Tunes celebrating life from the lanes of villages in Karnataka are being brought to Bengaluru by an all-women folk band called 'Ghal-jhal'.
Formed in January by singer Naagachandrika Bhat, the band brings the Janapada hadu (folk song) in its pure form, without tweaking it to please the public.
"Most people these days know folk songs only through films which often distort them. I want people to know what real folk music is," Bhat said.
She does extensive research on the songs, consulting folk singers and the folk museum Janapada Loka in Ramanagar. Besides Kannada, they also perform in other languages such as Tulu, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Punjabi and Rajasthani. "My friends from other states help me get new songs and learn their lyrics," she said.
The band does not have permanent members and is open to anyone with interest and experience. The name of the band is reflected in its name.
" 'Ghal' is the sound bangles make and 'Jhal' is the sound of anklets. Both are at the core of folk music," Bhat explained. The band usually performs accompanied by a harmonium, tabla and rhythm pad.
Bhat trains students from her institution, Ganachandrika Cultural Foundation, to perform as well.
Their shows have been well-received and several temples have approached them for performances at their fairs (jatre). "People connect to the songs immediately. They sing and dance along sometimes," Bhat said.
![]( "Members of Ghal-Jhal band in action.")
Tunes celebrating life from the lanes of villages in Karnataka are being brought to Bengaluru by an all-women folk band called 'Ghal-jhal’.
Formed in January by singer Naagachandrika Bhat, the band brings the Janapada hadu (folk song) in its pure form, without tweaking it to please the public.
"Most people these days know folk songs only through films which often distort them. I want people to know what real folk music is,” Bhat said.
She does extensive research on the songs, consulting folk singers and the folk museum Janapada Loka in Ramanagar. Besides Kannada, they also perform in other languages such as Tulu, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Punjabi and Rajasthani. "My friends from other states help me get new songs and learn their lyrics,” she said.
The band does not have permanent members and is open to anyone with interest and experience. The name of the band is reflected in its name.
" 'Ghal’ is the sound bangles make and 'Jhal’ is the sound of anklets. Both are at the core of folk music,” Bhat explained. The band usually performs accompanied by a harmonium, tabla and rhythm pad.
Bhat trains students from her institution, Ganachandrika Cultural Foundation, to perform as well.
Their shows have been well-received and several temples have approached them for performances at their fairs (jatre). "People connect to the songs immediately. They sing and dance along sometimes,” Bhat said.
Formed in January by singer Naagachandrika Bhat, the band brings the Janapada hadu (folk song) in its pure form, without tweaking it to please the public.
"Most people these days know folk songs only through films which often distort them. I want people to know what real folk music is," Bhat said.
She does extensive research on the songs, consulting folk singers and the folk museum Janapada Loka in Ramanagar. Besides Kannada, they also perform in other languages such as Tulu, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Punjabi and Rajasthani. "My friends from other states help me get new songs and learn their lyrics," she said.
The band does not have permanent members and is open to anyone with interest and experience. The name of the band is reflected in its name.
" 'Ghal' is the sound bangles make and 'Jhal' is the sound of anklets. Both are at the core of folk music," Bhat explained. The band usually performs accompanied by a harmonium, tabla and rhythm pad.
Bhat trains students from her institution, Ganachandrika Cultural Foundation, to perform as well.
Their shows have been well-received and several temples have approached them for performances at their fairs (jatre). "People connect to the songs immediately. They sing and dance along sometimes," Bhat said.
Tunes celebrating life from the lanes of villages in Karnataka are being brought to Bengaluru by an all-women folk band called 'Ghal-jhal’. Formed in January by singer Naagachandrika Bhat, the band brings the Janapada hadu (folk song) in its pure form, without tweaking it to please the public.
"Most people these days know folk songs only through films which often distort them. I want people to know what real folk music is,” Bhat said.
She does extensive research on the songs, consulting folk singers and the folk museum Janapada Loka in Ramanagar. Besides Kannada, they also perform in other languages such as Tulu, Gujarati, Bhojpuri, Punjabi and Rajasthani. "My friends from other states help me get new songs and learn their lyrics,” she said.
The band does not have permanent members and is open to anyone with interest and experience. The name of the band is reflected in its name.
" 'Ghal’ is the sound bangles make and 'Jhal’ is the sound of anklets. Both are at the core of folk music,” Bhat explained. The band usually performs accompanied by a harmonium, tabla and rhythm pad.
Bhat trains students from her institution, Ganachandrika Cultural Foundation, to perform as well.
Their shows have been well-received and several temples have approached them for performances at their fairs (jatre). "People connect to the songs immediately. They sing and dance along sometimes,” Bhat said.
