Music of Himachal Pradesh

*Himachal Pradesh Music Industry: A Melodic Journey*

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Himachal Pradesh, a state in northern India, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant music scene. The Himachal Pradesh Music Industry (HMI) has been instrumental in promoting and preserving the state's musical legacy, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talents.

*A Rich Musical Heritage*

Himachal Pradesh's music is a unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles, reflecting the state's cultural diversity. From the soulful melodies of folk songs to the energetic beats of modern Himachali music, the industry has evolved significantly over the years. The state's music is characterized by the use of traditional instruments like the Dholku, Nagara, and Algoza, which add a distinct flavor to the melodies.

*Growth of the Industry*

In recent years, the Himachal Pradesh Music Industry has witnessed a significant surge in popularity, thanks to the emergence of talented artists and the proliferation of digital platforms. The industry has seen a rise in the number of music production houses, recording studios, and event management companies, creating new opportunities for artists and music professionals.

*Initiatives by HMI*

The Himachal Pradesh Music Industry has taken several initiatives to promote and support local talent, including:

- *Registration and Royalty Distribution*: HMI has made registration compulsory for all Himachali singers and music creators to ensure fair royalty distribution and protect their rights.

- *Music Festivals and Events*: HMI organizes various music festivals and events throughout the year, providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents.

- *Training and Workshops*: HMI conducts training sessions and workshops to equip artists with the latest music production techniques and industry trends.

*Challenges and Opportunities*

Despite the growth of the industry, there are challenges that need to be addressed, such as:

- *Piracy and Copyright Issues*: HMI is working to combat music piracy and protect the rights of artists.

- *Global Recognition*: The industry is striving to gain global recognition and create opportunities for Himachali artists to perform on international platforms.

*Conclusion*

The Himachal Pradesh Music Industry is a vibrant and dynamic entity, playing a vital role in promoting the state's rich musical heritage. With initiatives like compulsory registration, music festivals, and training programs, HMI is committed to supporting local talent and taking the industry to new heights. As the industry continues to evolve, it is poised to make a significant impact on the global music scene.

The music of Himachal Pradesh includes many kinds of folk songs from the area, many of which are sung without accompaniment.

Styles

External videos
Dev Taal of Jubbal-Rohru
Dev Taal of Kotkhai-Theog

Jhoori is a type of song that celebrates extramarital romance.The word means lover . It is popular in Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur, and is accompanied by a female dance called jhoomar.

Laman songs from Kullu Valley are another type of love song.

Saṃskāra songs are sung at festivals and celebrations by women of Himachal Pradesh. These songs are based on ragas, which are compositions of Indian classical music, as are the martial jhanjhotis.

Ainchaliyan are religious songs, sung at the bride's house after a wedding and by women at the home of an unmarried girl.

In Chamba-Pangi, wandering musicians play a khanjari (tambourine) and perform, also using string puppets.

Musical instruments

Percussion

Himachal Pradesh folk music features a wide variety of drums, including dammama, damanght, gajju, doru, dhaunsa, nagara, dholku, nagarth, tamaka, dafale, dhol, dolki and hudak. Non-drum percussion instruments include the ghanta and ghariyal (gongs), chimta (tongs), manjira and jhanjh (cymbals), ghungru (bells), thali (platter) and kokatha murchang.

Winds

Band at the Royal Palace, Sarahan, HP, India

There are also wind instruments like algoja/algoza (twin flutes), peepni, shehnai (oboe), bishudi (flute), karnal (straight brass trumpet) and ranasingha (curved brass trumpet).

Strings

String instruments include gramyang, riwana (a small fretless lute), sarangi (bowed lute), jumang, ruman, ektara and kindari davatra.

Singers

Mohit Chauhan's 'morni', Karnail Rana's various folk songs, Dheeraj's love songs and Thakur Das Rathi's 'Naatis' has given great contribution to the music of Himachal Pradesh. New initiatives like Mountain Music Project and Laman are giving Himachali folk a contemporary sound.