folk music
Have you heard these rural Indian musical instruments yet?
Rural India is a repository of folk music traditions. Here is a round-up in images of some of the musical instruments that are a part of this rich legacy. They certainly strike the right chord in the community, don’t they?
Delhi grooves to sights and sounds of rural India
Vignettes from rural life came alive at a special evening held to felicitate the winners of Village Square’s Annual Photo Exhibition, as the Delhi audience were mesmerised by the winning photos and live folk music performances.
In Tripura, balladeers of snake goddess battle drug crisis with music
This music band in Jolaibari village of Tripura revives near-obsolete folk performance of Manasamangal, dedicated to snake goddess Manasa, with a message – Don’t do drugs.
Letters that sing and dance
Warnamala Pariwar, a Kalimpong-based organisation, uses local references to make education more fun for young children by integrating music, animation and games into alphabet lessons.
‘My songs come from my heart’: Pushpan Pradhan
Pushpan Pradhan, who grew up seeing his parents toil in a tea plantation, makes music to bring attention to the working class. He talks about his journey in an exclusive interview with Village Square.
Melodies from Meghalaya
Mookhuri, a four-member band, brings to life the songs, sounds and traditions of the Khasi-Jaintia community from Meghalaya through their folk compositions.
Jharkhand’s tribal musical legacy teeters on the edge
Banam, a musical instrument of the Santhal tribe and other tribal groups of Jharkhand, is on the verge of extinction due to the younger generation’s lack of interest.
Maharashtra’s bharud poetry makes a splash
Water scarcity as well as poor sanitation and hygiene practices plagued villages in Maharashtra until bharud performances brought awareness and turned life around.
Rajasthan music school trains ustads of tomorrow
Gunsar Folk Music Institute of Jaisalmer is wowing audiences across the world with soulful songs by its students from the poor Manganiyar community.
Mizo singer’s journey from local church to Padma Shri
Singing her way through her childhood, KC Runremsangi of Mizoram cut her first music album when she was 23. At 60 now, she has been conferred with the Padma Shri award for popularising Mizo folk songs through her albums and teaching youth.