NualaGaddi (Bharmauri)
The full Shiva narrative — his marriage, his wanderings and his acceptance of the household's offering — sung by a hereditary Chelu from dusk until the village is fed at dawn.
Sung at: A household's all-night vow to Shiva.
Chenab Valley & Chamba · Western Himalaya & Trans-Himalaya
Folk songs
GhureiGaddi (Bharmauri)
Courtship, the flock, and the seasons of the migration, sung by women in a slow circle.
Sung at: Fairs and weddings.
DangiChambeali
A narrative of Gaddi lovers, carried entirely by the sung text while the dance keeps time.
Sung at: Gatherings and fairs.
Minjar songsChambeali
The fair itself, the Ravi, and the offering of the minjar tassel to the river — a repertoire performed during one week of the year and almost never outside it.
Sung at: The week of the Minjar fair.
Suhi Mata songsChambeali
The queen who is said to have given her life so that a water channel would reach the town. The songs are sung by women and children, who are also the only participants in the procession.
Sung at: The Suhi Mata Mela in March or April.
Gaddi jot songsGaddi (Bharmauri)
Named passes, named pastures, weather and animals lost on the crossing. The songs function partly as a route description.
Sung at: On the migration, at the passes.
Bhaderwahi wedding songsBhaderwahi
Blessing, teasing and the bride's departure, sung by the women of both households in alternation.
Sung at: Weddings.
Pangwali seasonal songsPangwali
The closed months, the first crossing of the year and the return of traders — a repertoire built around isolation and its ending.
Sung at: Sowing, harvest and the reopening of the passes.
The folk songs of Chenab Valley & Chamba — what they are about, who sings them and when. (8)