Colours and rhythms of Jammu and Kashmir

The festival of Jammu and Kashmir organised by the Department of language and Culture, Government of Telangana had a beautiful music ensemble led by Ghulam Nabi Shah (Bulbul), who played the Sarangi musical instrument along with his team members, who played the rabab, duf and matka. A colourful Gojri dance was conducted by Shaukat Naseem and party.

Nirmala Kaul and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Krishna Kumari went on to sing ‘Dogri’ folk geet and were accompanied by excellent rhythms on Tabla by Darbari Lal , who also plays from the Jammu Radio station. Syed Tariq Pardesi and Musarat Naaj are a couple from the state of Jammu and Kashmir, who have travelled all over the world performing songs in Pahari language.

Pahari language is mainly spoken in the hilly belts of Jammu and Kashmir regions. The songs mainly depict the beauty of these regions. Says Tariq,“ You will all be surprised to know that Pahari language has a very far reach and is the second most spoken language in London other than the hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh and regions of Pakistan.

Rajkumar and group performed ‘Haran dance’, a folk opera that represented dance and drama in an integrated musical form. This form of Operetta is performed by the village folk throughout the hilly areas of Duggar during the days preceding Lohri. It’s goodbye to memories of the past and welcome to the auspicious Makar Sankranti.

The term Haran means ‘Deer’ the legendary animal that finds its mention in various folk songs. ‘Kud’ and ‘Dhamali’ dance also added colour and rhythm to the wonderful evening of music and dance.

By Jaywant Naidu