In an age dominated by digital beats and Bollywood remixes, India’s ancient folk traditions are finding a surprisingly fresh voice. From the deserts of Rajasthan to the lush landscapes of Assam and the rhythmic plains of Maharashtra, India’s regional musical legacies like Rajasthani Manganiyar songs, Bengali Baul melodies, Assamese Bihu, and Marathi Lavani are experiencing a powerful revival. These sounds, rooted in the soul of rural India, are now gracing international stages and digital playlists, thanks to passionate musicians, cultural movements, and renewed public interest.
The Rajasthani Resurgence: Manganiyars and Langas Go Global
Among the most vibrant representatives of Indian folk music are the Manganiyars and Langas of Rajasthan. With instruments like the kamaicha, khartal, and morchang, their music captures the spirit of the Thar desert.
A true torchbearer of this legacy is Padma Shri recipient Mame Khan, whose performance at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival put Rajasthani folk on the global map. Khan, known for his powerful voice and traditional attire, blends ancient melodies with contemporary elements. His collaboration with Coke Studio and Bollywood (e.g., in the film Luck By Chance) earned him not only mainstream recognition but also helped spotlight lesser-known artists from his community.
“Folk music is not old; it’s timeless,” Mame Khan told The Hindu in an interview. “The stories our songs tell are relevant even today.”
Baul Philosophy in the Modern World
Far from the sand dunes, the mystic Bauls of Bengal sing of divine love and human unity. Their music isn’t just entertainment—it’s a philosophy. Nomadic and spiritual, Bauls like Purna Das Baul and his son Bapi Das Baul have taken their music beyond Bengal to stages across Europe and the United States.
In 2019, Baul singer Rina Das Baul, one of the few prominent female voices in this male-dominated tradition, was featured in The Times of India for her work in promoting Baul music among youth through schools and digital concerts. “We sing not for money, but for sadhana (spiritual practice),” she said, emphasizing the deeper purpose of this tradition.
UNESCO even recognized the Baul tradition as an “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” in 2005, a global acknowledgment of its artistic and philosophical depth.
Bihu: From Assam to International Dance Floors
Bihu, both a festival and a music form, is integral to Assamese culture. Its fast-paced rhythms and bamboo instruments like the pepa and gogona make it instantly recognizable. Once confined to village fields, Bihu music and dance are now showcased at international folk festivals.
A milestone moment came in 2023 when over 11,000 dancers and drummers performed the Bihu dance at Guwahati’s Sarusajai Stadium, earning a place in the Guinness World Records. Led by Zubeen Garg, an icon in Assamese music, this performance showed how a regional art form could become a symbol of national pride.
In the words of Garg, quoted in The Indian Express, “Bihu is not just music; it’s our identity. We wanted the world to see that.”
Lavani: The Sensual Rhythm of Maharashtra’s Folk Heritage
Lavani, known for its powerful beats and expressive performances, is a key part of Maharashtra’s cultural narrative. Once considered taboo for its boldness, Lavani is now being reimagined with respect and pride.
Sandhya Mane, a Lavani performer from Kolhapur, has spent over two decades reviving and teaching the art in schools and women’s collectives. In a 2022 feature by The Hindu, Mane shared, “We are breaking the notion that Lavani is vulgar. It’s an art of strength, grace, and poetic depth.”
Her troupe, which includes housewives and college students, recently performed at the Pune International Folk Festival, drawing applause and changing perceptions.
Revival Through Collaboration and Technology
A major driver of the folk music revival is collaboration. Platforms like Coke Studio India, Gaana Originals, and Spotify Desi have given folk artists a new audience. Musicians like Amit Trivedi, Rahul Sharma, and Ankur Tewari are increasingly blending folk with indie and electronic sounds, creating a crossover appeal.
In 2021, The Rajasthan Roots band performed alongside international electronic artist DubFX at a music festival in Berlin, a blend that garnered attention from Rolling Stone India. Similarly, the Barmer Boys, another Manganiyar group, have toured over 20 countries with their electrifying performances and were featured in The New York Times for their cultural impact.
Awards and Recognitions: Honoring the Keepers of Culture
Several folk musicians have received national honors:
- Mame Khan – Padma Shri (2024)
- Purna Das Baul – Banga Bibhushan (2011), India’s second-highest civilian award in West Bengal
- Zubeen Garg – Multiple state-level awards and recognized for cultural diplomacy by the Government of Assam
- Teejan Bai (Pandavani folk tradition) – Padma Vibhushan (2019), showing the government’s increasing support for traditional music forms
Challenges Remain
Despite the growing appreciation, folk musicians still struggle with limited financial support and fading oral traditions. Many younger generations migrate to cities, leaving behind their musical roots. But thanks to government initiatives, NGOs, and digital platforms, efforts are underway to archive and teach these traditions systematically.
Organizations like the India Foundation for the Arts (IFA) and SPIC MACAY have launched outreach programs and school workshops to ensure these art forms are passed on to future generations.
Final Notes: The Way Forward
India’s folk music revival isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a reclamation of cultural identity in a globalized world. By fusing old traditions with new-age sensibilities, artists are proving that folk music has both heart and market value. As platforms, producers, and policymakers come together, the next chapter for India’s folk traditions promises to be louder, prouder, and truly borderless.
In the words of late Bhupen Hazarika, a legend of Indian folk: “My songs echo the people’s voice; they will live as long as the people do.”
