Music of Chhattisgarh
The state of Chhattisgarh is best known for its deep roots in folk music, which originated from its long history of tribal involvement.
[1] Situated geographically in the centre of India, Chhattisgarh has a rich, historical culture of Indian folk music.
[2] These tribal communities include Kamar, Kanver, Gond, Birhi, Baiga, Pando, Uranv, Korva, Halba and Binjhwar.
With each of these communities being home to their own distinct cultures, ceremonies, traditions and customs, there are various versions of music throughout Chhattisgarh.
[3] Due to the music of Chhattisgarh deriving from such a long line of history, original composers and lyricists are often exceptionally difficult to source.
This traditional music follows a primarily folk sound, often being sung to the tunes of indigenous instrumental accompaniments.
However, following 1980, a new phase of the singing of folk stories like Pandwani, Bharthari, Chandaloric began forming new troupes of instrumental collections.
A major philosophy in Chhattisgarh is the valuing of nature as a vital aspect of all human society, fundamental to the survival and nourishing of all communities.
Due to this deep connection to nature, folk songs of Chhattisgarh look to emit feels and emotions within individuals.
[12] Further, the cultural significance of music within Chhattisgarh is shown through various famous lyrics still being available to us as a result of the oral storytelling and passing on of these stories through time.
[13] These lyrics are used either in lore (the retelling of an epic story such as the Mahabharata) or ceremonial (to perform at an event of some importance, i.e.
The song is traditionally performed as a re-enactment of the conversation between Nanad and their sister in law at the birth of Krishna, and Lord Rama.
Traditional Chhattisgarhi marriage ceremonies contain various activities as part of the ritual such as Mangni: when soil is collected from the local water source to craft a clay oven.
The song is deeply connected to the history of Gond Adivasis tradition as a representation of the regional performative form.
Post the celebration of Diwali, women from Chhattisgarh begin performing and singing these songs, continuing for up to two months.
The songs are performed in a circle within the centre of which, a basket filled with harvested grain and traditionally a wooden parrot figurine is displayed.
