Dehradun, Well known journalist-author, Dr. Anjali Nauriyal presented a copy of her book ‘Retelling of the Traditional Ballads of Garhwal’ to Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat.
The book published by the Uttarakhand Culture Department, is an effort by the author to pen down the art of story-telling and legendary ballads of Garhwal. Over a hundred pages in English are the result of Anjali’s relentless hard-work to save for posterity local oral narratives, a vanishing art form in the hill-state. “These narratives have been passed down through oral tradition. The traditional ballad singers have passed away and with them, a very valuable part of our tradition,” states Dr Nauriyal.
The unique anthology presents handpicked popular ballads against a huge corpus, as it close to impossible to document all of them. Anjali’s intention in compiling this book has been, “to enlighten the youth of today by giving them a glimpse of our rich literature, historical and legendary chronicles.“
Baadis or the traditional singers and dancers, once a common sight and sound in Garhwal, especially during festivals, have been an integral part of every ritual, ceremony and festivity in the hills. They are now on the brink of extinction. Baadis were the ones who praised and glorified the legends in their folk songs, and their art needs to be archived and propagated.
Madho Singh Bhandari, Lodi Rikhola;Jeetu Bagdwal; Surju Kaunl; Gadhu Sumriyal; Malu Sahi and Rajula to name a few legends of the Garhwal Himalaya, find mention in Anjali’s book.
As Anjali reiterates, “The younger generations do not seem interested in the learning and the propagation of folk tradition, while the older one find neither status nor money in this vocation.” She adds,”these tales though remote in time and spirit have an abiding relevance even today.“
Those who want to get their hands on ‘Retelling of the Traditional Ballads of Garhwal’ can find it easily at bookshops or can directly touch base with the author: [email protected].
