Kumaon has been known for its music and the unique flavor it possesses since time immemorial. Kumaon has different and special folk songs for every occasion. Like the “Ragas” in classical music and the "Vidha" in literature, each occasion has its own distinct folk song or dance with some forms common to all. Of the many popular genres and styles of Kumaon’s music and dance form, the most notable are detailed below:
• Ramaul: The name has originated from the Ramaul dynasty of Kumaon. It was a common belief in those days that the Kings of Ramaul dynasties were incarnations (avatars) of God.
The main theme of this form of singing is the bravery of these kings. Ramaul songs are mainly legends of their martial prowess and splendour in the battlefield. The Kumaoni drum known as “hudka” and “Kaans” thali are among the main instruments used while singing Ramaul songs. Among the famous singers of this form, Harda Surdas deserves a mention.
• Jagar: Dealing with the supernatural and underlining the importance of the super natural’s existence (or non-existence), Jagar singing involves the invoking of spirit. Sometimes it can be that of a dead person or sometimes the spirit of a God or Goddess. The main singer is called the 'Jagariya' and the person in whose body the spirit is invoked is called the 'Dangariya'. The songs reach a very high pitch and scale with the crescendo reaching its zenith when the Dangariya starts dancing in very rapid movements. Harda Surdas is among the most famous singers of this genre too.
• Jhoora: This form of singing and dancing is very famous and prominent in the regions of Almora, Someswar and Dwarahat. Jhoora is community form of dancing and singing in which the dancers form a human circle and keep moving round and round while singing and holding hands. It is a spectacle in itself.
• Chanchri: It is another popular form of community singing and dancing. Popular and prominent in the Danpur, Nakuri and Gurail regions, the form is a refreshing experience both as a spectacle and an activity to take part in.
• Chapeli: It is an inseparable part of Kumaoni weddings, fairs and festivals. Sung in the form of questions and answers, the central theme of Chapeli is love. Some of the Famous chapeli singers are Anandi Devi and Sant Ram.
• Hudkiabaul: These are the workmen’s songs sung on the beat of a Kumaoni percussion instrument known as Hudka. Harda Surdas is a pioneer of this form of singing.
• Bair: A big crowd-puller at melas, this form of singing is based on a debate format. The singers keep on singing in debate till one of the parties quits. This form has really high entertainment value. Among the most Famous Bair singer, Jhusia Damai is worth a mention here.
• Shakunakhar: The Kumaoni form of Ganesh Vandana, these songs are sung on every auspicious occasion. No occasion begins without the singing of Shakunakhar. The Shakunakhar songs are sung on occasions like birth and weddings. The influence of Awadhi and Braj language is clearly evident in the songs. Ram Chandra Bhatt is the most notable singer of this form.
• Malushahi: Based on the love story of Malushah, one of the kings of
Kumaon, and his beloved, Rajuli, the songs revolve around the ups and downs in their love story.
• Nyoli: Nyoli is the Kumaoni name for the Hill Nightingale, who is believed to fly from one forest to another, singing, in search of her separated lover. The theme of these songs, as is obvious, is love and separation. Some of the songs are really emotional. Harda Surdas excels in this form of Kumaoni singing too.
• RituRaina: With the advent of the spring season, the songs come into full bloom just like the flowers. Very sweet in sound and emotional to the core, the songs are an inseparable part of the celebration of the arrival of spring.
• Bhada: Ballads used to invoke bravery in the people of the villages, these songs narrate tales of brave warriors who lived in the earlier times.
• Holi: Holi is a rage among the locals. Holi singing is primarily of two types -Baithee holi and Khadee holi. With a lot of orthodox classical touch, the songs are really melodious and pleasing to the ear. Awadhi touch and Brij Touch, too, can easily be found .The latest addition to the many touches it has is, the Filmi touch. This makes it popular across all barriers of age and gender.
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