Hindi Font Many pages of this site use a Hindi font. If you don't have it installed on your computer - click here.
The Sanskrit word 'Bhat' means warrior. These are tales
of brave warriors.
In their rendition, there is a main singer who plays the
bigger Hudka - he has a specific costume with a turban,
blouse, churidar pajama and ghungroos in his feet. Then
there is a accompanist who plays a smaller Hudka. And
there are accompanying women too. This can be considered
a form of folk - theatre as well as ballad singing. The
main singers performance has elements of song and theatrics.
These were performed mainly on the occasion of the birth
of a son, a wedding or in fairs but they are getting rare
and commercialized now.
It is said that in olden times - these performers sometimes
accompanied warriors to war - to enthuse them.
This form is popular in the areas of Kumaon bordering
Nepal too and the language used is often Nepali. Some
singers weave in some of the other Kumaoni forms such
as Nyoli and Chapeli in its rendition.
Most of the renditions have graphic descriptions of war
but since many wars were fought over a beautiful woman
- they are replete with descriptions of beauty and romantic
contexts. Bhadas are an interesting mix of History and
people's imagination.
If you are not able to download the songs using the links below, please mail us on [email protected]
