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Music as a Bridge: How Challa Mudke Aaya Tells a Father-Son Story

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There is a long tradition in Punjabi folk music of songs that carry family stories—of leaving, longing and, sometimes, return. Challa Mudke Aaya, released by RAAHEIN Gharana under the Rhythmic Roots: Punjab series, takes that tradition and extends it. Musically and narratively, the song becomes a bridge: between father and son, past and present, rural roots and modern rhythms. At its heart, Challa Mudke Aaya is a story everyone recognises. A young man leaves home to chase dreams; success arrives with cost; distance and misunderstanding follow; and, finally, there is the fragile, redemptive return. The song does what great music does best—it translates private emotion into a shared experience and, in the process, brings old instruments, local voices and contemporary sounds into one conversation. The Challa: A Symbol That Speaks Volumes In Punjabi folklore, the word challa carries layered meaning. Often, a ring or a token stands for separation, longing, and memory in many folk songs. RAA...
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Why Punjabi Folk Songs Are More Than Music

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Punjabi folk songs do more than fill the air with melody. They hold memory, identity and social life. Across villages and cities, weddings and fields, festivals and funerals, these songs carry the language of a people: their work, their love, their losses, and their stubborn hope. In the recent release Challa Mudke Aaya (Raahein Gharana), a timeless Punjabi story—departure, longing and return—is retold with both old instruments and new voices. That blend shows how folk music remains an active, living force, not a museum piece. Below we explore the many roles Punjabi folk songs play—cultural archive, social glue, political voice, emotional therapy, and creative resource—and how contemporary projects are keeping these songs alive. 1. Oral Memory: Songs as Living Archives Before printed books reached most Punjabi households, songs were the library. Ballads and bolis preserved local history, land disputes, migration routes and family stories. Couplets that seem simple on the surface often ...
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From Rituals to Rhythms – The Role of Music in Onam Celebrations

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Onam is Kerala’s biggest harvest festival - ten days of ritual, food, and public celebration that usually falls in Chingam (Aug–Sep) . It opens with the Athachamayam procession and culminates on Thiruvonam , when homes are decked with pookalam (flower carpets) and families gather for the Onasadya feast. Music and rhythm run through every stage - at home, in temples, and on the streets - turning Onam into a living soundscape. The core sound of Onam: Kerala’s percussion and song traditions Panchavadyam: five instruments, one heartbeat A classic temple ensemble, Panchavadyam blends five instruments— timila, maddalam, ilathalam (cymbals), idakka/edakka, and kombu —into a rising, mathematically structured crescendo. You’ll hear it at temple courtyards and public stages through the season. Maddalam: barrel drum that powers the bass layer. Ilathalam: hand cymbals that lock the pulse. Edakka (idakka): pressure drum capable of melody-like inflections. Kombu: curved natural brass hor...
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Aranmula Boat Race – A Must-See Once in a Lifetime

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When you think of Kerala, lush greenery, serene backwaters, and vibrant festivals come to mind. Among its many cultural treasures, one stands out for its grandeur and spirit of unity — the Aranmula Boat Race , also known as Aranmula Vallamkali . This is not just a sporting event; it is a blend of history, devotion, art, and tradition that has been celebrated for centuries. If you ever want to witness Kerala’s heritage at its purest, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you shouldn’t miss. The Origins and History of Aranmula Boat Race The Aranmula Boat Race is held annually on the Pampa River in the village of Aranmula , Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. The event takes place during the Malayalam month of Chingam (August–September), coinciding with the Uthrattathi star day , just after Onam celebrations. The roots of this festival are linked to the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple , dedicated to Lord Krishna. According to legend, a Brahmin devotee once pledged to offer a grand f...
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Musical Instruments of Odisha

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Odisha, a state steeped in mythology, heritage, and cultural artistry, carries a centuries-old musical legacy that thrives far beyond the concert halls and classical performances. The musical instruments of Odisha, particularly its folk and tribal instruments, are not merely tools for melody - they are vessels of history, ritual, community, and identity. Whether accompanying traditional dances, festivals, village storytelling, or spiritual rituals, Odia instruments reflect the region’s immense cultural diversity. And in projects like RAAHEIN Gharana’s recent song "KANJI," these instruments take center stage, echoing both legacy and living practice. Let us explore some of the most iconic and culturally significant musical instruments of Odisha that define its native soundscape. 1. Mardal The Percussive Pulse A cousin of the pakhawaj, the Mardal is a barrel-shaped wooden drum with two sides, often seen in Odissi dance performances. It produces deep bass on one end and s...
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Folk Music of Odisha: Exploring the Traditions in Kanji

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Odisha, a culturally rich state on the eastern coast of India, holds within its landscapes an extraordinary musical legacy. The folk music of Odisha is a mirror to the life, festivals and stories of its people - rooted in agricultural rhythms, devotional narratives and tribal expressions. Unlike the heavily documented classical traditions of Odissi music, Odisha’s folk music thrives in villages, tribal hamlets and local festivals where music is a way of life, not performance. Each district in Odisha offers a distinct musical identity. Instruments like the mardal, mahuri, and dhol accompany songs that mark seasonal changes, weddings, harvests, and religious festivities. The music is earthy, percussive, and melodic, deeply tied to oral traditions passed down across generations. These songs not only preserve history and myth but also provide spiritual nourishment and social cohesion. In the midst of this rich cultural backdrop, RAAHEIN Gharana’s latest folk revival project presents a ...
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From Ghalib to Now: Tracing the Evolution of the Ghazal in India

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  The ghazal is more than just a poetic form - it's an emotional echo of love, loss, and longing that has flowed through centuries of Indian music and literature. From the ornate Urdu couplets of Mirza Ghalib to today’s acoustic reinterpretations, the ghazal continues to evolve without losing its soul. Let’s explores the historical arc of the ghazal in India - its origins, transformation into song, its cinematic embrace, and its modern-day revivals. 1. Where It All Began: The Persian and Arabic Roots The ghazal was born in 7th-century Arabia, rooted in qasida—a longer form of classical Arabic poetry. It found structure and emotional depth in Persian literature, particularly through poets like Rumi, Hafiz, and Saadi. These early ghazals explored spiritual yearning, often framing divine love in metaphors of human romance. 2. The Indian Arrival: Sufis, Khusro, and Urdu Emergence The ghazal reached Indian shores around the 12th century with the advent of Persian influence under the Del...
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