Folk songs of Haryana

Folk songs/ music of Haryana Haryana has a rich tradition of Folk Music. Even villages have been named after classical ragas. In Dadri tehsil, several villages have names related to well known ragas. These are Nandyam, Sarangpur, Bilawala, Brindabana, Todi, Asaveri, Jaishri, Malakoshna, Hindola, Bhairavi, Gopi Kalyana etc. Similarly in Jind district there are Jai Jai Vanti, Malavi etc.

The Folk songs of Haryana/music generally falls in to two categories:

Classical form: The group song that is closely linked with the classical form of singing comes under this category. The themes of such songs are usually mythological. Allah, Jaimalphalla, Barahmas, some Teej songs, Phag and Holi songs belong to this group.

Country side music: This group includes legendary tales, such as Purana-Bhagata, ceremonial songs, seasonal songs, ballads etc. Its music survives in cross-cultural traits of social rapport. In such songs Jai Jai Vanti, Pahari, Bhairavi, Kafi, Jhinjhoti and Bhairav ragas are used. Raga Pilu is also used in some songs sung by the Ahirs, using a scale with twelve semi tones. The main credit for popularizing folk music in Haryana goes to Jogis, Bhats and Saangis. The Jogis use Sarangi as an accompaniment to their songs. They are proficient in using Allah, Jaimal-phatta and other heroic ballads with their rich melodies and resonant-appealing voice.

Teej Folk songs of Haryana

The seasonal songs of Teej and Phalgun resemble the popular Kajri and Jhula of Uttar Pradesh and Chhatisgarh and the Jhuman songs of Rajasthan. The melody of the rainy season has always been a familiar theme for the poets and singers. Such songs express the feelings of lovers of nature whose hearts beat in unison with the rhythm of rain. The poet sings of the changing phases in life, the coming of the bride, separation of lovers, the rain which breathes new life into the parched earth, and so on. Such songs are widely sung and may be heard in Haryana village.

As the rainy season commences, swings are hung from the branches of neem, mango or pipal trees and young girls and bridges gather together to sing and make merry. The climax is reached on the Teej when the whole Atmosphere resounds with sweet melodies.

Phag music/Folk songs of Haryana

Phag is a seasonal dance by the farmers, expressing the joy of bounty crop.

Folk Musical instruments

There is a great variety of musical instruments which are an essential accompaniment of folk music. Most of these are common to the whole of Northern India. Broadly these fall into three categories: stringed, wind and percussion instruments. Iktara: This is a one stringed instrument which is played with the fingers. It is made from a piece of bamboo about a metre long with a large gourd attached to one end. The other end of the stick is inserted in to the hollow of the gourd resonator which is covered with hide. Before singing, the singer hums gently feeling for the right pitch. The Sound of the string keeps the drone of his basic note. This instrument is generally used by Jogis.

Dotara

This is like a two stringed Iktara and serves the same purpose. Sarangi: This is a bow instrument because it is played with a bow, which is made of long strand or strands and takes a prominent place as accompaniment to the main singer. It is about 60 cm long made by hollowing out a single block of wood. For tuning, four pegs are fixed in it, to set the strings according to the pitches of twelve-semi-tones. Some Sarangis have thirty-five to forty sympathetic strings running under the four main strings. It has been a folk instrument used by the common people, particularly the Bards for their simple music. In the seventeenth century, the Sarangi was considered suitable accompaniment to the new style of classical music. In Haryana, this instrument is seen with some wandering Bards as an accompaniment to singing their folk songs. It is also used during a Swang performance.

Been

This is mostly used by snake charmers. Two small bamboo pipes are fixed in a hollow gourd. One keeps the drone of the basic note, producing a monotone and other one is used for producing tunes by the performer. The player blows into the gourd and his fingers move smoothly on the finger-holes of this double-reed instrument. It is used in many folk dance performances.

Bansari (flute)

This is one of the earliest wind instrument called by many other popular names like veena and murali. Seven round holes are bored in a hollow piece of bamboo stick. There are several verities of this instrument. Some are held straight away from the face while others are held transversely, parallel to the eye-brows as it was used by Lord Krishna.

Dholak

This is a smaller version of Dhol, mostly used by the Ahirs of Gurgaon district.

Daph

This is a one sided drum and serves as accompaniment of dances particularly Dhamal dance which is popular in Mahedargarh district. It is very simple in construction consisting of an open circular frame with only one side covered with skin. It can be played either by hands or with small sticks. It is also used on festive occasions with Folk songs of Haryana.

Khanjari

This is a small variety of Daph with the only difference that the Ghungrus (bells) are fixed around it. It is generally used in a solo dance performance Folk songs of Haryana.

Folk Songs of Haryana

Haryana is a state in northern India with a rich cultural heritage. The folk songs of Haryana are a vibrant and important part of this heritage. They are sung on a variety of occasions, including weddings, festivals, and other social gatherings.

There are many different types of folk songs in Haryana, each with its own unique style and melody. Some of the most popular types of folk songs include bhangra, chamkila, dhol, ghoomar, jhumar, kati palang, lohri, mundiyan to bach ke, rangdauli, sawan mein lag gayi aag, taal, and teej.

Bhangra is a type of folk dance and music that is popular in Punjab and Haryana. It is usually performed at weddings and other social gatherings. Bhangra is characterized by its fast tempo and energetic dance moves.

Chamkila was a type of folk music that was popular in the 1970s and 1980s. It was created by the duo Amar Singh Chamkila and Surinder Kaur. Chamkila music was known for its romantic lyrics and catchy melodies.

Dhol is a type of drum that is used in many different types of folk music in Haryana. It is a large, double-headed drum that is played with the hands. The dhol is often used to accompany folk dances such as bhangra.

Ghoomar is a type of folk dance that is popular in Rajasthan and Haryana. It is a graceful dance that is performed by Women. Ghoomar is characterized by its intricate footwork and swirling skirts.

Jhumar is a type of folk dance that is popular in Bihar, Jharkhand, and Haryana. It is a lively dance that is performed by both men and women. Jhumar is characterized by its fast tempo and energetic dance moves.

Kati Palang is a type of folk song that is popular in Haryana. It is a love song that is sung by a woman to her lover. Kati Palang is characterized by its sad lyrics and soulful melody.

Lohri is a winter festival that is celebrated in Punjab and Haryana. It is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate the arrival of spring. Lohri is also a time for feasting and dancing.

Mundiyan To Bach Ke is a type of folk song that is popular in Haryana. It is a warning song that is sung by women to their daughters about the dangers of men. Mundiyan To Bach Ke is characterized by its catchy melody and humorous lyrics.

Rangdauli is a type of folk dance that is popular in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. It is a dance that is performed by women during the Holi festival. Rangdauli is characterized by its colorful costumes and lively music.

Sawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag is a type of folk song that is popular in Haryana. It is a love song that is sung by a man to his lover. Sawan Mein Lag Gayi Aag is characterized by its romantic lyrics and soulful melody.

Taal is a type of folk music that is popular in Haryana. It is a type of drumming that is used to accompany folk dances such as bhangra. Taal is characterized by its complex rhythms and intricate patterns.

Teej is a summer festival that is celebrated in Haryana. It is a time for women to celebrate their beauty and fertility. Teej is also a time for feasting and dancing.

The folk songs of Haryana are a vibrant and important part of the state’s cultural heritage. They are sung on a variety of occasions, including weddings, festivals, and other social gatherings. The songs are characterized by their unique styles and melodies, and they reflect the rich history and culture of Haryana.

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 from generation to generation. They are often sung in a group and may be accompanied by instruments such as drums, flutes, or guitars. Folk songs can tell stories, express emotions, or simply be enjoyed for their melody and rhythm.
What are some characteristics of folk songs?
Folk songs are typically simple in structure and melody. They often use repetitive phrases and refrains, and they may be sung in a call-and-response style. Folk songs can be about a variety of topics, such as love, work, nature, or religion.
What are some examples of folk songs?
Some well-known folk songs include “John Henry,” “The Ballad of John Brown,” and “Amazing Grace.” Folk songs can be found in all cultures around the world.
What is the history of folk songs?
Folk songs have been around for centuries. They are often passed down orally, and they may change over time as they are sung by different people. Folk songs can be a valuable source of information about a culture’s history, values, and beliefs.
What is the role of folk songs in Society?
Folk songs can play a variety of roles in society. They can be used to entertain, to educate, to promote Social Change, or to simply preserve a culture’s heritage. Folk songs can also be a source of comfort and strength in times of hardship.
What is the future of folk songs?
Folk songs are still being created and performed today. They may be passed down through families or learned in schools. Folk songs can also be found on the Internet and in recordings. It is likely that folk songs will continue to be an important part of human culture for many years to come.

Which of the following is not a folk song of Haryana?
(A) Jhumar
(B) Dadra
(C) Bhangra
(D) Chaiti
Which of the following is not a musical instrument used in Haryana folk music?
(A) Dhol
(B) Sarangi
(C) Sitar
(D) Guitar
Which of the following is a famous folk singer from Haryana?
(A) Hans Raj Hans
(B) Pt. Jasraj
(C) Lata Mangeshkar
(D) Asha Bhosle
Which of the following is a famous folk dance from Haryana?
(A) Ghumar
(B) Bhangra
(C) Kalbelia
(D) Garba
Which of the following is a famous folk festival from Haryana?
(A) Lohri
(B) Baisakhi
(C) Teej
(D) Dussehra

Answers:
1. (C)
2. (D)
3. (A)
4. (A)
5. (A)