Music is inseparable from the Himachal Pradesh society. The life of these simple people of the beautiful hilly state of Himachal Pradesh revolves around song and dance in abundance. Music is the retreat after a hard day's work and is sure to free the soul from the mundane worries of life.

The songs and dance of Himachal Pradesh is mainly religion-oriented where gods are hailed during the festivals by singing and dancing. The folk songs mainly tell about love, separation, urge and even are expressions of simple joys of life. They are mostly sung without any musical instruments. If musical instruments are used they are usually simple ones like the traditional Dammama, Karnal, Dhol, Ghungru, Jhanjh, Thali, Gramyang, Sarnagi, Ektara, Algoja, Gajju, Dhaunsa, Dholku, Tamaka, Ruman, Ghanta, Shehnai, Chimta, Manjira and the like.

The people of Himachal Pradesh practically celebrates each and every moment of life through fairs and festivals where singing and dancing are inevitable. Each region has distinct type, pattern and form of music and dance that bears local flavor and are charming in their own way. Kinnaur Dance, Chamba Dance, Kullu Dance, Sirmaur Dance, Lahaul Dance, Spiti Dance, Shunto Gee Dance, Burah Dance, Ujagjama, Naati, Kharait, Chadhgebrikar are all unique art forms that surround the life of the people of Himachal Pradesh. Rakshasa Dance, Kayang Dance, Lang-dar-ma Dance, Bakayang dance, Bnayangchu Dance, Jhanjhar Dance , Jataru Kayang Dance, Chohara Dance, Jhoor Dance Shand Dance and Shabu Dance, Gi Dance and Rasa Dance are some other dance forms that have been practiced from ancient times.

Last Updated on 26 March 2012