Rural folk Songs in Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh music plays a key role in the life of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. In Arunachal Pradesh, music forms an integral part of the festivities in the territory of Arunachal Pradesh.

The music in Arunachal Pradesh lies at the root of the socio-cultural life of the land. In fact, music pervades all the aspect of the society in Arunachal Pradesh. Music sans the cultural life of Arunachal Pradesh is unimaginable: it seems to be omnipresent in the socio-cultural life of Arunachal Pradesh.

Moreover, the music at Arunachal Pradesh is marked by a distinct flavor. The music of Arunachal Pradesh includes songs that are sung like fables. The theme of these songs are mostly animals or creatures, which emphasizes on moral deduction.

Talking about music at Arunachal Pradesh, it can be said that it is characterized by some folk songs. Among the chief songs that comprise music of Arunachal Pradesh are:

Baryi- Baryi is a narrative that sings the praise of past history of Arunachal Pradesh. It also includes mythology and religious lore. Baryi is sung on special occasions like social gathering, religious ceremonies and festivals. It is noteworthy that Baryi is sung in sessions as it takes hours to complete the song.

Ja-Jin-Ja- Ja-Jin-Ja forms an important part of music in Arunachal Pradesh. In Arunachal Pradesh, Ja-Jin-Ja is sung during feasts and marriages to commemorate the festivities of the occasion. The song is sung both by men and women in chorus or individually. A typical feature of the song is that a single person initiates the song; but, as the song progresses everyone present in the occasion join the singers and sing the song.

Another characteristic feature of Ja-Jin-Ja, as well as Baryi, is that the song is tinged with a nostalgic feeling. Both the songs celebrates the past history and ancestors of Arunachal Pradesh.

Nyioga- Nyioga marks the festivities during the marriage ceremonies in Arunachal Pradesh. The song, another major folk song that constitute the music of Arunachal Pradesh, is sung at the end of the marriage ceremony, when the bridal party returns back. Nyioga is a song that marks revelry and merriment, In fact, the song is meant to advice the bride for her future, so that her life is marked with happiness and prosperity.

Thus, as it is evident, music permeates at all the levels of the society in Arunachal Pradesh. It would not be incorrect if one says that music of Arunachal Pradesh is synonymous with the socio-cultural being of the people of Arunachal Pradesh.