Amidst the rolling hills near the Jatashankar temple in Damoh, we had the opportunity to record with Nisha Yadav and her group. Nisha, known for her warm and approachable nature, led her group with a quiet assurance that reflected her deep connection to her craft. This wasn’t just another recording session; it was a glimpse into the life and traditions of a woman who has dedicated herself to performing a rich cultural heritage.
Unlike many performance groups, Nisha’s ensemble stands out as a collective of individuals, each contributing their unique strengths to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Together, they weave music that feels intimate and alive, deeply rooted in the traditions of Bundelkhand.
The serene location near the temple added its own magic to the session. The natural acoustics of the hills and the faint chime of temple bells created an ambiance that was as authentic as the music itself. The first song they performed, “Parvati Ko Vyahne Aaye Sajke”, was a traditional gaari led by Nisha and her collaborator, Murali Manohar Vishwakarma. This song was about Lord Shiva and Parvati on their wedding day. Gari is sung on various occasions especially on Shivratri and on marriages to express excessive joy and happiness.
During a pause in the session, Nisha spoke about her son Neelesh, who plays the dholak and Nagariya. “I wish he could have joined us today,” she said, her pride evident as she talked about recently buying him a Harmonium and having a Tamura made for him. She hopes that her son will carry forward her legacy. As she puts it, her dreams are simple: to cherish life, preserve Bundeli traditions, and inspire others through her music.
Their second performance, “Kabke Je Mohan Hiraane”, was a spirited Rai piece. Sung from Radha ji’s perspective. She’s taunting Krishna that he has gone and has lost. The lyrics evoke a vivid scene—“Vrindavan se jab rath haanke, sakhiyon ne bandhe the naake”– —where Krishna, eager to leave, is met with resistance from Radha’s friends, who playfully try to block his path. Despite their efforts, he departs, setting the stage for Radha’s affectionate taunts. The composition blended wit, longing, and tradition. The song came alive with rhythmic layers—the beats of the Dholak played by Pravesh Sen, the lively Jhinka by Sultan Singh Lodhi, and the Nagariya played by Govardhan Sen. “Rai music is all about rhythm and movement,” Govardhan shared.
What stood out about Nisha and her group was their collective humility and passion. For them, music is a way to connect with their roots and audience. After the session, Nisha remarked, “If I have made a mistake, do tell me. I won’t feel bad,” reflecting her openness to learning and her genuine dedication to her art.
Nisha is a dedicated performer of traditional Bundeli music, specializing in Bambuliya, Bhajans, and Gaari, adapting her songs to suit different occasions. Despite never attending school, she balanced her passion for music with farming and household duties. Her journey into public performances began when her daughter was eight, encouraged by her supportive husband, who accompanied her to events. Over time, she gained recognition, performing at festivals and cultural gatherings in Jabalpur, Chhindwara, Sagar, and even on Akashvani in Bhopal and Chhatarpur.
Nisha’s group brings together passionate folk artists from Madhya Pradesh, each deeply connected to Bundeli music. Murali Manohar Vishwakarma, a carpenter from Pathloni, has pursued music for the past 4-5 years, accompanying Nisha on Harmonium and vocals, despite facing personal hardships. Govardhan Sen, a skilled player of the Dholak, Nagariya, and Manjira, was trained by his father and has dedicated nearly a decade to the art. Sultan Singh Lodhi from Kevlari Upadhyay village, trained under his uncle and temple bhajan sessions, has collaborated with Nisha Ji for six years, believing music brings “santulan” (balance) to life. Pervesh Sen from Tejgarh, who runs a transportation business, finds solace in music, saying, “Aatma bhi thandi rehti hai.” Passionate about folk traditions since 15, he has performed across various districts in Madhya Pradesh.
Between recordings, the group’s camaraderie shone through. Their laughter, light conversations, and shared moments revealed the strong bond that fuels their music.
As the day came to an end, the setting sun bathed the hills in gold, mirroring the warmth of the experience. Recording with Nisha Yadav and her group was an encounter with tradition and a way of life that remains rooted in simplicity and authenticity. Supporting artists like Nisha means championing the survival of unique musical forms that define our identity.
