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Music of Kumaon has a unique flavour of it own.
Here are some of the common types of singing forms in
Kumaon.
• Ramaul: This form of singing gets its names from
the Ramaul dynasty of Kumaon. The Kings of Ramaul
dynasty were considered to be the incarnations of God.
The legends of bravery of these kings form the central
theme of the Ramaul songs. The main instruments used
are Kumaoni drum “hudka” and “Kaans” thali. Famous
Ramaul singers: Harda Surdas
• Jagar: either involves invoking spirit of a dead person or the spirit of a God or Goddess. The main
singer is called the 'Jagariya' and the person in whose body the spirit is invoked- the 'Dangariya'. The
songs ultimately reach a very high temp where the Dangariya dances in very rapid movements.
Famous singer: Harda Surdas
• Jhoora: a prominent singing and dancing form in Almora, Someswar and Dwarahat regions. Jhoora is
community form dancing and singing. The dancers join hands to form a circle and keep moving round
and round while singing.
• Chanchri a prominent singing and dancing form in Danpur, Nakuri, Gurail regions. Chanchri is also a
community form of dancing and singing.
• Chapeli is very commonly seen during weddings, fairs and festivals. The central theme of Chapeli is
love and is in form of questions and answers. Famous chapeli singers: Anandi Devi and Sant Ram
• Hudkiabaul: as the name suggests these are the songs sung by worker in fields on beat of a
Kumaoni percussion instrument called Hudka. Hudkaibaul Famous Singers: Harda Surdas
• Bair: a big source if entertainment during festivals and melas this form of singing is based on a
debate format. The singers’ debate on a topic in form of a till one of them gives up. Famous bair
singer: Jhusia Damai
• Shakunakhar: as the name suggests these are songs for auspicious occasions like birth and
weddings. These song have some influence of Awadhi and Braj language in them. Famous
shakunakhar singer: Ram Chandra Bhatt
• Malushahi: these are based on love story of Malushah and Rajuli. Malushah was one of the kings of
Kumaon.
• Nyoli: this gets is name from Hill Nightingale, who is said to fly from forest, to forest singing to
search for her separated lover. Thus the theme of these songs is love and separation. Famous nyoli
singer: Harda surdas
