Gujarat Folk (Audio CD)

The folk music of Gujarat is a beautiful reflection of the contemporary lifestyles and broad cultural patterns of its varied communities.

The folklore of Krishna, local Gods and heroes, and the sant-vani of great teachers an social reformers enrich the textual material of a wide gamut of Gujarati folk songs. The lively and marked rhythm of Raas - its text woven around the lore of Lord Krishna - the stately dance of Garba performed on all festive occasions, celebrate life in song and dance; and the fervour of bhajan exalts the spirit. The Charani Chhand, a form of song, recitative of the bardic communities of Gujarat, perpetuate the great deeds of heroes. The various stages of man’s life-cycle, birth, marriage, love and separation and the cycle of the seasons constitute the content of numerous songs. The songs of Kutch contain strong elements of Rajasthani music, indicating an area of fusion where the borders meet.

The selected repertoire clearly reflects the primacy of vocal music - with instruments serving as only accompaniment.

This album is a sampling of the great wealth of folk songs assiduously cultivated and enjoyed for generations by the common people of Gujarat.