Folk Instruments of Himachal Pradesh

Folk instruments play a significant role in the social, cultural and religious aspects of Himachal Pradesh. The rhythm of the folk instruments makes even the palkis of Devi Devta sway in glee. The people also enjoy dancing in fairs and festivals to the beats and tunes of these muscial instruments. From birth till death, the folk instruments have special significance in their lives. The importance of the folk instruments is also observed in the folk songs and folk tales. This book deals with the origin of these musical instruments, throws light on their systematic development, tells about its classification and also how these came into existence. Some folk instruments are on the verge of extinction.

Dr Surat Thakur has written a number of books on related topics. He teaches music at Government Post-graduate College in Kullu (Himachal Pradesh).

Nature has endowed Himachal Pradesh with a unique location. It occupies a transitional zone between the greater, lesser and the Shivalik ranges of Himalaya. The scenic beauty of the state is best described in the words of a poet: Where the earth hugs the sky

A glowing twilight I see

And there I aspire to fly.

The cultural heritage of this Himalayan state is very colourful. The social and religious life of people living in this state is quite fascinating. People enjoy every moment of their lives by dancing and singing. They are god fearing and worship gods and goddesses. Especially in Kullu, Kinnaur,, Lahaul-Spiti, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmour and Chamba districts, each village has its own deity, which moves in a palanquin. They celebrate their own fairs and festivals in which musical instruments play an important role. Folk instruments have a significant role in the social, cultural and religious aspects of this Himalayan state. The rhythm of the folk instruments makes even the palkis of devi-devta sway in glee. The people also enjoy dancing in fairs and festivals to the beats and tunes of these musical instruments. From birth till death, the folk instruments have special significance in their lives. Those who play the instruments are called Bajagis, who play a tremendous role in preserving the traditional tunes created by these instruments. The importance of the folk instruments is also noted in the folk songs and folk tales.

**Contents and Sample Pages**