Reflecting the varied regional culture of the state, the enchanting Jammu and Kashmir music portrays the enriched folk traditions of the ancient times that have percolated to the modern era. Unaffected and unaltered by rapid industrialization and changing modern times, the traditional folk Jammu and Kashmir music bears relics to the rich cultural ancestry of the state.
The history and tradition of music and dance in Kashmir valley goes back
to thousands years back. Given below are some main forms of the
traditional music of Kashmir, along with some Kashmiri folk songs
followed by Latest Top 10 Kashmir Songs for Free Download:
Chakri
Once performed with the help of only Garaha, Sarangi and Rabab, Chakri
has included harmonium also in its presentation. It is one of the most
popular forms of the traditional music of Kashmir.
Depicting the melodic tradition of folk music that evolved in
the valley of Kashmir many decades back, Chakri truly upholds the
heritage of culture and arts in the place. The people of Kashmir are quite
popular for owing a multi-cultural past. Chakri is an excellent
outcome of that very musical history of the valley.
The rhythmic accompaniments that are used while singing the folk song of
Chakri include Rabab, Garaha and Sarangi. Performed by the folk population
of Kashmir, Chakri is considered incomplete without the apt support
of the musical instruments. Although a form of ancient folk category,
Chakri has today went through some minor variations. For one, the advent
of harmonium apart from the usual instruments is quite new. However, the
basic theme and flavor of Chakri is still intact which shows the passion
of Jammu & Kashmir culture enthusiasts.
The state of Jammu & Kashmir have been ruled by several Dynasties in the
ancient ages. From Hindu Kings to Mughal Empires, Jammu & Kashmir has
remained a vital ruling ground. Although the reigning era of those mighty
Kings have ended long back, yet the evidences have remained on the land of
Jammu & Kashmir in the form of cultural extravaganza. Chakri is a real
symbol of that very essence of artistic genre of Jammu & Kashmir which
once flourished amidst the verdant valleys.
Tourists who come from different parts of the world to explore the
incredibly ecstatic splendors of Jammu & Kashmir often get mesmerized by
the melodic aura created by Chakri.
Sufiana Music
Sofians musiqui (Sufi Music) owes its introduction in Kashmir to Iran.
Introduced in the 15th century in the Kashmir valley, Sufiana music
continues to enthrall its audience till date. With the passage of time,
a number of Indian ragas were added to this music form. The Kashmiri
music of Sufiana genre is also very melodious. This music uses Kashmiri
Saz, Sitar, Santoor, Tabla, Sitar and Wasool. The dance form of Hafiz
Nagma performed along with Sufiana music is also a treat to watch.
Bazam-e-Sufiana was a blend of meditation, prayer and message
of peace. It has roots in Kashmir and people believe that this movement
started from Kashmir and spread all over the subcontinent. The seeds of
Sufism in Kashmir were sown in 1320 AD by the great Hazarat Bulbulshah and
was carried forward by other great saints of the time and the role played
by Sufi saints like Hazarat Sheikh-ul-Alam and Lal Ded in further
propagating it, is know throughout the world.
Hafiz Nagma
A part of the classical Sufiana Music, Hafiz Nagma makes use of Santoor-a
hundred stringed instrument played with sticks. In Hafiz Nagma, there is
a female dancer, accompanied by a number of males with instruments. The
dancer, known as Hafiza, moves her feet to the musical notes.
Song of Habba Khatoon
Habba Khatoon was a princess of Kashmir. This song reflects her feelings
at the time when she was separated from the Yousuf King.
Modern Kashmir Songs
Today Kashmir Music has metamorphosed to latest Rock, Rap and Even Disco
formats but still retains the Traditional Flavour and Brilliance.
Kashmir Santoor Music
The Kashmiri Santoor Music displays the rich musical heritage
and traditional culture of the state. The classical music of Jammu and
Kashmir, the melodious Kashmiri Santoor compositions enchants and
enthralls the audience with its captivating songs. Accompanied with the
traditional musical instrument of Santoor, the talented classical
musicians display their exemplary artistic caliber.
One of the prominent performing arts of the state of Jammu and Kashmir,
the Kashmiri Santoor Music portrays the unique musical culture of the
state. The traditional musical instrument of Santoor is usually made out
of walnut. However, the Kashmiri Santoor is rectangular in shape and has
numerous strings attached to the musical instrument.
The Kashmiri Santoor music bears relics to the enrich heritage of
classical music of the state. The enchanting melody of the traditional
instrument of Santoor fills the audience with an intense sense of pleasure
and satisfaction. Usually played on special festive occasions, the
Kashmiri Santoor music displays the artistic inclination of the indigenous
local inhabitants of the state.
Inherited from the glorious ancient era, the professional classical
musicians and singers of the Kashmiri Santoor music has earned a name for
themselves in the international arena as well. An integral part of the
cultural past of the glorious ancient times, the composers and singers of
Kashmiri Santoor music perform with full dedication which is reflected in
their exemplary and flawless performance.
The enchanting melodious notes of Kashmiri Santoor music provide the
audience a relief from the stress and strains of daily mundane life. The
beautiful compositions of Kashmiri Santoor music portray the
potentialities of the musicians of Jammu and Kashmir.
