Paragraph Writing
Folk Music
Folk music consists of ancient songs and music from the heart of a community based on their natural style of expression uninfluenced by the rules of classical music and modern popular songs. Folk music has great variety, with songs being composed on the culture, festivals, views of life, natural beauty, rivers and rural and riverine life. These songs are also about social inequality and poverty, about the material world and the supernatural. Mystical songs have been composed using the metaphors of rivers and boats. Since the country is basically riverine, the Bhatiyali forms an important genre of folk music. Some notable folk singers like Shiraj Saiah, Lalon shah, Shah Abdul Karim, Hasan Raja, Abbas Uddin‚ Abdul Alim and Radha Roman have made the folk musk popular among the people of Bangladesh. Bangladeshi folk music varies from region to region. Thus there are the northern Bhawaiya, the eastern Bhatiyali and the southwestern Baul songs. Folk songs sung individually include Baul, Bhatiyali, Murshidi and Marfati, while songs sung in chorus include Kabigan, Leto, Alkap and Gambhira. Tribes like the Santal, Garo, Hajong, Chakma, Manipuri, Tripuri, Marma etc. have interacted with ethnic Bengali culture and lifestyle over the years. Some songs are regional in character, but others are common to both Bangladesh and West Bengal. Similarly, some songs belong distinctively to one religious community, Hindu or Muslim; others cross religious boundaries. Some songs belong exclusively to men, others to women, while some are sung by both men and women. Thus only women compose and sing Bratagan and Meyeli Git, but both men and women participate in the ‘’roof-beating’’ songs that are sung while beating down and firming rooftops.
Model Answer-2
Model Answer-3
Composition / Essay Writing
Folk music in Bangladesh
Folk music in Bangladesh holds a special place in the country’s cultural heritage. It represents the soul of rural Bangladesh and reflects the joys, sorrows, hopes, and struggles of ordinary people. Passed down through generations, folk music is deeply connected to the lives of farmers, fishermen, and other rural communities. It uses simple words and tunes that resonate with the daily lives and emotions of the people.
One of the most popular forms of folk music in Bangladesh is Baul songs, which are spiritual and philosophical. Baul singers, often dressed in simple clothes and carrying an ektara (a single-stringed instrument), travel from village to village singing songs about love, humanity, and the connection between the soul and the divine. Lalon Shah, a legendary Baul saint, has greatly influenced this tradition, and his songs remain timeless.
Another significant form of folk music is Bhatiali, which is the music of boatmen. These songs express the feelings of loneliness and longing as boatmen navigate rivers for days. The melodies of Bhatiali are hauntingly beautiful, and they often talk about nature, love, and the deep bond between humans and water. Similarly, Bhawaiya, originating in northern Bangladesh, focuses on themes of love and rural life. It is known for its sweet and emotional tunes.
Folk music in Bangladesh is not just limited to these forms. Gambhira, a type of satirical folk song from Rajshahi, blends music and humor to discuss social and political issues. Jari and Sari songs, often associated with storytelling, are performed in groups and narrate historical or religious events. These songs are a vibrant part of community gatherings and festivals.
Traditional instruments like the dotara, dhol, flute, and tabla play an important role in folk music, adding unique sounds and rhythms. The simplicity of these instruments complements the heartfelt lyrics, making folk music deeply moving.
In conclusion, folk music in Bangladesh is a living tradition that reflects the culture, history, and emotions of the people. It is not just music but a way of life, connecting people to their roots and keeping the spirit of rural Bangladesh alive.
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