Folk Songs of Haryana | HPSC Preparation: All subjects - HPSC (Haryana) PDF Download

Haryana's Rich Tradition of Folk Music

• Haryana boasts a rich tradition of folk music, which is evident in the very names of some of its villages. In Dadri tehsil, for instance, there are several villages named after well-known classical ragas, such as Nandyam, Sarangpur, Bilawala, Brindabana, Todi, Asaveri, Jaishri, Malakoshna, Hindola, Bhairavi, and Gopi Kalyana. 
• In Jind district, there are also villages with musical names like Jai Jai Vanti and Malavi. This shows how deeply ingrained music is in the culture of Haryana, and how it continues to be celebrated and appreciated in the region.
• In Haryana, the music is categorized into two main categories, folk songs and classical music.
• The classical style of singing is associated with group songs in Haryana, and these songs typically feature mythological themes. Examples of songs belonging to this category include Allah, Jaimalphalla, Barahmas, Teej songs, Phag and Holi songs.
• The music of Haryana is broadly divided into two categories: classical and countryside. The former is associated with group singing and is closely linked with classical forms. These songs usually revolve around mythological themes such as Allah, Jaimalphalla, Barahmas, Teej songs, Phag and Holi songs.
• On the other hand, the countryside music group comprises of songs that tell legendary tales, ceremonial and seasonal songs, and ballads. The music in these songs reflects cross-cultural traits of social rapport. The ragas used in such songs include Jai Jai Vanti, Pahari, Bhairavi, Kafi, Jhinjhoti and Bhairav. Raga Pilu is also used in some songs sung by the Ahirs, using a scale with twelve semi-tones.
• The Jogis, Bhats, and Saangis are credited with popularizing folk music in Haryana. Jogis use Sarangi as an accompaniment to their songs and are skilled in using Allah, Jaimal-phatta, and other heroic ballads with rich melodies and resonant voices.

Teej Folk songs of Haryana

• The Teej and Phalgun songs that are sung during specific seasons are similar to the Kajri and Jhula songs of Uttar Pradesh and Chhatisgarh and the Jhuman songs of Rajasthan. These songs focus on the melody of the rainy season, which has always been a popular theme for poets and singers. 
• The songs express the emotions of people who love nature and feel connected to the rhythm of the rain. The lyrics often cover different aspects of life such as weddings, parting of lovers, and the revitalization of the earth due to rainfall.
• These songs are popularly sung in villages across Haryana. When the rainy season begins, swings are hung from neem, mango, or pipal trees, and young girls and brides gather to sing and have fun. The pinnacle of this celebration is reached during Teej, when the entire environment is filled with beautiful melodies.

Phag Music/Folk Songs of Haryana

• Phag is a traditional dance that originated in the Indian state of Haryana and is performed by farmers to celebrate the successful harvest of their crops. It is usually performed during the month of Phalgun, which falls between February and March. 
• The dance is accompanied by traditional folk music and songs, and involves both men and women. The dancers wear colorful and traditional clothing and use various props such as sticks and handkerchiefs to perform the dance moves. 
• The dance is an expression of joy and happiness, and is an important part of the rural culture of Haryana.

Folk musical instruments

• Folk music in Haryana is accompanied by a variety of musical instruments that can be broadly categorized into three types: stringed, wind, and percussion instruments. 
• These instruments are commonly used in Northern India as well. One example of a stringed instrument is the Iktara, which consists of a one-stringed bamboo stick with a large gourd attached to one end. 
• The stick is inserted into the resonator, which is covered with hide, and the string is plucked with the fingers. Jogis typically use this instrument, and before singing, they hum gently to find the right pitch while the sound of the string provides the drone of their basic note.

Dotara

• This instrument, similar to the Iktara in function, has two strings and is used for the same purpose. The Sarangi, on the other hand, is a bow instrument that is played with a bow made of long strands. It is about 60 cm long and is made from a single block of wood that has been hollowed out. 
• It has four pegs for tuning, and the strings are set according to the twelve-semi-tone pitches. Some Sarangis have additional thirty-five to forty sympathetic strings running beneath the main four strings. 
• It is a folk instrument that has been used by common people, especially the Bards, for their simple music. In the seventeenth century, the Sarangi was recognized as a suitable accompaniment for the new style of classical music. 
• In Haryana, it is seen with some wandering Bards as an accompaniment to their folk songs, and it is also used during a Swang performance.

Been

• The been is an instrument frequently used by snake charmers. It consists of two small bamboo pipes fixed in a hollow gourd. One pipe creates a steady drone of the basic note, while the other is used to produce tunes. 
• The musician blows into the gourd and uses his fingers to control the finger-holes of this double-reed instrument. The been is often played during folk dance performances.

Bansari (flute)

• This musical instrument, which is referred to by various names such as veena and murali, is among the oldest wind instruments. It consists of a bamboo stick with seven circular holes drilled into it, and there are different types of this instrument. 
• Some are played by holding them straight out from the face, while others are held horizontally, in line with the eyebrows, similar to how Lord Krishna played it.

Dholak

• The Ahirs of Gurgaon district commonly use a smaller variant of the dhol known as a dholki.

Daph

• This is a one-sided drum and serves as accompaniment of dances particularly Dhamal dance which is popular in Mahedargarh district. 
• It is very simple in construction consisting of an open circular frame with only one side covered with skin. It can be played either by hands or with small sticks. It is also used on festive occasions with Folk songs of Haryana.

Khanjari

• This is a small variety of Daph with the only difference that the Ghungrus (bells) are fixed around it. It is generally used in a solo dance performance Folk songs of Haryana.