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DEEPAK SINGH AND GROUP

Uttar Pradesh has a very rich and vibrant folk culture. The repository of folk music is so vast and varied that they have a song for each and every occasion – be it the birth of a child, the first head shave, the thread ceremony, wedding, bidaai, baby shower and even death. Mirasens were a community of women who would sing such songs and give their blessings and congratulations at the gatherings and Raj Durbars. Their songs are very melodious, and their performances and blessings were considered very auspicious. The Mirsaen women were highly respected, and they were specially invited to these occasions, known as manglik avsar.

With rapid urbanisation and our move towards a nuclear family structure, the custom of inviting Mirasens is now a thing of the past. Most people in Uttar Pradesh are not even aware of them, and it is unknown if any Mirasens are left presently. Their folk songs remain a rare glimpse into the bygone customs and traditions of the Awadh region. They are also a testament to how important family events were in India. 22-year-old Deepak Singh is one of the few people in Lucknow today who can sing the songs of the Mirasens.

He and his group, consisting of a Harmonium and Dholak player, are all trained in classical music and are the budding next generation of Lucknow’s rich classical music scene. Despite those bright prospects, they have chosen to make folk music their primary field of expertise. They are especially keen on continuing those almost extinct traditions today, like those of the Mirasens. Deepak Singh strongly believes in preserving our culture against extreme Westernization, as our history is upon which our present is built. It is crucial to strengthen the roots of our culture so we may progress more holistically.

MUSICIANS

Ambuj Gupta

Vijay Kumar

Deepak Singh

VIDEOS

Contact DEEPAK SINGH at +91 9792987766