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| Different types of Kashmiri Folk Songs and Kashmiri Dances |
A dish of vibrant and sophisticated culture is the Kashmir Valley. Tourists from around the country and the world have always been drawn to Kashmir’s traditions. Kashmir’s folk music and dance styles are one vibrant facet of its diverse culture. As they are figuratively gorgeous like the Kashmiri Mughal Gardens, they enhance the attractiveness of the valley. These Kashmiri song and dance genres are enjoyed by men and women alike.
Jammu and Kashmir is proud of its diverse culture, which includes local handicrafts, a range of delectable regional foods, rich rituals, celebrations, and Kashmir’s unique music and dance. The peculiar musical instruments, dancing routines, and singing techniques that distinguish J&K’s folk music from those of any other Indian state are essential to every festival and special occasion in Kashmir. Here’s a look into Jammu and Kashmir’s folk music, along with some quick facts about its origins, subgenres, and customs.
Traditional Folk Music of Jammu and Kashmir
The folk music of Jammu and Kashmir can be broadly categorised as belonging to the Kashmir Valley and Jammu. While the music of the Kashmir Valley is akin to that of Central Asia, that of the Jammu region is comparable to that of North India. Almost every important event, including marriages, births of children, and regional festivals, features folk music. Every happy occasion is celebrated by Kashmiris with song and dancing, which honours the area’s lengthy heritage. Singing, playing music, and dancing are some of the best performing arts that can be seen all over Jammu and Kashmir. Due to the predominance of these religions throughout J&K’s history, the music and dance traditions in Kashmir are about a thousand years old and are a wonderful fusion of Hindu, Muslim, and Buddhist cultures.
Here are Some of the popular folk cultures of Kashmir :
ROUF
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| The song for Rouf dance comprises one group of women asking questions and the second group answering them. |
One of Jammu and Kashmir’s most well-known dance styles is called Rouf, which is pronounced “Ruf.” Rouf used to be conducted in the past during the holy month of Ramadan to mark the start of the month and later to mark Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha. Many in Kashmir Valley say that the Rouf dance is inspired by the bee and its movements towards and away from the bud.
The only truly alive people in Kashmir are from Rouf. A group of girls face each other while standing in rows to perform it. Each row of women moves back and forth while linking their arms around the waist of the person in front of them. They sing these tunes while dancing.
It displays Kashmir’s extensive musical and cultural heritage. This Kashmiri traditional dance is the centrepiece of practically every cultural show and is done at many festive occasions like Eid, weddings, etc.
LADDI SHAH
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| Kashmiri Laddi Shah |
“Laddi Shah, Laddi Shah daaerikin pyaav,
pyawaaniy pyawaaniy haapatan khyaav”
( Laddi Shah, Laddi Shah! fell from the window,
And the moment he fell, he was bitten by a wild bear)
Laddi Shah is a type of Kashmiri street theatre in which a single performer sings an original piece of satire or allegory with a distinct tone, sarcasm, and metre. The satire occasionally has a sharply political tone and it addresses societal ills or a general loss of morals. An iron rod is held in the performer’s hand as he sings alone. The artist keeps fiddling with the tiny round rings on this rod as she sings. A customary Kashmiri Pheran, pyjama, and headwear (Dastaar) or a typical Kashmiri cap are worn by the performer. He doesn’t smile personally, yet he exudes all of his humour and satire through his demeanour.
Performers from Laddi Shah could be categorised as belonging to Kashmir’s Baand Theatre. A Laddi Shah performer would move from home to house or door to door singing and playing with the customary rings carried in the iron rod. People would gladly give Laddi Shah artist rice or paddy, which would be gathered in a customary sack slung around his shoulders. The most well-liked form of entertainment in rural Kashmir eventually made its way to urban regions.
BAAND PATHER
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| Kashmiri Baand Pather | Photo Source: Daily Excelsior |
Traditional Kashmiri folk theatre is known as Baand Pather. Baand Pather is a type of dance in which the artists dress like their characters to uplift the audience. It is only performed by guys, and the fact is that men also play the female roles adds to the hilarity.
Performances are typically compensated on a voluntary basis. Frequently, while others continue to perform, one performer goes around the audience collecting money on a pay-what-you-can basis. In Baand Pather, short stories are illustrated, and the performers create a joyful atmosphere. This type of dance is also performed in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
CHAKIR
One of the most well-liked forms of Kashmiri traditional music is chakir. It is a song in the traditional sense, performed on instruments like the harmonium, rubab, sarangi, and nott.
WANWUN OR WEDDING SONGS
All Kashmiri weddings feature the singing of these songs. These are essential. Wanwun is essential to a wedding. The chorus is performed by two groups of women, one after the other. Wanwun includes blessings for the future, salutations to the family, and praises for the bride and groom.
NEND BEATH
These are happy songs sung by Kashmiri farmers. The farmers congregate in groups and begin the daily programme by singing nend baith at the time of nend (removing weeds from freshly grown plantlets). They become more enthusiastic as a result, which makes difficult days easier.
SUFIANA KALAM
Sufiana Kalam is the main form of classical music in Kashmir. Santoor, Sitar, Tabla, Wasool, and Kashmiri Saz are all used in this music. It is thought to raise the soul above earthly concerns and into a mystical realm. Sufiana Kalam contains laudations for God and elevating claims about Him.
Musical Instruments in Jammu and Kashmir
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| Kashmiri Santoor |
The most important musical instrument in the state is the santoor. It is a musical instrument with a hundred strings that produces melodic tones. This state is the home of well-known santoor players like Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma and Bhajan Sopori. Rabab, Dukra, Sitar, and Nagara are additional instruments that are frequently used in this location. The musical instruments used in the Ladakh region are the surna and daman.
Handicrafts in Jammu and Kashmir
Along with having a diverse population, Jammu and Kashmir also has a diverse range of artistic expressions. Its handicrafts feature lovely motifs and intricate handiwork that are inspired by the state’s natural and cultural beauty.
These hand works flourished in this state through ages. Some of the arts were brought here by the foreign invaders from different parts of world. With passing of times, these arts developed and today, they are synonymous with culture of Jammu and Kashmir. Main handicrafts of Kashmir are:
Carpet Weaving
Completely by hand, Kashmiri carpets are woven and knotted. They have a cotton foundation and are weaved with silk and wool threads. This art originally originated in Persia and was brought to Kashmir, where it is still evident in the design.
Namdas Weaving
These are floor rugs made of wool and cotton. They are exquisitely decorated with chain stitch embroidered floral patterns.
Shawl Making
The Jammu and Kashmiri woollen, Shahtoosh, and Pashmina shawls are renowned for their ethnic beauty around the world. In addition to their fabric, these shawls’ values change based on the embroidered work done on top of them. They are embellished with exquisite needlework featuring paisley and abstract patterns. Shahtoosh shawls are cherished for their rarity, while Pashmina shawls are seduced by their soft texture.
Chain Stitch Work on Crewel Furnishings
This well-known handmade craft is from Jammu & Kashmir. Chain stitch embroidery creates stunning wall hangings, curtains, pillow covers, mats, and carpets. Basically, it is made with multicoloured threads over a white cotton fabric that has already shrunk.
Papier Mache
This is an extremely complex and well-liked kind of art in Jammu and Kashmir. They stand out because of the vivid, rich colours that were used to paint over the paper mache objects. They are designed primarily in gold, and varnish is used to prepare their glossy surfaces.
