Gujarati Sugam Sangeet

Sugam Sangeet can be literally translated as ‘Music that is pleasing to the ears’. Gujarati sugam sangeet incorporates poetry of the highest level in the Gujarati language. The poetry or lyrics could be in the form of a Geet or a Ghazal.
 

Garba

Mainly performed by females in a circular formation, it is in reverences of goddess Ambaji. The basics of the dance are singing and clapping rhythmically while going round the goddess. Today, many modifications are prevalent to the basic pattern and even men are free to join in.
 

Bhangra

Bhangra is a lively folk dance which traces its roots to the region of Punjab. The dance originated as an expression of the celebratory mood of the harvest festival called Baisakhi and later graduated to being performed on almost every Punjabi social occasion, such as a wedding etc. The accompanying songs are small couplets written in the Punjabi language called Bolis. They relate to celebration, love, patriotism, or current social issues.

Urdu Ghazal

A Ghazal can be defined as a “Love Poem”. The love expressed can be for one’s lover, or even God. It is an an Eastern verse form consisting of successive couplets whose lines all end with the same refrain phrase (the qafia), just before which is placed the couplet's rhyming word (radif). The last couplet includes the name of the poet.

Bhajan

A Bhajan is a Hindu devotional song, often but not necessarily of ancient origin. They are simple songs in soulful language expressing the many-splendoured emotions for the love of God, a complete submission or self-surrender to Him through singing.

Lagna Geet

Lagna Geet or wedding songs are sung to bring out the emotions and meaning behind the rituals peformed during a Hindu wedding. They generally incorporate the names of the Bride and Groom, and also their famillies. The songs are melodious and moving, and serve to create and maintain the ‘mood’ behind a wedding.