A teacher shapes the future of many students and significantly contributes to society. When a teacher is connected to folk art, they can impart the importance of these arts to their students alongside regular studies. Such a combination was found in our next artist, Narayan Singh Thapa. Naveen Bisht, who considers Narayan his elder brother, introduced us to him. Naveen shared how, during his childhood, elders in the village would gather to sing folk songs during festivals like Holi. Inspired by these gatherings, Naveen developed a love for music. As a child, he would accompany traditional artists to sing Jagars, playing the thali and joining in the melodies. Listening to these talented artists, Naveen found joy in singing and playing folk music. However, due to limited support from his family, he focused more on academics.
Narayan Thapa’s voice carries the strength of a teacher, but his words exude gentleness and respect. Despite being much older than us, he addresses us as ‘Sir.’ Narayan has a keen interest in singing Pahadi Jhoda songs and playing the Hudka. We learned that today’s recording would feature Narayan playing the Hudka and singing different types of Jhoda. This group’s support is invaluable, especially since most members are between 50 and 60 years old, showing their dedication to preserving traditional music.
Unfortunately, some of Narayan’s group members could not make it to the recording, which made him a bit sad. However, he assured us that with the help of Naveen’s group members, who he is familiar with and often performs alongside, he could proceed with the recording. We gave him some time to practice while we set up our equipment. As we listened to their discussions, it became clear that these artists were not only co-artists but also close friends, treating each other with great respect.
After a while, Narayan said, “Chaliye Sir, hum tayyar hain” (Let’s go, Sir, we are ready).In the past, folk music in villages was primarily accompanied by the Hudka, without many other instruments. Over time, harmoniums and flutes have been added, but some artists like Narayan and his colleagues prefer to keep the music traditional and avoid modern influences like DJs or Western tunes. Today, Narayan would sing Jhoda songs accompanied by the harmonium, flute, and Hudka.
The recording began with the first Jhoda song, “Anjana Chowki Saino Pani.” This song is a soulful ode to the serene Anjana Chowki, where the cool water and natural elements paint a picturesque scene of tranquility and nostalgia. The song beautifully captures the essence of nature and the simple pleasures of life. As the song ended, we were eager to applaud, and as soon as we called ‘cut,’ everyone clapped, appreciating Narayan’s performance.
The next Jhoda song was about the Somnath fair, titled “Bali ho Somnath.” This song vividly depicted the Somnath fair, highlighting the preparation, community spirit, and celebration. The lyrics painted a detailed picture of traditional activities and the anticipation surrounding the fair. It emphasized the importance of local ingredients and dishes, the collective effort in preparation, and the cultural significance of such gatherings.
As our recording concluded, we thanked Naveen Bisht for introducing us to Narayan Thapa and giving us the privilege of listening to such beautiful Jhoda songs. We were excited to share these songs with you.
