Folk Music of Kashmir
Music
adds to the attraction of the Kashmir valley for the tourists. The
history and tradition of music and dance in Kashmir valley goes back to
thousands years back. Given below
Are some main forms of the
traditional music of Kashmir, along with some Kashmiri folk songs: | |
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| | Chakri :-
Once
performed with the help of only Garaha, Sarangi and Rabab, Chakri has
included harmonium also in its presentation. It is one of the most
popular forms of the traditional music of Kashmir.
Depicting
the melodic tradition of folk music that evolved in the valley of Jammu
& Kashmir many decades back, Chakri truly upholds the heritage of
culture and arts in the place. The people of Jammu & Kashmir are
quite popular for owing a multi-cultural past. Chakri is an excellent
outcome of that very musical history of the valley. |
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| | The
rhythmic accompaniments that are used while singing the folk song of
Chakri include rabab, garaha and sarangi. Performed by the folk
population of Jammu & Kashmir, Chakri is considered incomplete
without the apt support of the musical instruments. Although a form of
ancient folk category, Chakri has today went through some minor
variations. For one, the advent of harmonium apart from the usual
instruments is quite new. However, the basic theme and flavor of Chakri
is still intact which shows the passion of Jammu & Kashmir culture
enthusiasts. |
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state of Jammu & Kashmir have been ruled by several Dynasties in
the ancient ages. From Hindu Kings to Mughal Empires, Jammu &
Kashmir has remained a vital ruling ground. Although the reigning era
of those mighty Kings have ended long back, yet the evidences have
remained on the land of Jammu & Kashmir in the form of cultural
extravaganza. Chakri is a real symbol of that very essence of artistic
genre of Jammu & Kashmir which once flourished amidst the verdant
valleys.
Tourists who come from different parts of the world
to explore the incredibly ecstatic splendors of Jammu & Kashmir
often get mesmerized by the melodic aura created by Chakri. |
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| | Sufiana Music
Sofians
musiqui (Sufi Music) owes its introduction in Kashmir to Iran.
Introduced in the 15th century in the Kashmir valley, Sufiana music
continues to enthrall its audience till date. With the passage of time,
a number of Indian ragas were added to this music form. This classical
music form of Kashmir makes the use of Santoor, Sitar, Kashmiri Saz,
Wasool or Tabla. |
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| | Representing the rich musical heritage and cultural legacy of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the enchanting Kashmiri Sufiyana Music adds to the glory and grandeur of the region. The origin of Sufi Music can be traced back to the ancient Iran where
the music reached its peak during the 20th century. However, because of
the unique combination of enchanting melody coupled with poetic
wordings, Sufi music had spread to the region of Kashmir as well.
The
beautiful Sufi music came to be known as the Kashmiri Sufiyana Music.
An integral part of the rich cultural ancestry and religious legacy of
the state of Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmiri Sufiyana music portrays the
unlimited love of a devotee for the Supreme Being. Kashmiri Sufiyana
Music boasts of an inherent divine element. Sung in praise of the
Supreme Being, the enchanting melody of Kashmiri Sufiyana Music fills
the devotees with an intense sense of devotion and dedication.
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| | Accompanied with traditional folk musical instruments of Saze- Kashmir, Tabla, Kashmiri Sitar and Kashmiri Santoor,
the singers of Kashmiri Sufiyana music sing with full devotion and
enthusiasm which is reflected in their flawless performance. Composed
of poetic expressions that show the divine love between the ardent
devotee and the Supreme Being, Kashmiri Sufiyana Music enthralls and
enchants the audience with its melodious music.
Kashmiri Sufiyana Music
spreads happiness and fills the air with joy and mirth through its
poetic wordings coupled with enchanting melodies. Upholding the
traditional legacy of the state, Kashmiri Sufiyana Music displays the
rich folk culture of Jammu and Kashmir. |
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| | Hafiz Nagma
A
part of the classical Sufiana Music, Hafiz Nagma makes use of Santoor-a
hundred stringed instrument played with sticks. In Hafiz Nagma, there
is a female dancer, accompanied by a number of males with instruments.
The dancer, known as Hafiza, moves her feet to the musical notes. |
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| | Kashmiri Santoor Music
The
Kashmiri Santoor Music displays the rich musical heritage and
traditional culture of the state. The classical music of Jammu and
Kashmir, the melodious Kashmiri Santoor compositions enchants and
enthralls the audience with its captivating songs. Accompanied with the
traditional musical instrument of Santoor, the talented classical
musicians display their exemplary artistic caliber.
One of the
prominent performing arts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the
Kashmiri Santoor Music portrays the unique musical culture of the
state. The traditional musical instrument of Santoor is usually made
out of walnut. However, the Kashmiri Santoor is rectangular in shape
and has numerous strings attached to the musical instrument. |
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| | The
Kashmiri Santoor music bears relics to the enrich heritage of classical
music of the state. The enachanting melody of the traditional
instrument of Santoor fills the audience with an intense sense of
pleasure and satisfaction. Usually played on special festive occasions,
the Kashmiri Santoor music displays the artistic inclination of the
indigenous local inhabitants of the state.
Inherited from the
glorious ancient era, the professional classical musicians and singers
of the Kashmiri Santoor music has earned a name for themselve in the
international arena as well. An integral part of the cultural past of
the glorious ancient times, the composers and singers of Kashmiri
Santoor music perform with full dedication which is reflected in their
exemplary and flawless performance.
The enchanting melodious
notes of Kashmiri Santoor music provide the audience a relief from the
stress and strains of daily mundane life. The beautiful compositions of
Kashmiri Santoor music portray the potentialities of the musicians of
Jammu and Kashmir. |
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| | Masade songs
One
of the prominent folk songs of Jammu and Kashmir, the enchanting melody
of Masade reflects the rich musical heritage and ancestral legacy of
the state. Endowed with a rich cultural heritage and traditional
antecedents, the state of Jammu and Kashmir boasts of a wide variety of
spectacular performing arts that is reflected in the unique dance
styles, melodious folk songs and expressive dance dramas. |
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| | Masade
is one such traditional folk song of Jammu and Kashmir that represents
the artistic caliber of the singers. The uniqueness of the traditional
folk song of Masade lies in the fact that the singers sing without the
support of any musical instrument. The chorus folk song of Masade is
performed by ten talented singers who sing with full enthusiasm and
devotion that is reflected in their exemplary and flawless performance.
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| | Composed
by the indigenous local inhabitants of the state, the poetic wordings
and enchanting musical melody of Masade fills the air with music, joy
and enthusiasm. The traditional Masade song reflects the excellent
command of the talented singers over music. Sung with dedication,
Masade songs portray the beautiful voice quality of the talented
singers.
An integral part of the social and cultural life of
the native population of Jammu and Kashmir, Masade songs refresh and re
energize the mind and body of the audience who are overwhelmed at the
poetic expressions and enchanting music. Inspired from life, most of
the people can relate to the expressive wordings of the traditional
folk song of Masade. |
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| | Song of Habba Khatoon
Habba
Khatoon was a princess of Kashmir. This song reflects her feelings at
the time when she was separated from the Yousuf King. |
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| | Benthe
Regarded
as one of the melodious variations of Jammu & Kashmir music, Benthe
primarily owes its origin to the tribes of the valley. The Bakerwal and
Gujjar tribal groups are known to have founded the lyrical tradition of
Benthe. A group of people that commonly ranges form five to seven sing
the benthe song in a chorus. |
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music of Jammu & Kashmir has always been a subject of great
interest and appeal. Having a rich and colorful heritage, the music of
the valley has been from many tribal communities that are inhabiting
the state from many centuries.
An apt representation of the
varied music forms of Jammu & Kashmir, Benthe is performed during
major occasions and also to celebrate any social ceremony. Although
Benthe falls under the local music category of the valley, but while
performing this form the participants are also found dancing with the
matching tunes. |
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Bakrewal and Gujjar tribal people have a long and glorious history
which includes a very prominent name – Benthe. Being the aborigines of
the state of Jammu & Kashmir, the tribes of the valley offer the
pure essence of the artistic culture. Be it folk dance or be it folk
music, the tribal zones of the state are rich with numerous nuances of
expressive appeals.
Benthe is synonymous to that pulsating
tradition of Jammu & Kashmir music which forms the core of cultural
ecstasy of the place. Singing in chorus groups, the performers of
Benthe, in a way, show the solidarity of the inhabitants of the valley.
Inspite of belonging to two different clans, both Gujjar and
Bakrewal enjoy the essence of Benthe by putting best of their vocal
performance. |
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| | Gwatri
One
of the unique dance forms of the state, Gwatri reflects the rich
cultural tradition and historical heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. Gwatri
represents a harmonious blend of enchanting melodious music coupled
with unique dance steps. Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with a plethora
of splendid performing arts which is evident through the various dance
forms, folk songs and dance dramas. Gwatri is one such exemplary
traditional art form that bears relics to the rich folk culture of
Jammu and Kashmir. |
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| | Inspired
from real life situation, the local indigenous artists compose
beautiful songs that reflect their artistic caliber. The poetical
lyrics, enchanting melodies and expressive dance styles impart a unique
character to the traditional folk art of Jammu and Kashmir. Upholding
the rich musical heritage of the region, the enchanting songs fill the
audience with intense pleasure and satisfaction. |
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unique folk traditional art of Gwatri requires talented singers with
excellent voice quality and dancers who are able to express the true
meaning of the songs through their unique dance steps. An integral part
of social and cultural life of the native population of Jammu and
Kashmir, the beautiful combination of traditional folk songs
accompanied with folk dance portrays the immense potentialities of the
performers who perform with full enthusiasm and dedication. |
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devotion of the artists towards the rich cultural heritage is reflected
in their marvelous performance. A unique cultural trait of Jammu and
Kashmir, Gwatri refreshes and re energizes the mind and soul of the
audience who are overwhelmed at the beautiful amalgamation of
enchanting melodious songs with expressive dance forms. |
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| | Bakhan
This
folk song is a widely prevalent form of mass entertainment in our
region. The haunting Melody of Pahari songs add to the beauty and joy
of daily life.There are certain songs which are independent of
instruments. "Bakhan" is such a best example. "Bakhan" are in verse.
The metre is irregular and is determined by modulation in tone. The
movemtn of hand indicates the variations in the note. This is the only
form of lyric in Dgri which resembles the Western harmony of sounds
without loosing its individual note and rhythem. |
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| | Geetru
A
dance-song of Dogra Pahari region of Jammu being performed at the
occasion of feasts, festivals and marriages by the rural folk parties
of this region. Male and female both participate in this dance-song in
their traditional costumes. This type of dance-song is performed at any
time of the day as well as night. |
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| | Surma
Surma is a song in Dogri that reflects the agony of a newly married girl whose husband is away in the Army. |
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| | Wahid
Jeelani, choreographer Shafi Muhammad Mir, Munir Ahmed Mir, Qaiser
Nizami, Jameela Khan, Abdur Rashid Hafiz and Rahmatullah Khan are among
the prominent singers of the day and have become household names -
along with Shameem Dev Azad, Kailash Mehra and Ghulam Hassan Sufi, who
emerged as music icons during the last three decades - with their
extraordinary performances in traditional, contemporary and light
classical music. |
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