DJ Music pushing traditional Holi songs into obscurity

Ranchi: Chaita geet and Phag geet, traditional songs which were integral to Holi celebrations (locally known as Phaguwa) in Jharkhand, have fallen into obscurity as modern DJ music and Bollywood songs have taken the centrestage during the festival of colors.

These traditional compositions, which praise Lord Vishnu and the nature in local dialects and draw from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, once resonated throughout neighbourhoods. Now, they are largely confined to rural areas. Cultural experts and academicians are raising concerns about preserving this heritage, emphasizing that maintaining these traditional songs is crucial to keeping Holi's true essence alive.

Padmashree recipient Mahavir Nayak, a Nagpuri folk music expert, told TOI that young artists are showing little interest in performing these traditional songs. With only a few remaining Phaguwa artists practicing this art form, its survival faces significant challenges.

"The younger generation must step forward to learn this age-old cultural heritage for its survival. Otherwise, DJ music and Bollywood songs will completely overshadow these invaluable traditions," Nayak said. He noted that Holi celebrations have undergone dramatic changes in the past two to three decades, altering their original essence.

Sujeet Kumar Sharma, assistant professor in Ranchi University's performing and fine arts department, said that while urban areas increasingly favour organized events, rural communities still maintain the authentic Phaguwa traditions. "Rural residents continue to gather and perform Holi geet during celebrations, helping preserve these traditional songs. However, elders must take the initiative to pass this art form to the next generation," Sharma explained.

He emphasized the need for government intervention to support folk artists' livelihoods, enabling them to continue their artistic practices without financial concerns.