung in a loud, forceful style and are often about the struggles of life in the mountains.
Upper Himachal: Upper Himachal songs are from the upper regions of Himachal Pradesh. They are typically sung in a high-pitched, nasal style and are often about the beauty of the mountains.
Wagadh: Wagadh songs are from the Wagadh region of Himachal Pradesh. They are typically sung in a slow, mournful style and are often about the loss of loved ones.
Zanskar: Zanskar songs are from the Zanskar region of Himachal Pradesh. They are typically sung in a slow, meditative style and are often about the spiritual aspects of life.

Himachali folk music is an important part of the state’s culture and heritage. It is a vibrant and living tradition that continues to be passed down from generation to generation. The songs are a reflection of the people of Himachal Pradesh and their unique way of life. They are a source of joy and entertainment, and they also play an important role in religious and social ceremonies.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Himachal Pradesh, be sure to take some time to listen to the local folk music. It is a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers about folk songs:

What are folk songs?
Folk songs are traditional songs that are passed down orally from generation to generation. They are often associated with a particular culture or region, and they can tell stories, express emotions, or simply be enjoyed for their musicality.
What are the characteristics of folk songs?
Folk songs are typically simple in structure, with a repetitive melody and a limited range of harmonies. They often use simple language and imagery, and they may be accompanied by traditional instruments such as the fiddle, the banjo, or the guitar.
What are some examples of folk songs?
Some well-known folk songs include “John Henry,” “Amazing Grace,” and “The Ballad of John Brown.”
What is the history of folk songs?
Folk songs have been around for centuries, and they have been passed down through oral tradition. They often reflect the history and culture of the people who sing them.
What is the role of folk songs in society?
Folk songs can play an important role in society by providing a sense of identity and belonging. They can also be used to express political or social messages.
What are some of the benefits of singing folk songs?
Singing folk songs can be a fun and enjoyable way to learn about different cultures. It can also help to improve your singing skills and your sense of rhythm.
Where can I learn more about folk songs?
There are many Resources available for Learning more about folk songs. You can find books, websites, and even museums dedicated to folk music.
What are some of the challenges facing folk songs?
One challenge facing folk songs is the loss of oral tradition. As people become more connected to the Internet and other forms of technology, they are less likely to pass down folk songs to their children. Another challenge is the commercialization of folk music. When folk songs are recorded and sold, they can lose their original meaning and purpose.
What can be done to preserve folk songs?
There are a number of things that can be done to preserve folk songs. One is to encourage people to sing folk songs in their homes and communities. Another is to support organizations that are dedicated to collecting and preserving folk music. Finally, we can all make an effort to learn about the history and culture of folk songs.

Sure, here are some MCQs about folk songs from different parts of the world:

Which of the following is not a type of folk song?
(a) Ballad
(b) Lullaby
(c) Rap
(d) Work song
Which of the following is not a characteristic of folk songs?
(a) They are passed down orally from generation to generation.
(b) They are often anonymous.
(c) They are typically simple in melody and structure.
(d) They are often about love, loss, or work.
Which of the following is not a country that is known for its folk music?
(a) Ireland
(b) Japan
(c) China
(d) The United States
Which of the following is not a traditional instrument used in folk music?
(a) The fiddle
(b) The guitar
(c) The piano
(d) The drum
Which of the following is not a traditional dance associated with folk music?
(a) The waltz
(b) The polka
(c) The tango
(d) The hip hop
Which of the following is not a traditional costume associated with folk music?
(a) The kilt
(b) The kimono
(c) The cowboy hat
(d) The hoodie
Which of the following is not a traditional food associated with folk music?
(a) Haggis
(b) Sushi
(c) Apple Pie
(d) Pizza
Which of the following is not a traditional drink associated with folk music?
(a) Whiskey
(b) Sake
(c) Beer
(d) Soda
Which of the following is not a traditional festival associated with folk music?
(a) St. Patrick’s Day
(b) Cherry Blossom Festival
(c) Oktoberfest
(d) Halloween
Which of the following is not a traditional holiday associated with folk music?
(a) Christmas
(b) Hanukkah
(c) Kwanzaa
(d) Valentine’s Day

I hope you enjoyed these MCQs about folk songs!