Know your heritage: Folk music of different Indian state

India, a land rich in culture and art, has given the world some beautiful and meaningful works. Be it the folk dances that involve jumping through Bamboos, or the folk art that adorns people’s clothes, or even the beautiful designs that are made on the walls and entrances of houses, Indian folk art is unique, fascinating, and deeply personal.
So, if you are someone who’d like to know more about your culture, here we mention the folk music of different Indian states.

The folk music of Baul is a mystical and spiritual form of music from West Bengal. The Baul singers are known for their attire which is usually as simple as robes and a turban. These men and women are not just singers and performers, but also people close to God as they seek not just music, but also spirituality.
Baul songs are simple, beautifully-worded, and have themes of love, devotion, and the want for oneness with divine.
(Image: iStock)

Wanawan is a traditional form of folk music from Kashmir. It is primarily sung by women during weddings and other festive occasions and is an important part of rituals and worship.

The lyrics of Wanawan songs are about the bride and groom, their families, and the various rituals associated with marriage. The songs are sung in a call-and-response format, with one group of women singing a line and another group responding.

Pandavani is a folk music and storytelling tradition from Chhattisgarh. Evident by the name, Pandavani are the tales from the Indian epic, the Mahabharata and the characters of ‘Pandavas’. Pandavani is a mix of music, dance, and drama, and the gestures and expressions of the performer, along with the narration, are the highlight.
(Image: Online Chhattisgarh/Facebook)

Rasiya is the folk music of Uttar Pradesh, especially the Braj region. It is sung and played during Holi celebrations and other rituals, but also for common entertainment. The word ‘Rasiya’ comes from ‘rasa’, which refers to the emotion or essence of something.
Rasiya songs are usually based on the themes of love, and were traditionally dedicated to Shri Radha and Krishna.

Pankhida is a traditional folk song form from Rajasthan and was traditionally sung by peasants while working. It is said that ‘Pankhida’ means lover, and the songs are sung by people, both men and women, while playing the Manjira and the khartal along with it.

Alha is associated with the Bundelkhand region of UP and sings the heroic feelings of Alha and Udal. Alha and Udal were two brothers who fought against the invading forces, and the Alha performances today are done as a solo act by a singer who is well-versed in the complex and lengthy verses.

The lyrics of Alha are in a poetic form and are improvised by the singer to suit the mood of the performance.

Powada is a traditional folk music form from Maharashtra that celebrates the heroic deeds of the Maratha warriors, especially the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
‘Powada’ basically means ‘a tale of valour’, and has energetic beats, heroic words, and pride, patriotic feelings.
Powada are the tales of battles, bravery, and the righteous deeds of Shivaji Maharaj and his soldiers, and are sung to add a sense of pride and strength in people’s hearts.