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Storytelling, expressing emotions, and conveying social messages
- These songs serve as a means of storytelling, expressing emotions, and conveying social messages, while also preserving the oral traditions of the region.
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Aug 10, 2023 · The folk songs of West Bengal are a mesmerizing amalgamation of culture, emotion, tradition, and artistry. With each melody, they paint a vivid picture of the daily lives, beliefs, struggles, and joys of the people of Bengal.
- West Bengal is home to numerous folk songs like Baul, Bhatiali, Bhawaiya, Jhumur, Gambhira, Shyama Sangeet, Lalon Geeti, Gombhira, and Tusu.
- West Bengal's folk songs have influenced contemporary music by inspiring modern composers, integrating traditional instruments into modern music, f...
- Some renowned artists include Lalon Fakir for Lalon Geeti, Abbasuddin Ahmed for Bhatiali, and Farida Parveen for Baul songs. Many community-based a...
- Traditional instruments such as ektara, dotara, khamak, sarinda, flute, madal, dhol, and harmonium are commonly associated with various Bengali fol...
- Bengali folk songs like Baul music have gained international recognition, including UNESCO's Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanit...
The enriched Folk Songs of the rural West Bengal can be distinctly categorized into four categories of Baul, Kirtan, Bhatiali and Sari songs. All the four different streams of folk music are famous for their unique styles and compositions.
- Aalkap
- Kannya Sajaniya Gaan
- Kobi Gaan
- Gombhira
- Garowali Songs
- Chotka Gaan
- Jawa Songs
- Jhumur
- Tusu
- Bauri
This rural folk theatre is basically a dance musical, popular in districts like Malda and Murshidabad. Some experts suggest that the word Aalkap comes from the word aal which means humour (in the local tongue, it’s referred to as rongo rosh) and Kaap translates to a light joke. The songs in Aalkapperformances are amusing and often satirical.
Popular in north Bengal and the northern parts of Bangladesh, this folk category is usually sung during wedding festivities, particularly while dressing up a bride. It is also called Kone sighrano. Some of the most popular lines are : “Sajlo dhowni Rashmoni Nityabilashini Nikunjabon Esho esho pranshoi saajabo aaj rajnondini”.
Kobi gaan rose to popularity in the mid-1700s, particularly the period after the demise of the court poet Bharatchandra Ray Gunakor (1760) till the death of Ishwargupta (1859). It was popular in Kolkata and its suburbs. The vocalists are usually called kobiaal. Anthony Firingee, who inspired the cult Uttam Kumar-starrer of the same name, was the mo...
The Gajan Charak festival is locally known as Gombhira in north Bengal, particularly Malda. In some parts of Bengal, the word Gombhir refers to Lord Shiva. These folk songs usually feature extempore dialogues. Interestingly, tunes of Aalkap, Baul, Kirtan, Ramprasadi have amalgamated with Gombhirasongs.
In rural areas, bullock carts (gorur gari) were the most popular means of transport. These moving songs would usually be sung by the garowalor the man helming the cart and would often include some heartfelt lyrics.
Chotka is another form of Bhawaiya. The lyrics of these songs are centred around mundane household activities and love. Popular in north Bengal, the songs are sung around Jalpaiguri and even Assam. Prem jane na roshik Kalachandis one of the most popular numbers in this genre.
Jawasongs have a focus on harvest and are sung across rural Bengal while reaping and sowing seeds. Women usually sow the seeds and when the sapling comes out, they visit different houses and sing and dance to celebrate.
Jhumur is popular around Santhal Parganas, West Burdwan, Dhanbad and Bankura. These songs are themed mainly around Radha-Krishna and one may also note the influence of Baishnab Padabali in the lyrics. Jhumur is often also sung with Chau Nachch.
In the Rahr regions of Bengal, Tusu celebrations mark the entire month of Poush in the Bengali calendar. The main attraction of this festival are the Tususongs. They are usually sung by women and depict moments from their humble lives.
The Bauri community resides in the regions of Birbhum and Bankura. Their songs are also known as Urie gaan or Dangale gaan. It’s a type of working song. Issues like class stratification get reflected in the lyrics and they’re sung to the rhythms of Jhumoor and Launi.
Dr. Falguni Dey. 2012, Journal of Landscape Ecology and Ekistics (ILEE) Bengal has traditionally been the adobe of folk culture in India. Like other parts of the world, with varied form of music, dance, drama and painting, folk culture represents the rustic inheritance of West Bengal.
- Falguni Dey
- 2012
Mar 21, 2013 · The Folk Songs of Bengal have acquired a global character because of their enchanting melody and simple philosophy of life. The splendid compositions of the Folk Songs have captured...
Jun 3, 2023 · This article delves into the captivating world of West Bengal's folk culture, exploring its diverse forms, their historical and cultural significance, and their impact on the social fabric of the state.The article begins by examining the importance of folk songs in West Bengal's cultural landscape.
Popular Folk Music includes:- Baul - The Baul tradition is a unique heritage of Bengali folk music that has been influenced by regional folk music of Bengal that includes – Gombhira, Bhawaiya, Kirtans, Gajan festival music. Folk music is often accompanied by a one-stringed instrument – the ektara. This form
