The dance went on: Adivasi self-assertion and networking during tribal cultural festival in Ranchi – Jharkhand

Watching tribal dancing live and up close is a hugely different experience from watching it on telly. For the 40-strong Gudalur adivasi group, recently invited by the Central University of Jharkhand to the Tribal Cultural Festival in Ranchi, the face-to-face with similar groups from all over India was mind boggling. For over 25 years, Stan … Read more

Participation of tribal children in music CD production and dance programme: Aseema Trust and Vidya Vanam School at Anaikkati – Tamil Nadu

Enjoyable listening and a special gift for lovers of Indian music: CD “Kelir Kelir” produced by Aseema Trust and Rukminidevi Natyakshetra Tastefully arranged, this professionally produced CD is intended for educational use in Tamil Nadu’s schools. The songs and dance cover a wide range of traditional and modern styles. The price of Rs. 250 per copy contributes to the … Read more

Vayali’s earth songs & digital community archive at the 4th International FOSS Conference – Kerala

What is that brings a music band advocating folk music to a seminar on open software? Vayali Folklore Group, the music band, comes into the picture as Vinod Nambiar, its executive director, is leading a session on ‘Documenting culture on FOSS’ at the ongoing 4th International FOSS Conference, Kerala, on December 29. “We are documenting … Read more

Traditional music instruments of the Santals at the Museum of Santal Culture – West Bengal

Tirio bamboo flute * Dhodro banam bowed instrument * Madol or tumdak double-sided barrel drum * Photos: Boro Baski, Museum of Santal Culture; photo credit: Ludwig Pesch © 2012 Information on these and other music instruments provided by the Wesanthals E-Group * Tirio: The instrument most favoured by Santals, is bamboo flute with seven holes. It is … Read more

Video | “Rasi Nato” (Big Village): Song 5 from Santali video album “Ale Ato” (Our Village) – West Bengal

5 Rasi Nato (Big Village) [Starting from 16:25, continues/ends in Part 2] ThemeA group of women recall their bygone days:In our big village we girls and boys were together in pairs. But the pairs of our friendships are no more. Some of us have shut ourselves up indoors. Some of us have chained ourselves and … Read more