India is a diverse country which has many languages to speak, cultures, religions, food, clothing, festivals, literature, art, and the list is never-ending. One of the diversities includes music as well. India has various art forms of music, which include local music, regional music, tribal music, and folk music. These art forms allow different cultures and communities to connect with each and other and understand well.
Folk music and songs have their significance. Folk songs are still prevalent in small villages of India. They serve the purpose of entertainment for people. Folk music acts as the tunes and raags for classical music. With the advent of modern music, folk songs and music is still alive in various parts of India. The best part of folk music is there are songs and tunes to mark every event such as deaths, births, marriages, etc. There are many folk songs which also describes various nature’s cycle, such as monsoon, harvest, and rainy season. That’s the soul beauty of Indian music; it allows you to express your feeling, circumstances, and thoughts.
There are many devotional and spiritual folk songs in different states of India. People have composed songs in their native language with the help of basic instruments to pay their devotion and worship God. Following are some points showing the utmost value of folk music in Indian culture:
- Not complex to compose
Folk music is played using instruments like banjo, flute, Saraswati veena, etc. it becomes effortless to compose music. Unlike the modern instruments which are complex to use folk instruments take you close to your culture and soothe you in all possible ways.
- Take you back to the basics
India has given top-rated musicians and singers all because of its folk music. Historically, in India, there used to be various caste and gharanas who have been in the music industry for all their generations. Undoubtedly it is true that folk music takes you back to your roots.
- Recognized on a global scale
Folk music in India has its evidence before the times of independence. Composers have told stories in the form of music, which has gained recognition worldwide. Our folk singers perform all around the world to keep it alive and intact.
Let’s take a look at the different folk music of India:
- Bihugeet: Assam
- Lavani: Maharashtra
- Baul: Bengal
- Naatupura Patu: Tamil Nadu
- Bhangra: Punjab
- Zeliang: Nagaland
- Koli: Maharashtra
- Bhatiali: Bengal
- Maand: Rajasthan
- Kajari: Bihar and Uttar Pradesh
- Dulpod: Goa
It is the duty of our youth to preserve the legacy of ancient and folk music. So the generations that are yet to come can feel and listen to the sacredness of our divine folk music.
