The Best Indian Folk Music to Add to Your Playlist

Looking for some new music to add to your playlist? Check out our picks for the best Indian folk music. From upbeat bhangra to soulful Sufi tunes, there’s something for everyone.

Introduction to Indian Folk Music

India is a land of diversity, not just in culture but music too. Indian Folk music is reflective of the various cultures within the country. From the upbeat and fast-paced Bihu music of Assam to the soulful and melodious Sufi music of Kashmir, there is a type of folk music for everyone.

What is Indian Folk Music?

Indian folk music is a wide umbrella under which a number of different music styles fall. It encompasses music from all over the Indian subcontinent, including countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The term ‘folk music’ can be a bit misleading, as it is often associated with rustic, simple tunes that are passed down through the generations orally. However, this is not always the case. Many folk songs in India are actually quite complex, with intricate lyrics and melodies.

Folk music in India varies greatly depending on the region it comes from. Each state has its own unique style of music, influenced by the locals’ religion, language, and culture. This makes for a diverse and interesting array of sounds to explore.

If you’re looking to add some Indian folk music to your playlist, here are some of the best styles to check out:

-Baithaki Geet: Originating from Uttar Pradesh, Baithaki Geet are soothing tunes that are typically sung at social gatherings. The lyrics often deal with themes of love and separation.
-Bhandari Geet: Hailing from Rajasthan, Bhandari Geet are spirited songs that are sung by the Bhandari community during religious festivals and ceremonies. The lyrics usually praise local deities or tell stories about heroic figures from Rajasthani folklore.
-Dandiya Raas: A popular Gujarati dance form, Dandiya Raas is traditionally performed during Navratri (a nine-night Hindu festival). The accompanying music is fast-paced and laced with heavy beats, making it perfect for an energetic dance session.
-Ghazals: Ghazals are Hindi poetry set to music, and they originate from North India. The verses often deal with romantic love or spiritual devotion, making them ideal for slow, reflective listens.
-Jagannath Swai tunes: Bengali folk songs that praise Lord Jagannath – an avatar of Lord Vishnu who is worshipped in the state of Odisha. These tunes are often upbeat and lively, making them perfect for dancing or singing along to.

The Various Types of Indian Folk Music

Folk music is the traditional and original music of a people or country. It is passed down orally from generation to generation. Folk music is usually played on acoustic instruments such as guitars, banjos, harmonicas, and fiddles.

There are many different types of folk music from all over the world. India is a country with a rich musical heritage. There are many different types of folk music in India, each with its own unique history and sound.

Some of the most popular types of Indian folk music include:

Bhangra: Bhangra is a type of Punjabi folk music that originated in the Punjab region of India. The music is often fast-paced and accompanied by dance. Bhangra is now popular all over the world, not just among Punjabi communities.

Ghazals: Ghazals are a type of Urdu poetry that originated in Persia. They are traditionally sung by men, although women have begun singing them more in recent years. Ghazals often deal with themes of love and loss.

Qawwali: Qawwali is a type of Sufi devotional music that originated in South Asia. It is typically performed by a group of musicians called a qawwali party, which includes one or more vocalists and instrumentalists. Qawwali often has a call-and-response structure, with the vocalist singing a line followed by the chorus repeating it back.

The Best Indian Folk Songs to Add to Your Playlist

India is home to a rich and varied musical tradition, with folk music playing an important role. Folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, and can be a great way to connect with your heritage. If you’re looking for some great Indian folk songs to add to your playlist, look no further! Here are 10 of the best.

“Bol Na Halke Halke” by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan

This qawwali-style folk song comes from the 2010 Bollywood film, “Jhoom Barabar Jhoom.” The song features Rahat Fateh Ali Khan on vocals, with music by Pritam and lyrics by Amitabh Bhattacharya. The track is a playful ode to young love, with Khan’s rich vocals backed by traditional instrumentation and a catchy beat.

“Dum Maro Dum” by Asha Bhosle

“Dum Maro Dum” is a 1971 Hindi song sung by Asha Bhosle for the movie Hare Rama Hare Krishna. The music was composed by R. D. Burman and the lyrics were written by Anand Bakshi. The song became extremely popular, both in India and abroad, and is often considered one of the best Indian folk songs of all time.

The song is based on the traditional Bengali folk song “Bhora Borem Ason Koro”, which was popularized by Rabindranath Tagore. “Dum Maro Dum” has been covered by many artists, including Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, Mohammed Rafi, and Amitabh Bachchan.

“Koi Jaane Koi Na Jaane” by Kishore Kumar

Koi Jaane Koi Na Jaane is a classic folk song by Kishore Kumar that is perfect for adding to your playlist. The song is about a man who is pining for his lost love and is trying to find her. The song has a very catchy hook and is sure to get stuck in your head.

“Mere Desh Ki Dharti” by Lata Mangeshkar

Lata Mangeshkar’s voice has been called the “voice of the nation” and is one of the most iconic Indian singers of all time. “Mere Desh Ki Dharti” is one of her most famous patriotic songs, which celebrates the natural beauty of India. The song was written by Gulzar and composed by Ravi Shankar.

“Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera” by A.R. Rahman

“‘Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera’ is a song sung by A.R. Rahman for the film Swades. The song portrays the feeling of homesickness; it talks about how no matter where one goes in the world, they will always miss the place they call home. The lyrics are very simple, and the music is soothing and peaceful. This song is sure to give you goosebumps and make you homesick, no matter where you are in the world.”

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best Indian folk music to add to your playlist. Whether you’re looking for traditional folk songs or something with a modern twist, there’s something for everyone on this list.

If you’re interested in learning more about Indian music, check out our other guides:

The Best Bollywood Songs of All Time
The Best ghazals of All Time
The Best qawwalis of All Time