Pahari Folk Music and Lohri Tradition Bilaspur

Bilaspur district's folk music tradition reflects its position at the meeting point of Punjabi and Pahadi musical cultures. The Pahari musical style uses distinct ragas and melodic frameworks different from plains classical music with nasal ornamentation and pentatonic scales. Traditional instruments include Dhol, Shehnai, Narsinga (long curved brass horn), and Chimta (tong instrument) played at festivals and weddings. Lohri celebrations in January with bonfires, folk singing, and community gathering mark the end of winter. Traditional wedding songs (Suhag) sung by women through the night before the ceremony carry oral literature encoding social wisdom, blessing, and emotional support for the bride. Professional musician communities (Mirasis) maintain repertoire of historical songs documenting genealogies, battles, and religious events of the Kahlur kingdom.