Folk Music of Punjab

Table of Contents

What is Folk Music

Folk music is a traditional form of music that has been passed down orally within communities, primarily through families and small social groups. It is an integral part of rural life and is learned through hearing rather than reading. Folk music reflects the daily life, emotions, and cultural heritage of a particular group, often associated with specific activities and celebrations.

In Punjab, a region rich in cultural diversity, folk music has evolved over thousands of years. It draws from various influences due to the convergence of different religions, including Sikhism, Hinduism, and Islam. The music of Punjab is characterized by its energetic and lively nature, echoing the vibrant spirit of its people.

While the folk music of Punjab includes both religious and secular themes, it is marked by strong secularism, with a harmonious blend of Sikh devotional music, classical Mughal forms, and local traditions.

Major Forms of Folk Music in Punjab

Qawwali
Qawwali is a form of Sufi devotional music that aims to induce religious ecstasy and spiritual union with Allah (God). It typically consists of five key themes:

Hamd: Praise of God
Nath Sharif: Praise of a saint
Man Kabat: Songs of ecstasy
Ghazal: A romantic song, often about a lover
Punjabi celebration songs sung during weddings and festivals

Qawwali is performed with rhythmic clapping, and instruments such as the tabla and harmonium accompany the singers.

Gurmat Sangeet
Gurmat Sangeet, or Shabad Kirtan, is the devotional music of the Sikh tradition, featuring the hymns (Bani) of Sikh Gurus and saints. It combines devotional music, folk traditions, and classical elements, and is typically sung in the Pard Taal.

The tradition of Raagis and Kirtankars (Muslim musicians who converted to Sikhism) has helped preserve this sacred music.
The Dhadis, another group, perform with the Dhad, a small drum.
Taksals, Sikh educational institutions, play a key role in preserving and teaching Gurmat Sangeet.

Folk Songs of Punjab

Punjab has a rich repertoire of folk songs, which are an integral part of its culture and are sung during various life events and festivals. The most common themes of folk songs in Punjab include:

Life Cycle Songs

Songs at Birth: These include Putra Janam (songs sung at the birth of a son), Naam Karan (naming ceremony), and Mundan (head-shaving ceremony).
Wedding Songs: These songs are sung during weddings and are divided into songs for the bridegroom and the bride.
- Bridegroom’s Side: Songs like Sohha (songs of joy), Ghorian (sung by sisters during the groom’s procession), Sehra (songs sung when tying the groom’s flower veil), and Kangna (songs sung when the bride and groom enter together).
- Bride’s Side: Songs like Suhag (sung by the bride’s side), Jaago (songs sung by the bride’s relatives to celebrate), and Chura Charan (sung when the bride wears the ceremonial bangles).
Sithniyan: These are teasing songs sung during various occasions, such as the wedding procession or the display of dowry. They include songs like Lavan (sung during the wedding ritual), Mahiya (sung when the girl is preparing for her wedding), and Bidaai (sung when the bride leaves for the groom’s house).
Dirges: Lamenting songs sung during funeral rites, including Siyappa (moans), Vaind (prolonged lamentation), and Ullahanein (complaints).

Ballads
Ballads are narrative songs or poems that tell a story. Popular ballads in Punjab include:

Vaaran: Heroic songs that narrate tales of valor.
Saake: Songs recounting tragic historical incidents.
Dulla Bhatti: The story of Punjab’s Robinhood, a folk hero.

Devotional Songs
Devotional songs are hymns sung in reverence of God, and they play an important role in various religious practices across different communities. These include:

Bhaint: Hymns sung in praise of goddesses.
Bhajan: Songs of worship.
Aarti: Sung during ceremonial rituals as lamps are waved before an idol.

Love Songs
Love songs in Punjab are expressive of the joys and sorrows of love. Popular love songs include:

Jugni: A traditional song representing the female protagonist’s journey.
Mahia: Sung primarily in the Malwa region.
Tappe, Jindua, Dhola: Romantic songs often sung during Giddha performances.

Children’s Songs
These are songs created to entertain children, such as:

Lori: A lullaby sung to soothe babies to sleep.
Kikli: A duet dance song involving a circular spinning movement.
Thaal, Pret Katha, Pari Katha: Songs featuring children’s games, ghost stories, and fairy tales.

The folk music of Punjab is a vibrant and integral part of the cultural fabric, reflecting the region’s history, spirituality, and everyday life. Whether through religious hymns, wedding songs, or love ballads, the music of Punjab continues to thrive, celebrated by both the older and younger generations.