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 like Gond, Kamar, Kanver, Korva, Birhi, Baiga, Halba, Pando, Uranv, Binjhwar live in Chhattisgarh. While celebrating various festivals and marriages these tribes indulge in dance and music. Some of the festivals celebrated by the people of Chhattisgarhi like Navakhani, Hareli, Ganga Dushhara, Sarhul Chherka, Dipawali, Karma, Kartika and Dushara.
Some of the folk songs of Chhattisgarh are season specific and are sung during specific seasons like Baramasi (12 months), Sawnahi (in rainy seasons) and Fag (Basant Geet). There are some songs, which are sung only during the festivals like Sua songs (Dipawali), Dohe of Rout Nacha (Dipawali), Cher-Chera songs (to welcome new crops, child songs). Among the huge list of songs are Loriya, songs sung for the children and playing songs of child like Kau-Mau, Loriya, Fugdi, Chau-Mau, Dandi Pouha, Khuduwa (Kakdi). While in the category of entertainment folk songs Dewar songs, Karma songs and Danda occupy a prominent place. Some of the regional folk songs are Janvara songs, Dhankul songs, Goura songs, songs of Nagpanchami, Mata Seva songs, Bhojali songs etc.
Sohar song
Chhattisgarh is a state of rich cultural heritage reflected through its dance, music, art and handicraft. The folk songs of Chhattisgarh portray the social, cultural, and religious beliefs of the simple village people.
A wide number of folk songs are popular in the region namely Fag, Karma songs, Danda songs, Sawnahi, Kau-Mau, Sua songs, Chau-Mau Dewar songs, Cher-Chera songs, Sohar song, Khuduwa, Dhankul songs, Bhojali songs, Dandi Pouha, Loriya, Goura songs, Fugdi etc. 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 are sung by most of the Hindi speaking regions of India. In the Bhojpuri dialect, the meaning of the word Sohal is feeling good. In different parts of India the song is called by different names like Sogar, Sohilo Somar or Sohla. The songs are usually sung by women and are accompanied by dholak (a drum with two heads) and manji (hand-cymbals). The Sohar songs are of happy and celebrating note, congratulating the parents of the newly born child. Sohar songs are rituals in themselves, with veneration toward God, celebration for the birth of a baby boy who will carry the patrilineal line. But at times they deal with the suffering of a mother during pregnancy and childbirth. Some of the popular Sohar songs are Mili Juli Gaave, Nand Ke Janme, Bahuji Ke Petwa Mein Peera, Ganga Maiya Ki Oonchi, Janme Gokul Mein etc.
Bihav song
Chhattisgarh has a varied and rich cultural tradition. The various dance forms and music, art and craft have enriched the cultural heritage of the region. Some of the folk songs popular in the region are Pathoni songs, Fag (Basant Geet), bihav song, Goura songs (worships Shivji & Parvati in Dipawali), Mata Seva songs, Janvara songs, Bhojali songs, songs of Nagpanchami. Loriya, Kau-Mau, Chau-Mau, Khuduwa (Kakdi), Dandi Pouha, Karma songs, Danda songs, Dewar songs, Fugdi, Cher-Chera songs, Dhankul songs and sohar song.
Bihav songs are marriage songs and are sung during marriage celebrations. Since marriages in Chhattisgarh like all other Indian states goes on for a number of days, these songs are sung on different days during the rituals. The themes of the songs are also mostly related to marriage. Bihav songs can be mainly divided into Maymouri, Chulmati, Telmati, Parghani, Bhadoni, Nahdouri etc. There are some other songs that are linked with Vidai, Bhanver, and Dowery. Marriages are associated with many traditions and rituals and there are different songs for each. These songs add to the enthusiasm of the marriage ceremony. The cultural, religious and social customs of the society are the major themes of the songs.
Sua songs
Sua Songs are very popular in the Bilaspur and Dantewada districts of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. 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 sua songs are an integral part of the festivals and celebrations in the rural parts of the state. The performances of this style of song and dance are the special attraction of the celebration of Diwali in the district of Dantewada.The sua song is one of the most popular Chhattisgarh folk songs. It preserves the traditional faith and philosophies of the life of some the communities living in this region. The colorful dresses of the sua artists make the performances appear more attractive. The sua songs are generally very rhythmic and are accompanied by various musical instruments typical to the rural areas of Chhattisgarh. This form of song celebrates the community way of life in the interiors of this state.
Goura songs
Representing the religious fervor of Chhattisgarh, Goura Songs are sung in praise of Gods and Goddesses of the region. One of the prominent folk songs of the state, Goura songs reflects the rich cultural heritage and historical ancestry of the region.
Endowed with rich cultural traditions, the districts of Chhattisagrh boast of a plethora of performing arts of the region that are reflected through the numerous splendid dance forms, melodious folk songs and expressive dance dramas which have percolated to the modern era. Goura songs are one such folk devotional songs of the state of Chhattisgarh that casts a magical spell on the audience with their enchanting melodies. An integral part of the Chhattisgarh folk songs, Goura songs are sung to appease Lord Shiva and his divine consort Goddess Durga. An important form of the devotional folk songs of the region, Goura songs represent the rich artistic caliber and creative imagination of the singers. The singers of Gouda songs sing with complete devotion to the divine entity. Sung with full enthusiasm and dedication during the festive occasion of Diwali in praise of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga, Goura songs imparts an aesthetic appeal and fills the air with devotion, joy and mirth.
Khuduwa
Also known as Kakdi, Khuduwa reflects the rich cultural, traditional and historical ancestry of Chhattisgarh. One of the prominent folk songs of the region, Khuduwa bears a touch of parental affection and warmth. An integral part of the varied cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh, the traditional folk song of Khuduwa has remained unaltered and unaffected by the rapid industrialization and modern day developments. 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. Full of love and affection, the beautiful melodious songs of Khuduwa forms a strong impression on the tender minds and hearts of the small children. An effective way of expressing the parental love through music, the melodious song of Khuduwa displays the selfless love of the parent towards their children. The traditional folk Khuduwa songs form an essential part of the social and cultural life of the indigenous population of Chhattisgarh. Usually sung by the mothers to placate the naughtiness of their children, the melodious songs of Khuduwa portrays the overwhelming love of the mother for her children. A Khuduwa song does not need professional or competent singers but the tender affectionate touch of the parental concern. A veritable part of childhood of each and every individual, the traditional folk songs of Khuduwa reminds one of the innocent childhood days. The enchanting melodious Khuduwa folk song form a strong bond of love and respect between the child and the parents and helps to strengthen the mental stability of the child .
Pathoni
Chhattisgarh, the heart of Central India has more to speak of apart from its repository of minerals and large iron and steel plants. Chhattisgarh is mainly the home of tribals who are a friendly and jovial lot who love to spice up their life with music, dance and color. Amongst the various forms of music predominant in Chhattisgarh, the Pathoni songs are very popular. The music of Chhattisgarh is generally interspersed with traces of traditional tribal culture. 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 Bhilai's quintessential culture. The city has its unique culture that is widely appreciated all across the world. The songs are highly emotional and sung during gauna, an auspicious occasion that bids adieu to a newly wed bride. As a bride, resplendent in her marital red leaves her parent's home for the last time, her crestfallen and tear struck parents and family members bid her farewell with heartfelt good wishes and blessings for a happy and contented future. It is indeed heartwarming to watch the music being performed amidst plenty of color, vivacity and emotional outpourings during the marriage ceremony. In short, Pathoni songs create a highly celestial atmosphere where the family of the newly wed bride wishes her all the good luck and prosperity in the world as steps on the threshold of a new life.
Faag
Chhattisgarh, the epicenter of tribal culture is a state whose very name is synonymous with the diverse tribal legacy. The clans of Chhattisgarh are undoubtedly industrious. Yet they love a bit of fun and frolic to spice up their routine lives. Thus music plays a key role in Chhattisgarh culture and the months of spring are a much awaited season when the exuberant Faag songs are sung. Spring marks the beginning of the I Indian calender and brings with it a refreshing whiff of fresh air and a new lease of life with new hopes and promises. Holi, one of India's traditional festivals is also celebrated during this season. A mythological festival, Holi celebrations involve the burning of the effigies of Holika and then the people rejoice and splash about with a variety of colors. In Chhattisgarh, Holi celebrations remain incomplete without a bout of the cheerful Faag song that when sung exude an aura of new promises and assurances. The cheerful songs bring in the mood of celebration and festive gaiety. As the people dapple about in fresh colors cheerful songs are sung. The Faag songs sung during Vasant Purnima or spring create and atmosphere of general goodwill and ensures that people look forward to a brand new year full of brand new surprises.
Sawnahi
Sawnahi is one of the popular genres of folk songs in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The Sawnahi songs are sung during the rainy season. There are other genre songs in this area that are dedicated to the other seasons. The songs dedicated to spring are also very popular. Thus the music and the lyrics of the Sawnahi songs generally celebrate the rains. These tribal seasonal songs are well related to the nature. 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 tunes are generally very soothing and melodious. They tune of the Sawnahi reflect the rhythm of lifestyle and the moods of the people in the tribal villages in the state of Chhattisgarh during the rainy season. Since the monsoons are considered to be the season of love according to the ancient popular philosophy of ancient India so the songs of the Sawnahi genre also celebrate love. The colorful love songs reflect the imaginations and fantasies of a young tribal mind. The Sawnahi songs with the theme of love are among the most popular and the most beautiful in this genre. Apart from the Sawnahi the other popular seasonal Chhattisgarh folk song is the Fag Baramasi. This is the song celebrating the beauty of the spring season.
Cher Chera
The Cher-Chera is a form of folk song popular in the rural parts of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The performances of these songs and dances are a way of social interaction in this part of the country of India. There are different genres of songs for every festival and occasion in this region. These folk songs of Chhattisgarh are sung with much enthusiasm and merriment to celebrate the various religious and cultural occasions. The Cher- Chera songs of the state of Chhattisgarh 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. The music and word speaks of the lives of the tribal people living here. In these melodious songs you will get to learn about the traditional way of life in the tribal communities. The Cher- Chera will inform you of the hurdles and hardships of living in this region. But these songs celebrate the occasions that bring little happiness in the lives of the people here. This mode of folksong, celebrating the harvest thus also reflects the strong and noticeable philosophies with which the people of these communities lead their lives. The Cher- Chera is one of those popular Chhattisgarh folk songs that are still performed in the villages of this state and it keeps the age-old oral tradition of the tribal communities living.
Dohe
The different forms of Dohe are very important to the popular culture in some of the parts of the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. This is a style of folk song preserved by some of the tribal communities here. The district of Dantewada is famous for the Dohes that are sung here during the festivals. Dohe is the folk song specially sung during the celebration of Diwali here. It accompanies the Raut Nacha that is an important part of the Diwali celebrations in this part of India. The Raut Nacha is the dance of the cowherds. It is thus connected to the everyday lives of the rural people of this place. The other genres of folk songs that are important to the celebration of Diwali in Dantewada are the 'sua songs'. Dohe is one of the most popular and rhythmic Chhattisgarh folk songs. If you visit some of the villages of Dantewada, Chhattisgarh during the festival of Diwali you can enjoy some of the most wonderful performances of the Raut dance accompanied by Dohe. The Raut Nacha is a very colorful genre of folk art. It is generally performed in groups. This is also related to the celebrations of the different seasons. The Dohe of Chhattisgarh celebrates the tribal language and the lifestyle. This genre is a wonderful reflection of the philosophy and faith of some of the tribal communities. This form of art is an example of the oral tradition that is still living in some parts of India. The district of Dantewada in Chhattisgarh is famous for the richness of its cultural heritage.
Bhojali
One of the prominent folk songs of the region, Bhojali songs of Chhattisagrh reflects the rich cultural tradition and historical heritage of the state. The enchanting melodies of Bhojali songs have captured the imagination of the world. A unique part of the cultural legacies of the state, Bhojali songs represents the rich folk cultural traditiona of the ancient times of the region that has percolated to the modern era. Blessed with a rich traditional heritage, the newly formed state of Chhattisgarh is endowed with many indigenous performing arts that are expressed through the unique dance forms, melodious folk music and expressive dance dramas. Janvara songs are one such traditional folk songs of the region. Known for their beautiful wordings and enchanting melodies the Chhattisgarh folk songs have captured the imagination of the world. Encompassing all the characteristics traits of the folk songs of Chhattisgarh, Janvara songs are a unique collection of melodious songs with simple yet meaningful wordings. Drawn from the daily mundane life of the common people of the region, the singers of Janvara songs compose beautiful melodious songs that portray the rich artistic caliber and creative imagination of the local inhabitants of the region. The singers of the traditional folk song of Bhojali sing with complete dedication and enthusiasm which is reflected in their flawless performance. Upholding the rich traditional ancestry of the state of Chhattisgarh, the enchanting melodies of Bhojali songs cast a magical spell on the audience. An integral part of the cultural life of the local inhabitants, Bhojali songs relieves the audience from the stress and strains of daily mundane life and fills the air with music.
Dhankul
Dhankul songs of Chhattisgarh are known for their simple wordings and captivating melodies. The talented singers of Dhankul songs write beautiful melodious songs that displays the rich artistic skills and creative imagination of the local inhabitants of the region. Upholding the traditional legacy and cultural heritage of Chhattisgarh, Dhankul songs have caught the imagination of the world. Endowed with rich cultural history, the newly founded state of Chhattisgarh boasts of a plethora of indigenous performing arts that is evident in the unique folk dance, music and animated dance dramas. Dhankul song is one such folk song that reflects the traditional folk culture of the ancient times that has percolated to the modern era. The Chhattisgarh folk songs are known for their poetic wordings and enchanting melodies. Encompassing all the important characteristic traits of the traditional folk songs of Chhattisgarh, Dhankul songs represent a rare collection of enchanting melodious folk songs. The singers of Dhankul folk songs sing with complete devotion and enthusiasm which is reflected in their flawless performance. Supported by ancient musical instruments, the singers sing Dhankul songs with perfection that fills the air with music, joy and mirth. An integral part of the cultural life of the local inhabitants of the region, the enchanting melodies of Dhankul songs represent the rich musical heritage of the state of Chhattisgarh. The audience listens to Dhankul songs hours after hours to relieve them of the stress and strains of daily mundane life.
Loriya
One of the prominent folk songs of the state of Chhattisgarh, Loriya reflects the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacy of the region. Full of love and affection, Loriya are usually sung by mothers of little children. Endowed with a rich historical ancestry, Chhattisgarh is blessed with a plethora of performing arts that is expressed through the unique dance styles, melodious folk songs and dance plays that has penetrated the modern industrial culture. Loriya is one such form of traditional folk song of the region. The simple wordings and the enchanting melodies of Loriya bear a touch of motherly affection. Sung mainly to pacify the playful nature of small children, Loriya encompasses all the important characteristic traits of the Chhattisagrh folk songs. An integral part of the cultural life of the indigenous population, Loriya portrays the artistic skill and creative imagination of the singers. A unique part of the traditional folk culture of Chhattishgrh, Loriya does not need professional and competent singers but the parental affection and warmth that is expressed through the beautiful songs. Loriya is an effective way of showing parental concern and love for their children. The beautiful wordings and the enchanting melodies of Loriya form a strong impression in the tender hearts and minds of the young children who are overwhelmed at the love and attention shown to them. Every child of Chhattisgarh has grown up by listening to the humming of Loriya. Expressed through words, Loriya portrays the selfless love of a parent towards his or her child. Loriya reflects the rich musical ancestry of the state of Chhattisgarh .
Fugdi
Representing the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacy of the state of Chhattisgarh, Fugdi is sung by the mothers for their small children. One of the prominent folk songs of the region, Fugdi displays the affectionate love and devotion of a parent for his or her child. Blessed with a rich cultural ancestry, Chhattisagrh boasts of numerous unique performing arts of the region which is articulated through the various beautiful dance styles, musical songs and attractive dance dramas that has percolated from the ancient times to the modern era. Unaltered and unaffected by the changing times, the traditional folk culture of the region has carved out an important place for itself among the modern day developments. Fugdi is one such traditional folk song that has become an integral part of the social and cultural life of the indigenous local inhabitants of Chhattisgarh. Full of parental warmth and affection, Fugdi is an effective way of expressing selfless parental love through music. Entwined with simple yet meaningful phrases and enchanting music, Fugdi does not need professional or competent singers but the tender affectionate touch of parental concern. Fugdi is an essential part of one's life. The simple yet meaningful wordings of the traditional folk songs of Fugdi form a strong impression on the young heart and mind of the children who are happy to receive the overflowing love and attention of the adults in the family. The traditional folk song of Fugdi plays an important role in the personality development of the children. The enchanting melodies of the traditional folk songs of Fugdi takes one back to the innocent days of childhood. Fugdi is an important part of the musical ancestry of the state of Chhattisgarh.
Kau Mau
One of the prominent folk songs of the state, Kau-Mau songs of Chhattisgarh represents the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacy of the region. Reflecting the unique cultural traditions of the region, the folk songs of Kau-Mau bear a touch of parental affection and warmth. Unaltered and unaffected by the rapid industrialization and modern day developments the traditional folk songs of Kau- Mau reflect the enriched folk culture of the region and have encroached into the modern industrial life of the natives of Chhattisgarh. Kau- Mau songs are one such beautiful collection of folk songs that display the overflowing love of a parent for his or her child. An integral part of the cultural and social life of the indigenous local inhabitants of Chhattisgarh, Kau- Mau songs are usually sung by mothers to pacify the playful nature of their small children. 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. The enchanting melodies of the traditional folk song of Kau- Mau remind one of the selfless love of the parents for their children.
Chau Mau
Representing the rich cultural heritage and traditional legacy of the state of Chhattisgarh, Chau- Mau songs display the selfless love of the parents for their children. Expressed through simple words and enchanting melodies, the beautiful Chau- Mau songs reflect the traditional folk culture of the region. The newly formed state of Chhattisgarh is endowed with numerous indigenous art and artifacts, which displays the rich ancestry of the region. Chau- Mau songs are one such type of performing arts that have intruded in the day to day mundane cultural and social life styles of the native people. Full of affection and love, the traditional folk songs of Chau- Mau are usually sung by the mothers to pacify the playful nature of their small children. An integral part of the social and cultural life of the region, the simple yet meaningful songs of Chau- Mau play an important role in the personality development of the children. An effective way of communicating to the young children, the traditional folk song of Chau- Mau form a veritable impression on the tender mind and heart of the children. The melodious Chau- Nau songs reminds one of the innocent days of the childhood. A unique part of the cultural life of the local inhabitants of Chhattisgarh, each and every child of the region grows up by listening to the beautiful humming of Chau- Mau songs. The excellent wordings of the Chau- Mau songs portray the supreme importance of children in the lives of the married couples of Chhattisgarh who enjoy every bit of their parenthood.
Dewar songs
An important source of entertainment, Dewar songs of Chhattisgarh reflects the rich musical heritage of the region. One of the prominent folk songs of Chhattisgarh, the melodious Dewar songs represents the vibrant and dynamic social and cultural life of the region.
Danda songs
Representing the vibrant and dynamic cultural life of the indigenous local inhabitants of Chhattisgarh, Danda songs are prominent folk songs of the region. Popularly known as the songs of merriment, the traditional folk Danda songs fill the air with music, joy and mirth. The newly formed state of Chhattisgarh boasts of varied cultural traits of unique dance, folk music, and attractive dance dramas which have percolated from the ancient times to the modern era. 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. The beautiful melodious folk song of Danda refreshes and re energizes the audience who are thrilled with the vibrancy of the songs. An integral part of the enriched cultural life of the region, the beautiful folk Danda songs spread happiness and joy. The traditional folk songs of Danda are a break from the otherwise monotonous and dull life. The singers of Danda songs perform with full enthusiasm and energy which relieves the audience from the strains and stress of daily life. The melodious Danda songs form a part of the rich musical heritage of Chhattisgarh. Known for its vibrancy and enthusiasm, Danda songs are a major source of entertainment of the citizens of Chhattisgarh.
Last Updated on: 29th March 2013
