Kashmiri Folk Music – Free Download

Kashmiri folk music is a genre of music that is native to the Kashmir Valley. The music is typically characterized by its use of the rubab, a plucked string instrument, as well as the use of the tabla and the sitar.

Introduction

Kashmiri folk music is a rich and living tradition, steeped in history and full of beautiful melodies. It is an integral part of the culture of Kashmir, and has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries.

The music is usually passed down through the oral tradition, from one musician to another, and often improvised upon as it is passed on. This gives Kashmiri folk music a very organic and ever-changing quality.

There are many different styles of Kashmiri folk music, each with its own distinctive sound and feel. The most common form is the sufiana kalam, which is often based on Sufi poetry. Other popular styles include the thumri, qawwali, and ghazal.

Kashmiri folk music is usually performed on traditional instruments such as the rabab (a stringed instrument), the sarangi (a bowed string instrument), and the harmonium (a hand-pumped keyboard instrument). However, in recent years, many musicians have begun to experiment with other instruments such as the guitar, tabla, sitar, and even electronic instruments.

One of the most distinctive features of Kashmiri folk music is its use of microtones – notes that are played between the notes of the standard Western chromatic scale. This gives Kashmiri music a very unique sound that is unlike anything else you will hear anywhere in the world.

If you are interested in learning more about Kashmiri folk music, or if you would like to download some free Kashmiri folk music downloads, there are many websites that offer free downloads of this type of music.

What is Kashmiri Folk Music?

Kashmiri Folk Music is the traditional music of the Kashmir region of India. It is a mixture of classical, Sufi and folk music, and has a unique blend of instrumentation and vocals. The music is often based on the folklore of the Kashmiri people, and is often used for weddings and other celebrations.

The History of Kashmiri Folk Music

Kashmiri folk music has a long and rich history. The music of Kashmir is unique and has been influenced by the many cultures that have inhabited the region. Kashmiri folk music is characterized by its use of the sarangi, a bowed string instrument, and the harmonium, a type of pump organ. The music of Kashmir is often based on Sufi poetry and is used in religious ceremonies.

Kashmiri folk music has been influenced by the music of Central Asia, Persia, and North India. The most popular form of Kashmiri folk music is the Sufi devotional music known as Qawwali. Qawwali is often performed at Sufi shrines and is based on the poems of Sufi saints. Another popular form of Kashmiri folk music is the wedding song known as the Bara Natiya. The Bara Natiya is sung at weddings and other special occasions.

Kashmiri folk music has been declining in popularity in recent years due to religious conflict in the region. However, there are still many people who appreciate and enjoy this type of music.

The Instruments Used in Kashmiri Folk Music

Kashmir is a land rich in culture and tradition, and its music is an important part of this heritage. The music of Kashmir is unique, and the instruments used in Kashmiri folk music play a big role in creating this distinctive sound.

The most common instrument used in Kashmiri folk music is the sitar. The sitar is a stringed instrument that has a long neck and a large, rounded body. It is usually made of teak or walnut wood, and the strings are made of metal. The sitar is played with a plectrum, or pick, and has a range of about two octaves.

The second most common instrument used in Kashmiri folk music is the sarangi. The sarangi is a kind of fiddle, and like the sitar, it has a long neck and a large body. It is usually made of walnut or mahogany wood, and the strings are made of gut or metal. The sarangi is played with a bow, and it has a range of about two octaves.

The third most common instrument used in Kashmiri folk music is the tabla. The tabla is a pair of small drums that are played with the hands. The tablas are usually made of wood or clay, and they have metal jingles called nagadas attached to them. The tablas are tuned to different pitches, and they have a range of about two octaves.

These are just some of the instruments used in Kashmiri folk music. Other instruments include the harmonium, which is similar to an organ; the dilruba, which is like a smaller version of the sitar; and the dholak, which is a type of drum.

The Different Styles of Kashmiri Folk Music

Kashmiri folk music is classified into two broad categories – the music of the villages and the music of the cities. The village music is marked by a simple, rustic style and is mostly sung by men. The city music, on the other hand, is more refined and is mostly sung by women.

There are four main styles of Kashmiri folk music – the wanwun, the chakri, the manzira and the sufi. The wanwun is a slow, lyrical style of singing that is often used to tell stories. The chakri is a fast-paced, rhythmic style of singing that is used for dance tunes. The manzira is a medium-paced style of singing that is often used for love songs. The sufi style of singing is used for religious songs.

Where to Find Kashmiri Folk Music

If you want to experience the traditional sounds of Kashmiri music, there are a few ways to go about it. One option is to find a local musician or band that specializes in this genre. alternatively, you can look for audio recordings of Kashmiri folk music online.

Another great way to enjoy Kashmiri music is by attending a live performance. These often take place at cultural festivals or other special events. If you have the opportunity to see a live show, make sure to take advantage of it!

How to Download Kashmiri Folk Music

To download Kashmiri folk music, you can either purchase a CD or DVD of the music, or download it from a reputable website. When downloading music from the internet, always make sure that you are downloading from a reputable source, as there are many sites that offer fake or infected files.

Conclusion

After listening to the wide variety of Kashmiri folk music available for free online, it’s easy to see why this genre is so popular. The traditional instrumentation and upbeat melodies are perfect for dancing, and the lyrics often tell stories that are both moving and funny. Whether you’re looking for something to help you relax or get up and move, Kashmiri folk music is definitely worth a listen.