FOLK SONGS OF BASTAR

“As part of its rich cultural heritage, Chhattisgarh folk songs hold a prominent place in the state. Tribes like Gond, Kamar, Kanver,Korva perform all festivals and rituals with their folk songs..”

tHE NATIVE FOLKLORES

The rich cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh is reflected in its music, dance, art and craft etc. Chhattisgarh folk songs occupy an eminent place in the culture of the state. Many schedule tribes such as Gond, Kamar, Kanver, Korva, Birhi, Baiga, Halba, Pando, Uranv, Binjhwar live in Chhattisgarh. While celebrating various festivals and marriages these tribes gets indulge in dance and music. Some of the festivals celebrated by the people of Chhattisgarhi are Navakhani, Hareli, Ganga Dussera, Sarhul Chherka, Dipawali, Karma, Kartika. Sohar songs are sung after the birth of a child, specially the birth of a son. In the Indian society it is very common that the birth of a son is celebrated with a lot of pomp and grandeur.

Sohar Songs at the time of birth of a son
Sua Songs-are very popular in the Bilaspur and Dantewada, Sung specially during Dussera and Diwali celebrations
Khuduwa-Generally sung in native dialect and are part of every festival and celebration that takes place in the state.
Pathoni song is also integral, sung during gauna , an auspicious occasion that bids adieu to a newlywed wife
Cher Chera song is a style that celebrates the growth of crops, closely associated with tribal lifestyle.
Danda Songs composed of simple and poetic expression and enchanting melodies reflects rich musical heritage of Chhattisgarh

Sohar songs are sung by most of the hindi speaking regions of India. In the Bhojpuri dialect, the meaning of the word Sohal means feeling good. In different parts of India the song is called by different names such as Sogar, Sohilo Somar or Sohla.

Sua songs are very popular in the Bilaspur and Dantewada districts. These songs accompany the sua dance performances. This is a folk genre and is still kept alive by the rural people of this state. The performances of this style of song and dance are the special attraction of the celebration of Diwali in Dantewada.

Representing the religious fervor of Chhattisgarh, Goura songs are sung in praise of gods and goddesses of the region. Goura songs are one of such folk devotional songs that casts a magical spell on the audience with their enchanting melodies. Goura songs are sung to appease Lord Shiva and his divine consort goddess Durga. Goura songs represent the rich artistic caliber and creative imagination of the singers.

Khuduwa bears a touch of parental affection and warmth. Composed of enchanting melodies and simple yet meaningful words, the traditional folk song of Khuduwa plays an important role in the balanced personality development of the child.

They are generally sung in the native dialects and are a part of every festival and celebration that occurs in the state. Pathoni song is an integral part of Chhattisgarh’s quintessential culture. The songs are highly emotional and sung during gauna, an auspicious occasion that bids adieu to a newlywed bride.

The Sawnahi songs are sung during the rainy season. The lyrics here inform you of the different natural changes that take place with the advent of the first rain of the year. The natural elements, trees, flowers, etc are integral part of the lyrics of the Sawnahi song of rains.

The Cher Chera song is a style that celebrates the growth of crops. The occasion that it celebrates speaks for the fact that it is essentially a rural style of song. It is a genre of song that is very closely associated with the lifestyle of the tribal people of this region.

Composed of simple words and enchanting melodies, the traditional folk songs of Kau Mau play an important role in the development of a balanced personality. The enchanting melodies of the traditional folk songs of Kau Mau form a veritable impression on the tender mind and heart of the small children. The beautiful folk song of Kau Mau is an effective way of expressing the parental love and warmth to the young children who are overwhelmed with joy. Kau Mau songs are an essential part of one’s childhood.

Chhattisgarh is blessed with many indigenous performing arts of unique dance styles, melodious folk songs and colourful dance dramas. Dewar songs are songs of merriment, joy and happiness. Representing the vibrant and dynamic tribal culture, the melodious Dewar songs refreshes and re-energises the mind and soul of the indigenous population.

Danda songs are one such classic example of the traditional folk culture and an important part of the Chhattisgarh folk songs. Composed of simple and poetic expressions and enchanting melodies, the traditional folk Danda songs reflect the rich musical heritage of Chhattisgarh.

Among some tribes there is a great variety of musical instruments, producing more complex sounds. For example, the Muria has got more or less 18 instrument dedicated to its music god, Lingo, who is believed to have set the rules regarding who can play which instrument. Thus the drum can only be played by the men while the cymbals and jingles can only be played by Muria girls. Different tribal groups use different types of drums. The Tirududi or Jhunki, which is the dancing stick of the Bison- horn Marias, is one of the oldest instruments used by the Baster tribes. Dhankul is another ancient musical instrument of Chhattisgarh; this musical instrument is created by putting together five things such as a huge pot, a bow and a traditional cane window and is worshiped before playing.