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MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
GHAROTU Popular in the Nirmand area it is played with a bow made
from hair of the horsetail. It resembles the Sarangi, but does not have
different keys. Its four strings are tuned according to local needs.
SARANGI
This many stringed instrument produces a sound close to the human voice.
Played with a bow it can create any tune and is used in folk as well as
classical music.
EKTARA
This single string instrument has a hollow body covered with goatskin.
The string can be tightened by a peg fixed at the end of the long stick
running through the body of the Ektara. It is played while singing
religious songs.
GOVA
Gova is a string instrument of Lahaul-Spiti and some parts of
Kinnaur. It is also played by plucking at the
strings.
JHANJ
It has two big cymbals made of brass and is played in all the regions of
Himachal. Both the cymbals are held by the string that passes through
their center and played by striking them with each other.
RUBANA
Rubana is a guitar like instrument played by plucking strings with one
hand while the performer plays a Khanjari, which is a small one-sided
drum, with the other hand. Rubana is played in the Bharmaur area, to sing
Musadhas-folk rendering of religious songs usually praising lord Shiva.
KHANJARI
Khanjari has a small round body made of wood and is covered with goatskin
on one side only. It is played with a single hand and is used in singing
folk songs. 'Dadra' and 'Kharwa' beats are played beautifully on it.
HUDHAK Like a big Damroo in shape, Hudhak is an ancient
instrument. Its middle part is slim and both the open sides are covered
with goatskin.
NAGARA
Nagar has two kettledrums of different sizes. The bigger one is made of
copper and is covered with buffalo skin to produce a heavy and deep sound.
The smaller one is made of steel and is covered with camel skin, thus
producing a light sound. The Nagara is played with two sticks by a player
and is used on festive occasions.
BANSURI
It is the most popular wind instrument of Himachal and is made of wood,
steel, copper, brass, silver and even gold. It has seven or eight holes to
produce different musical notes and is considered an instrument of the
shepherds.
SHEHNAI
Literally Shehnai means 'the Emperor of the wind instruments' and it is
really the perfect musical instrument, capable of producing the subtlest
notes. Made of wood or metal it is quite popular throughout the state of
Himachal.
KARNAL
Karnal is also a very ancient instrument and is used like the Ransingha.
It has a straight body made of brass, copper or silver. Only two or three
high notes can be played on it
RANSINGHA
Ransingha is played in the high mountain areas of Himachal. Made of
metals like brass or silver, it has either a long straight body or usually
has the shape of the English letter 'S'.
DHOL
Dhol is a very popular instrument played in festivals, fairs, folk dances
and wrestling bouts. Its big round hollow body is made either of wood or
some metal. Both the open ends are covered with goatskin that is tightened
with the strings running across the body of the Dhol. It is played with
hands and sticks.