As is common to pastoral communities, folk music is an essential part of Kachchh’s culture and identity. Kachchh folk music is a brilliant showcase of diversity, much akin to the region. Each tribe that came to Kachchh brought its own music, instruments, and culture; all have found a place in the region’s eclectic folk music traditions. Kachchh’s folk music is comprised of a wide variety of forms and sounds— from the Sufi-influenced musical forms of maldharis (cattle herders) from Sindh, Pakistan to the bhajans written by Hindu saints from Kachchh and Northern India. Even sounds from far-reaching Africa have influenced local folk traditions.
Kachchh’s folk music is quite different from Indian classical music though both forms have commonalities and shared influences. Kachchh musicians have developed regional raags, raaginis (melodies) and taals (rhythms) that provide a welcomed comparison to the region’s island-like landscape.
The majority of Kachchh’s traditional folk musicians are not full-time professional musicians but are engaged in other livelihoods such as cattle herding, farming, truck driving, and daily wage labor.
KHAMIR plans to promote and develop its folk music efforts in partnership with Kachchh Sangeet Sadak Sang, a newly established collective of regional folk musicians organized by Kachchh Mahila Vikas Sangathan.
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