Folk Songs of Himanchal Pradesh, Folk songs are the heart and soul of a region. They usually are sung by locals, after a hard day’s work in the fields, on the river banks or on festivals, celebrations and such occasions.
Himachal Pradesh is no exception.
It has a wonderful and rich heritage of folk songs.
These songs come from the valleys, mountaintops, temples, local gods and local festivals.
There are many types of Himachali Folk Songs.

Panj Patra (पंज पत्रा) and Devku (देवकु) are the important examples of Chhinj songs of Mandi. Folk songs of Bilaspur: Mohna (मोहणा), Gangi (गंगी), Gambhari (गंभरी), Baalo (बालो), Jhanjyuti (झंज्युटी). Folk songs of Kullu, Shimla and Sirmaur: Laman (लाह्मण या लमण), Jhuri (झूरी), Naati (नाटी), Haar (हार).

Himachal Pradesh has Avery rich cultural heritage and diversity in music, folk songs and musical instruments. It’s as old as the hills and mountains.

1. Jhoori Song:

Jhoori means lover, this type of folk song is based usually upon a fun filled affair, could also be extra marital or otherwise. These are performed in open spaces. With large gatherings watching, participating and joining in with great gusto.

2. Jhinjhoti Songs:

These are classical based songs. Many Bollywood songs are based on Raag Jhinjhoti.
The most famous love-songs in Himachal areas are Phulmu-Ranjhu, Kunju-Chanchalo and Raja-Gaddan.

The Phulmu-Ranjhu lyrics tell of a tragic episode.
In Kunju-Chanchalo the song takes the form of a conversation between the lover and his sweetheart. The Raja-Gaddan song records the wooing of gaddan Nokhu by Raja Sansar Chand of Kangra.

3. Laman or Lahman Songs:

These are popular in the Kullu valley.
Romance between men and women are depicted through these songs.

4. Sanskara Songs:

These are sung at specifications occasions.
Family gatherings, these are usually sung by expert singers as they are based on specific ragas.

5. Ainchaliyan:

These are very popular in the valleys and are sung with gusto.
They are similar to ballads.
These are mostly sung at the homes where assessing has taken place.

Musical instruments:Folk Songs of Himanchal Pradesh

Himachal Pradesh folk music features a wide variety of drums, including dammama, damanght, gajju, doru, dhaunsa, nagara, dholku, nagarth, tamaka, dafale, dhol, dolki and hudak. Non-drum percussion instruments include the ghanta and ghariyal (gongs), chimta (tongs), manjira and jhanjh (cymbals), ghungru (bells), thali (platter) and kokatha murchang,
Ranasinga, turahi, chimta, drums,jhanjh, manjira, dholak, nagara, cymbals etc.