Shruti

Preserving oral traditions, one memory at a time
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    13 days ago
    This is Sohar.... Sung to celebrate childbirth... And bless the newborn baby. Grandparents and family members sing these ... Song generally includes blessings and hope for the bright future of the baby and the family.
    Shared by Anamika Kumari
    "Sarhul" is a major Tribal festival from Jharkhand celebrated mainly by the Jharkhandi Tribes such as Oraon(Kurukh), Santhalis, Ho, Kharias, Bhumij and Mundas. Sarhul symbolizes the marriage between the Earth(Dharti Ayo) and the Sun (Biri). In this festival, people worship in "Sarna" which is a sacred grove of the Sal/Sakhua/Sarai tree where they gather to worship the Centuries-Old "Living Tree Goddess". On the occasion of the festival, people go to "Sarna" to the beats of Dhol, Nagara and Mandar while singing the centuries old folks songs throughout their way. (Note:-My cousin is singing this btw)
    English Translation:
    "January, February & March months have passed away, and with Sarhul arriving, the drums have begun to pound" "The ankle bells (Ghungroo) have started ringing" "Slowly and slowly the hair bun(khopa/juda) is shaking" "On mandar(a type of drum) beats, my heart has started dancing"
    Shared by Paapi Billi
    This children song was sung while playing with there hands posed like crab or a spider.... Wherever it would end the hand has to lay flat ... There is no conclusion for this game, it continues till the last hand lays flat ... No winning no losing ..just fun !!
    Shared by Anamika Kumari
    19 days ago
    "पाँच पचखा सोह्रह सोहरई छवे छठ," From the childbirth, five following days are Pachkha... Restriction on who will meet the baby and mother. This is the resting phase for the new mother and very crucial period for family as they are responsible to look after both the baby and the mother. Nothing new or auspicious is to be done during this period. Soharai is the singing of sohar ( folk songs celebrating birth and blessings the new born) on the 16th day from the childbirth. Chhath is chhathi the sixth day from childbirth, house is cleaned baby is given proper bath for the first time. Chhathi , the sixth day is celebrated and the baby and mother are brought out in open... Finally the days of restriction are over. Adding to this very famous Chhath also known as Mahaparav Chhath Puja...is celebrated on the sixth day of lunar month(इंजोरा) of Kartik.
    Shared by Anamika Kumari
    20 days ago
    A lullaby from Western Deccan plateau, in and around Pune area... Many like these planted the values of being "Marathi" and fight for our mother land, right from early ages. Such Bedtime stories and lullabies celebrate our leaders, passing down our heritage and victories through hymns. This one mentions Tanhaji Malusare, Shelar Mama and Shivaji Maharaj.. each part ending with "झोपाळा जो जो रे जो जो..." (Zopala- cradle, jo jo re - sound words urging children to sleep)
    Shared by Parth
    20 days ago
    Maithili lullaby telling a child about their village, it's patriarch, it's pond & swing beside it. Ends by symbolizing the cycle of life.
    Shared by Hrishabh Choudhary
    21 days ago
    A gibberish Sambalpuri rhyme children would sing as they point at fingers, wherever it would end, they would have to fold it, whoever has the last finger to fall wins.
    Shared by Ashris
    21 days ago
    "Garhana" (गार्‍हाणं) is unique tradition in Maharashtra, especially in Konkan. It's a plea to the deity, for good health, hopes, and wishes, especially during festivals like Shimgo. End of each specific wish, is followed by "Vhay Maharaja" (Yes lord) saying by the community. This one is a small recording in Sangameshwari dialect of Konkan.
    Shared by Parth Shelar
    English Translation:
    "Oh daughter in law, when I see you, I get scared. When I see you arm bracelet, i get scared"
    Shared by Ashris
    21 days ago
    English Translation:
    We used to boil the Girel phool and add tomatoes and grind it and similarly do it with another flower.
    Shared by Ashris