The Music

The Uttarakhand Himalayas have inspired generations of singers, balladeers, and musicians throughout the ages. Both the natural beauty of the mountains that inspires a deep spirituality, and the harshness of life that darkens the heart with adversity and anguish, have invigorated Uttarakhandi music, heightening its poignancy and enriching its lyrical texture. Although, increasingly influenced by trends in Hindi film music (with Garhwali and Kumaoni songs set to filmstyle music), the more traditional forms of Himalayan music have remained deeply popular. This has been especially true of the Pahari penchant for folksy values, biting humour, raw honesty, loving devotion, and soaring spirits that shines through each song. Indeed, in face of other homogenizing trends in India, Uttarakhandi music has distinguished itself in retaining its cultural uniqueness and vibrant sound, while remaining popular among the masses. - R.R.

Narendra Singh Negi is perhaps the most widely recognized singer of the hills. His voice resonates with the Uttarakhandi languages he sings in (mostly Garhwali, but sometimes Kumaoni) and is as prolific to the Pahari genre as Lata Mangeshkar is to Hindi film music.

Chander Singh Rahi, another popular singer, is both a balladeer and storyteller. His recordings are perhaps the most authentic to the hills, and he incorporates many legends and folk tales into his rousing songs.

Other than the popular recording artists, Garhwal and Kumaon have a long tradition of wandering musicians and bards. These folk artists, known commonly as the baadi have traveled among the hill villages for millenia, carrying folk legends from valley to valley. Their oral traditions have served to preserve the old folklore and history of the Himalayas.

According to Ganesh Saili, Baadi songs can be classified in four categories:

PANWARAS or ballads:
"These are repositories of ancient and mediaeval history. Songs of valour and chivalry dealing with tales of heroes of old, especially relating to the period between 800 AD and 1700 AD. The earliest tales are those of Raja Ajay Pal of Garhwal, who subjugated some 52 chieftains in the garhs or forts which give the place its name. Then there are heroes like Kaffu Chauhan, Kali Harpal, Baga Rawat, Kunji Pal, and Kirti Pal. Dreamy memories of history are evoked at the mandans (ritual dances) in temple courtyards."

ACHARI-GEET or fairy tales:
"Songs sung at twilight as children return home after grazing their herds. Tales of ever-playful fairies, princesses, half-wits, and knaves. However all these fairies are good hearted, never malignant, as they carry away handsome young lovers to frolic in their alpine abodes."

MASAN, PRET, KHABEES, BHUT, or spirits and ghosts:
"All ghosts in the mountains are the souls of those who died a violent death and were unable to get a proper funeral - like ranbhuts, who are believed to be the spirits of brave soldiers who died in internecine wars among the tribes. They possess the surviving members of their descendants. Magical incantations known as rakhwalis are used to drive away these spirits."

JHUMAILAS or loves-songs:
"Yearnings for home in strange lands form the theme of many a love song. Homesickness is understandable in spring - as the sap begins to rise, the lilt of these melodies echo all over the vale."

Drums are the most distinctive hill instruments, including the hourglass-shaped hudko (played by Hudkiya) and the dhol. Flutes and string instruments (violin/fiddle) also accompany the Himalayan folk singers. The ghungroo, accordion, and bagpipes can also be heard.

Bonus Link: Dying Beat of the Uttarakhand "Dhol"

Women's Voices

Songs telling women's stories are often sung by men. These songs can be sad and poignant, and are perhaps the most revealing about the difficult lives of hill people. Some are about loss, hardship, and conflicts, and others of longing, often of husbands and children who never send letters home (hint: write or call your mother!).

Bonus Link: The Woman and Her Song in Himalayan Garhwal