Gujarat:A spectacular aural celebration across centuries
Play some upbeat Dandiya music and you will have a crowd ready to grab their thrills for hours, is the usual belief that envelops the musical culture of Gujarat. True to an extent, the belief clearly overlooks the grand dimensions of the musical legacy of Gujarat which could be succinctly described as an aural celebration across centuries. Gujarat is a musical mosaic with arich musical heritage that continues to vigorously throb in its veins. An eclectic mix of folk, devotional and classical music influences Gujarat music has much to add to the staggering cross-stitch of Indian music.
Deeply influenced by Shaivism, Vaishnavism and other Bhakti movements that enveloped India across time Gujarat music has also embedded itself into the fabric of everyday life offering it a real-life hue.
Music loversare quick to crystallize into large circular groups as they sway to the mesmerizing Garba ‘Main ToBhulChali Babul KaDesh” during the festive season of Navratri. This tantalizing melody composed for a film situation is rooted in Gujarat’s famous Garba music. Garba music(also a dance form) among others, remains Gujarat’s most widespread export to the world.
A liberal overseas exchange:
The arrival of the Sidditribe and culture from Africa (first arrival 7th C.E) also heralded the arrival of Dhamaal, a unique genre of music and dance that takes off with the blowing of a conch-shell.Dance-Dhamaal involves both the sitting and dance acts while the BaithakiDhamal is performed in the sitting position. Energetic dance movements and up-tempo music beats characterize the Dhamaal. Songs that pay homage and protect the worshippers of the spiritual leader Nabi Sultan are called Zikr. The Afro Indian combo that emerges enchants all.
Night long performances of Bhajans and important social messaging, mythology, in sprawling temple yards to a captive audience is the Dayro. A heady mix of traditional and folk music the lead singer is also referred to as the Dayro. Cultural continuance, much valued by the Gujarat people propels the Dayro performance beyond mere fun and frolic.
Music communities in Gujarat, each renowned for their musical tradition and distinctive identity abound Gujarat. Nature worship and ancestral homage is the ambit of the DungriBhils. Basic melodies rendered by groups is the signature of the tribe. The Rathwas, inhabiting the Chhota Udaipur and Baroda region, through their act, glorify deities for healing and fertility. The Jantar, Dhol, and Tarpu being the instruments that spruce up their act. The resonant Duff, Manjeera, and Ravanhattha dominate the devotional music of the Garasiya people.
Dang Darbar, is the primary festival of the Dangis for whom music is a prime element of everyday life.Dhols, clappers, flutes throng their rhythm-based performances.
While on the one hand the rich cultural ethos of Gujarat is a melodic treasure of Folk music, Gujarat has also given the world of Hindustani classical music reputed vocal maestros like UstadFaiyaz Khan and PanditOmkarnath Thakur. The sheer aura of their legacy is a golden chapter in the annals of Indian music.
Haveli Sangeet, is another feather in the cap for Gujarat. Paying obeisance to Lord Krishna in his child form, Haveli Sangeet is performed in Vaishnav Temples(Haveli) and is a purely devotional act. BrajBhasha, being the carrier language of the form there are also influences of Rajasthani, Gujarati and Hindi in the poems composed in honor of the deity. Another lens to eye Haveli music is as the Dhrupad form with devotion being theemotion to evoke. PanditJasraj of the Mewati Gharana took to Haveli Music as a form of expression and gave it a popular appeal that remains one of its chief calling cards.
Contemporary musical forms have established their indelible presence with many young artists carving their niche synthesizing folk, pop, and classical music. Bands like the Tapi Project, Navjivan India, and independent artists KirtidanGadhvi, GeetaRabari, have emerged crowd favorites with a surging fan base.
The traditional Garba in its new garb has garnered much admiration from lovers of the form across the world.Come Navratri, the vivacious Queen of Dandiya, Falguni Pathak, has frenzied fans bogeying through the night to her lilting voice and intoxicating Dandiya beats across the country.
Among the eminent composers are the legendary Kalyanji-Anandji whose film scores have broken innumerable records. The duo is also known for their contribution to building the next line of singers including stars like SadhnaSargam, Sunidhi Chauhan, Javed Ali among others. Tracks from Gujarat that’ve captured the imagination of many millions include Vaishnav Jan To, Mehndi TeVaviMalve, PankhidaTu Udi Jaje, DholidaDhol Re Vaage, AameParnu Tu.
One of the most alluring aspects of the music from Gujarat is it adherence to every emotion emanating from its turf. Devotion, Dance, Nature worship, fill up its richly embodied musical canvas while Dandiya, Garba and myriad other forms of musical expression punctuate the everyday routine of the Gujarat people. Transcending borders Gujarat music has been a cultural vehicle that with every rhythm and melody has given more than its share of joy to a rapidly evolving world.
Vibhav Rao