After listening to the Kumaoni folk songs during the day, in the evening, we set out to visit the homes of the artists to interview them. This provided us with a chance to roam the streets of Almora, observing the local atmosphere. The previous recordings had been going very well, and we were thoroughly enjoying ourselves, losing track of time. However, today was going to be particularly special because the groups coming for the recording were led by women, who were also the primary faces and leaders of their respective groups.
Radha Tewari is a seasoned senior female artist who has been presenting traditional folk arts like Nyoli, Chapeli, and Jhoda at various places for many years. After a brief recce of the shoot location, we decided to conduct today’s recordings amidst the breathtaking scenery of a mountain. We were waiting for Radha Tewari and her group. Although we hadn’t met Radha Tewari in person before, our phone conversations had made us understand her deep love for music. Despite facing many challenges, she was eager for today’s recording. Soon, a car arrived, and a middle-aged woman stepped out and greeted us with a “Namaste.” All the artists had already arrived, dressed in traditional attire, ready for the shoot. Radha was adorned in the attire typical of Kumaon, wearing a ghagra, choli, and Pichora, looking resplendent, almost like a bride, with a nathuni in her nose. We complimented her, to which she responded with a smile full of happiness.
After welcoming her, we prepared for our recording, and Radha started practicing songs with her group at the designated spot. Today, along with Radha, Kalyan Bora was present as a co-artist on the harmonium. Kalyan is a highly skilled artist proficient in playing several instruments and deeply passionate about singing. Dayanand Kathet joined on the hudka, a senior artist who has been serving in the field of folk music for many years and has presented his performances in every state. Pankaj was on the dholak, a talented young artist.
We set up our equipment in about half an hour, and signaled to Radha that we were ready for the recording. Radha seemed a little worried. Upon inquiry, we learned that she had forgotten her necklace at home and that her husband could bring it to her anytime. She requested us to wait for a while. Normally, when something auspicious happens or there is a function at home, women wear such clothes and jewelry. After a while, Radha’s husband arrived and handed her a unique-looking necklace, which she put on with great joy. After wearing it, Radha signaled to us that she was now ready.
We took our positions and started the recording. Radha’s voice and her singing style exuded a completely traditional and raw sound, which you would realize upon listening to her songs. The first song Radha Tewari sang was “Suva re Suva,” a captivating depiction of a parrot inviting women from different cities to a celebration. The way Radha and her group presented this song was praiseworthy.
The next song with the lyrics “Dide meri chhunkyaali daatuli” expressed longing and made requests through repetitive verses. The lyrics conveyed a deep sense of yearning and connection with nature, where the singer seeks reassurance and reminisces with the forest guard. Listening to these traditional songs, you feel how accurate and deeply rooted they are in depicting real events and thoughts from ancient times. Some songs serve as examples for understanding, while others sing for their own nature. Our series of recording these songs is preserving and delivering to you the hidden and disappearing treasures, and doing the work of delivering these artists and their songs to you
