Profile
Settings
Refer your friends
Sign out
The heritage of folk music in Uttar Pradesh is one of the oldest traditions. It is named rasiya or braj. Most of the folk music in Uttar Pradesh revolves around the love and desire between Radha and Krishna. Most of these folk kinds of music are accompanied by drums and other instruments and are performed in festivals. The tradition of folk music can be traced back to ancient times. The oldest traditions of music in Uttar Pradesh were established around the Guptas. The khyal dance is also very popular. Bhajan, Purvi, Kajari and Phag are also very popular. The study also focuses on Sohar, Kaharwa, and Chanayni as folk musical traditions.
Folk Songs
There are many types of folk music found in Uttar Pradesh such as khayal, ghazals, Swang, Naqal, Marsiya, Qawwali, Raslila, Ramlila. The charkula dance is one of the best examples of folk pieces of music and dances that are performed in braj. The names of folk songs in Uttar Pradesh are:
- Sohar
- Kajri
- Kaharwa
- Nauka Jhakkad
- Bhajan
- Kirtan
The vernacular literature and its efflorescence owes to artistic expressions such as folk music, art, and dances. It derives its existence from regional myths, religious beliefs, and traditions. Folk music in Uttar Pradesh and other regions is a part of folk entertainment. Pregnancy and childbirth, seen as the most important and celebrated times in Indian families are celebrated through Sohar, and wedding ceremonies and other auspicious events are enjoyed through Chanayni and Kaharwa. Areas like Unnao, Fatehpur, and Kanpur are places in Uttar Pradesh where folk music is strongly prevalent.
Sohar
Sohar is one of the most popular forms of folk songs performed in Uttar Pradesh even today. These songs are related to the religious culture prevalent in the areas. Sohar is predominantly performed during childbirth. Bhikari Thakur is usually credited with the popularisation of folk songs in the Bhojpuri region. Notable names include Mahender Misir, Anjan, Sharda Sinha as well as Laxman Pathak. Harikirtan is also a very religiously associated folk song sung in Uttar Pradesh. Sohar is celebrated as a song that welcomes life and celebrates new beginnings. Notable names include Virendra Bharati and Kalpana Patwari in recent times. Sohar is predominantly sung and performed by women on the occasion of birth which is seen as an auspicious moment in the family. The importance of Sohar in the everyday lives of the people is reflected in the popularity of this tradition. Sohar is intrinsically linked with family life and is a widely practiced musical tradition practiced in Uttar Pradesh. Customs and traditions are an important part of the lives of many people in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in rural areas. Therefore, folk songs like sohar were able to become a part of the countryside cultural tradition.
Chanayni
Chanayni is a type of folk-dance music that is very much prevalent in most regions of Uttar Pradesh. This is a well-known form of folk music practiced in many rural areas with utmost diligence. This type of folk music usually is performed to celebrate any occasion or special moment. Folk music is often paired with folk dances so the type of songs that are sung during the Chanayni dance is called Chanayni music.
Kaharwa
Kaharwa is a well-known taal or system of singing style in India that originated in Uttar Pradesh. The Kaharwa taal is a famous taal with variations such as qawwali, and dhumali and is divided into 2 with 8 beats. It is a caste-based folk song that is performed by the Kahar caste. The Kaharwa is a ceremonial song sung during weddings.
Conclusion
The folk traditions are one of the most culturally unique facts of social life. Every region has its cultural milieu reflected in the art and entertainment produced during that era. Music is the most wonderful carrier of artistry. In Uttar Pradesh, the prevalence and variety of folk music speak of a rich cultural heritage.
