Folk Music of Odisha: Exploring the Traditions in Kanji
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 ...