Mangal Geet
Kumauni weddings come alive with Mangal Geet, sung by Mangalyurs. These traditional folk songs, passed down by village women, shower the bride and groom with blessings and advice. The lyrics, constantly evolving, reflect the community's heritage. Though the number of Mangalyurs is shrinking, their presence remains vital in preserving cultural traditions and inspiring future generations
Chhopati
Chhopati is one of the folk songs of Uttarakhand. It is popular in Rawain-Jaunpur area of Tehri Garhwal. Chhopaati are love songs sung in the form of question and answer between men and women. These songs are sung on auspicious occasions like marriages, festivals, fairs. Chowpatty, is also a popular tourist attraction
Masakbhaja
Masakbaja, a type of bagpipe also called masakbeen, adds a lively touch to wedding processions in Uttarakhand, India. Its name reflects its construction, similar to a water carrying bag (masak) but filled with air. Played by two pipers and drummers, the masakbaja's music announces a wedding and accompanies the groom's procession to and from the bride's village. This instrument also features in dances like Choliya/Chaliya in the Kumaon region.
Turri
Turri, also known as Turturi, is a traditional trumpet-like instrument from Uttarakhand, India. It is usually made of copper or bronze and is shaped like a coiled snake, measuring up to 15 inches in length. Turri is often played during social ceremonies in Uttarakhand, often accompanied by the beating of a traditional drum called Damau or Damama.
The Hurka, also known as Hudka, is a small hand drum used by the Hurkiya community in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. TheHurka is shaped like a damru, a musical instrument associated with Lord Shiva, and is said to have been in existence since the early 11th century. The Hurka is 12 to 16 inches tall, with a playing surface called the poodi that is 4 to 6 inches in circumference. The larger the surface area, the deeper the sound of the instrument.
Hurka
In Uttarakhand, a unique ritual called Pandavani allows gods to possess people. Through singing and dance, performers tell the epic story of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata. Remarkably, all 18 chapters (Parvas) are enacted over an 11-day performance, reflecting the deep devotion in the hilly regions where this tradition thrives.
Pandavani
Dhol Damau
Dhol damau is a term for two folk instruments from Uttarakhand and lower Himachal Pradesh, the dhol and damau, which are often played together on special occasions. The dhol is a larger drum, while the damau is a single-headed drum with a flatter base. The two instruments are played according to the rules mentioned in Dhol Sagar, an oral volume passed down through the Ouji tribe of Uttarakhand, which lists rhythm patterns for various occasions, including weddings, christening, religious festivals, folk drama, and death rituals
The Dholki is a traditional drum from Uttarakhand that is often played at weddings, festivals, and other celebrations. The Dholki's rhythmic beats create a festive atmosphere. The Dholki is made from wood, which gives it durability and improves the quality of the sound it produces. It is a popular choice among musicians because of its versatility and ability to produce a wide range of sounds.
Dholki
The ransingha is a traditional folk instrument from Uttarakhand, India that is used in celebrations. It is made of two metal curves that form an "S" shape, and can also be reassembled to form a crescent. The ransingha is 24 inches long and is made from copper or brass. It is a primitive trumpet that is used in both India and Nepal. The name ransingha is derived from the words ran (battlefield) and singha or seenga (the curved horn).
Ransingha