Folk songs of Chhattisgarh
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.
Bihav 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.
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.
Pathoni
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.
Faag
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.
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.
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.