Music is a source of happiness, tranquility, ecstasy, and relief. It is a language of love; love between you and your deep desires which awaken something that you have ever imagined. Music is something that gives you a feeling of self- gratification, peacefulness in this chaotic world. It is an art; a form of expression which connects people from all over the world. Music has no boundaries of language and it doesn’t need words to convey one’s feeling. Music is like worship of God. It has boundless energy which refreshes you. Music is in everything, even in the breathing too. Whatever you do, you see, you feel, there is a music in it. It is something natural, the sound of drizzles, the sound of waterfalls, the chirping of birds, everything has its own music which makes you fall for them. Music is not about the loud noise it is the sound which takes you to a whole new world and one such music is the music of Uttarakhand, which makes you feel relaxed and motivated.
Redefine Togetherness with Folk Songs of Uttarakhand
Though you might not understand the words but the rhythm and harmony of traditional songs take you to some another world. The world which is as beautiful as the mountains of Uttarakhand, the holy rivers, the forests, flowers, snow, and THE HIMALAYAS. Music of Uttarakhand is as holy and as pure as the river Ganga. Music of Uttarakhand represents the culture and tradition of their manner of living. The music is inspired by the natural beauty of the Uttarakhand. Most of the songs compare the beauty of girls with nature’s beauty like one of the most popular songs of Garhwal region is- “Podhi Ki Ronak Tere Galduma”. Popular songs of Uttarakhand state are Mangals, Martial Panwars, Melancholy, Khuded, Thadya, Choppati, Bajuband, and Jhora which are mostly sung on the different occasions like in wedding, Hawan, Puja or at various occasions.Some Of the famous folk songs are-
Mangals– These are the folk songs which are sung by the priest along with the men and women at the time of weddings. Basically, these are the songs in which Sanskrit shlokas are being chanted in Uttarakhand wedding as given in the Shastras.
Choppati- These are the love songs which are sung in the question and answer form by men and women.
Basanti- These folk songs are used to sing to welcome the Spring season. These songs are sung in the group or by an individual. Spring is the time when the new blooms blossoms in the valley. Spring season is basically known for the rebirth, rejuvenation, and regrowth of the plants and flowers.
Chhura- These folk songs are sung by the shepherds while grazing Sheep and Goats. Usually, these songs signify as the advice given by the old generation to the young one in the form of songs.
Bajuband- These are the mesmerizing romantic and love songs between a girl and boy. These folk songs are basically sung by the Shepherds.
Khuded/Laman/Pandwa – These folk songs depicts the suffering of separation of a woman with his beloved for various reasons like when her husband is away from home for looking job and has gone to the battlefield.
Over the years, Garhwali songs have gained so much popularity that they have become the part of DJ nights in metro cities too. Some of the renowned singers of the state are Sh. Narendra Singh Negi who is known as the Voice of Uttarakhand, another legendary singer is Sh. Gopal Bapu Goswami who makes the song famous because of their melodious voice.Music is an art of expressing your love, care, affection, sacrifice towards your beloved and when it comes to the songs of Uttarakhand this line is best suited for.