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Dehradun. In Uttarakhand, whether it is the holy occasion of opening of the doors of Char Dham, the time of invocation of the deities in Jagar or weddings and other auspicious functions, everywhere people are seen dancing to the beats of traditional musical instruments. While in cities the beauty of weddings increases with DJs and modern musical instruments, in the mountains the echo of old traditional musical instruments is still heard. These musical instruments are not just a means of entertainment, but are also associated with deep religious faith, folk tradition and cultural heritage, which keep the identity of Uttarakhand alive.
In Garhwal and Kumaon of Uttarakhand, regional variations are found in musical instruments and their styles, which reflect the local environment and traditions. Compared to the musical instruments of other places, there are some unique musical instruments here, which hold great importance from cultural and traditional point of view.
Binai is the most famous among the unique musical instruments of Uttarakhand. It looks like tongs and is made of iron. The person who sees it is often surprised because its texture is completely different. In English it is called Jaw Harp and in rural areas of Rajasthan it is also known as Morchhang or Morsing. Binai is played by placing it in the mouth and using the breath, which produces melodious and mesmerizing sounds. It works to add rhythm and emotion to folk music. Playing it is not everyone’s cup of tea. This requires special art. By keeping it between the lips and vibrating the tongue with the finger, tunes are created by inhaling and exhaling.
Hudka or Hudki, a musical instrument of Uttarakhand, looks like the Damru of Lord Bholenath. Its history is linked to the Katyuri rulers of Kumaon. Around the sixth century, Bijula neck hudki was played in the court of Katyuri ruler Dulashah, which is mentioned in the sagas of Katyuris. Hudki is one of the important musical instruments of Uttarakhand and is played in the invocation of Gods, Jagars, agricultural works and war-inducing occasions. Its length is about 1 foot 3 inches and its bundles are prepared from the inner skin of the goat’s stomach. This musical instrument is considered to be one of the oldest musical instruments of Uttarakhand.
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When it comes to marriage, instead of Shehnai, musical instruments like trumpet, Ranasingha and Bhankor are played in the mountains of Uttarakhand. These musical instruments look almost similar to each other and apart from being used in wedding ceremonies today, they were also played during wars in ancient times. These musical instruments are made of metal like copper and are shaped like a tap. Narrow on one side of the mouth and wide on the other side. Apart from Uttarakhand, they can also be seen in Mewar (Rajasthan). In Uttarakhand, they are also used extensively in the worship of deities and Chholiya dance.
Damau is a major musical instrument made of copper or sal wood. It is similar in size to a bowl about one foot in diameter and eight inches deep. A thick leather cover is placed on its face. Hearing the amazing tune of Damau, everyone is forced to dance. This musical instrument is used extensively in weddings and other divine functions.
Dhol is the most popular and widely used traditional musical instrument of Uttarakhand. It is played during the Jagar of the Gods, marriage ceremonies and other auspicious functions. Copper or Sal wood is used to make drums. Thin goat skin is placed on its left Puri and deer or buffalo skin is placed on the right Puri. During the war, drums were also played to create enthusiasm among the soldiers. The tradition of playing dhol has been going on in Uttarakhand since the 16th century.
Daunra can be said to be a musical instrument similar to Damru and it is considered to be the musical instrument of Lord Shiva. Since Uttarakhand is called the land of Lord Shiva, it is played on special occasions. The player places it between his knees and plays the upper part with the help of wood and the lower part with his hands. The accompaniment of a bronze plate with the drum is considered desirable, although it can also be played with just a stick.
