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 standout tribute: “KANJI.”

KANJI is more than a song - it is a celebration of life, food, and musical storytelling. Part of RAAHEIN Gharana’s “Rhythmic Roots” series (featuring 28 songs from 28 Indian states), this track brings Odisha’s native instruments, dialects, and festive spirit to the forefront in a way rarely seen in India’s mainstream music.

Inspired by Tradition: The Cultural Significance of Kanji In Odisha, Kanji isn’t just a fermented rice dish. It represents warmth, generosity, and communal spirit—a dish that travels from one household to another during festivals and village gatherings. This symbolism is carried beautifully into the song, where Kanji becomes a metaphor for how music, like food, brings people together.

The song captures scenes from village life in Rekhpur and Mandel, celebrating daily rituals and festivities. The communities of Bhawanipatna, especially the Brahmin, Goud, Bhandari, Luhura, and Kumbhar groups, welcomed the team with open arms—their traditions, attire, and instruments are respectfully woven into the composition.

Voices from the Soil: The Local Artists Behind Kanji KANJI features 12 musicians: 9 regional folk artists (including 2 powerful local vocalists) and 3 contemporary musicians who add subtle layers of modernity. The blend is seamless. The local vocalists bring authenticity in pronunciation, intonation, and emotional cadence that only native voices can.

Their singing doesn’t merely narrate; it immerses listeners in the scent of red soil, the taste of homemade food, and the sounds of Odisha’s heartlands.

Instruments That Speak Odisha’s Language What sets KANJI apart is its faithful inclusion of seven traditional Odia folk instruments - each carrying cultural memory:

• Dhol: The robust two-sided drum that drives festival dance rhythms.
• Mahuri: A native wind instrument often used in temple rituals.
• Mardal: A pakhawaj-like percussion instrument, associated with Odisha’s classical and folk traditions.
• Nishan: A heavy war-drum-like instrument used in tribal ceremonies.
• Gini: Small cymbals that add texture and energy.
• Jhanj: Metal clappers used in devotional and celebratory folk songs.
• Tasha: A kettle drum that provides urgency and grandeur.

These instruments not only create soundscapes but also reflect specific moments - a wedding procession, a temple ceremony, a harvest celebration.

A Visual and Sonic Celebration of Odisha Shot on location in Kalahandi, the music video for KANJI is as authentic as the song itself. From capturing real villagers preparing Kanji to spontaneous community dance circles, the visuals reflect an untouched, dignified portrait of Odisha’s rural life.

The entire video is steeped in color, movement, and joy - a living documentation of folk practices that continue to thrive.

Rhythmic Roots: A Nationwide Folk Revival KANJI is part of RAAHEIN Gharana’s larger mission to create 28 regional songs representing each Indian state. The initiative highlights the diversity of India's lesser-known folk instruments and the artists behind them.

By bringing together rural performers and urban producers, RAAHEIN Gharana ensures that these traditions are not just archived but celebrated, performed, and given a global platform.

Why Kanji Matters

• It gives visibility to underrepresented Odia folk instruments.
• It empowers local musicians through professional audio-video storytelling.
• It tells a universal story of community, joy, and cultural pride.
• It creates space for collaboration between rural traditions and indie folk artists.

Where to Listen

You can watch the full music video of KANJI on YouTube. The track is also available for streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Gaana and other platforms under RAAHEIN Gharana.

Folk music in India isn’t disappearing - it’s evolving. And thanks to thoughtful, immersive efforts like RAAHEIN Gharana’s Rhythmic Roots, songs like KANJI are not only keeping traditions alive but giving them a new voice for new generations.

Let this be more than a listen. Let it be a return to your roots - through food, rhythm and collective memory.