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Jhanjhotis
The Jhanjhotis are based on Ragas like Bindrabani Sarang, Durga, Tilang
and Des. The martial songs have combined traces of Asa and Durga. The
Gidda songs are in Raga Durga. The songs sung by professional singers
have very attractive classical overtones.
The famous love-lyrics in Himachal areas are Phulmu-Ranjhu,
Kunju-Chanchalo and Raja-Gaddan. the Phulmu-Ranjhu lyric tells of a tragic
episode. In Kunju-Chanchalo the song takes the form of a conversation
between the lover and his sweetheart. The Raja-Gadden song records the
wooing of gaddan Nokhu by Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra.
There are also songs which recall some important historical
events like the sacrifice of Rani Suhi for a public cause, like bringing
drinking water to Chamba town. The song called Sukrat is soulfully rendered
and depicts the great story of the sacrifice of the Rani, famous for her
feeling of love for the people and her deep human sympathy for them. Another
tragic story telling the love of a brother who takes upon himself the
blame for the murder his brother committed and thereby goes to the gallows
in Bilaspur is depicted in one of the saddest song called Mohana.
Ceremonial lyrics such as Bhayi, Suhag, Suhagare
and Vidayi are sung on special occasions like birth, betrothal and marriage.
Seasonal song like Chhinj are sung only in Chaitra (March).
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