How Rhythmic Roots Reconnects Indians with Their Heritage

In a world where trending playlists change overnight, some sounds never fade. The beats of the dhol, the hum of the sarangi, the rhythm of the tumbi - these are not just instruments; they are echoes of India’s living history. Raahein Gharana’s initiative “Rhythmic Roots” is bringing these echoes back to life - reconnecting Indians with their cultural soul through the timeless language of folk music.

Rediscovering the Heartbeat of India

India’s folk music is not confined to stages or studios — it lives in fields, festivals, and family gatherings. Each region has its own rhythm:

• The energetic beats of Rajasthan’s “Jalalo Bilalo”, echoing the courage and celebration of desert life.
• The soulful “Kanji” from Odisha, preserving stories passed down through generations.
• The festive flow of Kerala’s “Thuzha”, inspired by the harmony of Onam traditions and boat race rhythms.
• The emotional “Challa Mudke Aaya” from Punjab, where longing and reunion find voice through folk melodies and rap fusion.

Together, these songs form a vibrant sound map of India - proving that no matter how modern our lives become, our roots still hum in the language of rhythm.

Raahein Gharana: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow

Founded by Shefali Khanna under the Dear Sunshine Foundation, Raahein Gharana was born with a vision - to revive, preserve, and evolve India’s 100+ native and folk heritage instruments. Since 2020, it has brought together over 200 musicians from across the country, bridging the gap between rural artistry and global recognition.

Through Rhythmic Roots, the team is creating not just songs, but digital legacies - giving traditional musicians access to a global audience. These songs are more than performances; they are collaborations between generations - pairing village instrumentalists with contemporary composers, rappers, and vocalists to reimagine the folk spirit in a modern voice.

Reviving Forgotten Instruments and Folk Sounds

For many Indians, folk instruments like the sarangi, algoze, tumbi, or dhudd are names they’ve heard but rarely seen. Rhythmic Roots places these sounds back at the center of India’s musical identity.

Each state’s composition features its regional instruments and authentic local rhythms, recorded by musicians who have kept these traditions alive through oral history.

• In “Jalalo Bilalo”, the Rajasthani kamaicha sings alongside the beats of the dholak, echoing desert songs of valor.
• “Kanji” weaves Odisha’s rustic mardala and tribal vocals into a contemporary harmony.
• “Thuzha” celebrates Kerala’s festive rhythm with chenda and boat song melodies.
• “Challa Mudke Aaya” pairs Punjab’s tumbi and algoze with rap - proving how roots can evolve without losing authenticity.

This thoughtful preservation ensures that every instrument finds a voice in today’s digital era - carrying forward a lineage that might otherwise fade into silence.

Why Folk Music Still Matters

Folk music is not just entertainment - it’s a cultural memory. Each song in Rhythmic Roots carries emotions and lessons that remain relevant:

• Resilience in Rajasthan’s tunes.
• Faith and folklore in Odisha’s verses.
• Community and celebration in Kerala’s rhythms.
• Love and belonging in Punjab’s melodies.

As India’s youth grow up in a digital-first world, reconnecting them with these roots is vital. When they listen to Rhythmic Roots, they don’t just hear music - they hear stories of who we are and where we come from.

Music That Builds Bridges

The beauty of Rhythmic Roots lies in its inclusivity. It’s not just for musicians or scholars - it’s for every Indian who has felt nostalgia while hearing a folk tune on a rainy evening or during a festive gathering.

By blending traditional sounds with modern production and rap elements, the project connects generations - letting today’s listeners discover the same emotions their grandparents once felt. It transforms folk music from something old-fashioned into something deeply personal and timeless.

The Journey Ahead: A Song for Every State

With four states already celebrated - Rajasthan, Odisha, Kerala and Punjab - Raahein Gharana continues its journey across India. The goal is to record 28 songs - one for each state, representing the cultural rhythm of our nation. Each release adds another verse to India’s musical story, a step closer to building a “Human Library of Indian Sounds.”

As the project grows, it reminds us that folk music isn’t just about the past; it’s about continuity. It’s about carrying forward the voices, instruments, and stories that make India, India.

Conclusion

In an era of algorithms and remixes, Raahein Gharana’s Rhythmic Roots stands as a gentle reminder - our true rhythm lies in the songs of our soil. Every strum, every beat, every verse carries a piece of India’s collective soul.

By reconnecting us to our heritage, Rhythmic Roots doesn’t just preserve the past - it composes a future where music continues to unite, heal, and inspire.