COMMUNITY SINGING IN THE BRAJ REGION AS A FOLK-RELIGIOUS TRADITION

Abstract [English]

This research paper analyzes community singing in the Braj region as an important folk tradition. The Braj region is an ancient, religiously and culturally rich land of India, where devotion to Lord Krishna, the Raas Leela, Holi, Krishna Janmashtami, year-round folk traditions, and community life are deeply intertwined. In this region, Samaj Gayan is a folk singing tradition that is not merely a form of music but a powerful medium of religious experience, social unity, and cultural identity. Samaj Gayan is usually performed in temples, shrines, village squares, community gatherings, festivals, and religious occasions.  Singers, musicians, and the audience participate as a group, making this singing a form of collective devotion. Through the singing, Lord Krishna, Radha, Gopal, the religious places of Braj, and episodes from Krishna's life are glorified. This process acts as a cultural bridge between the folk and the divine. In the Braj region, Samaj Gayan is considered a folk-cum-divine tradition because it originates from folk life and is connected with devotion to God. It uses the Braj language, which is characterized by simplicity, emotional depth, and profound devotion. The ragas, talas, singing style, and musical instruments used in the singing present a beautiful blend of ancient classical music and folk traditions. Thus, this tradition expresses the cultural soul of the Braj region. This research paper provides a detailed study of the historical background, origin, development, singing process, role of the singers, participation of the audience, and social significance of Samaj Gayan. It also analyzes how the Samaj Gayan tradition is being affected in the modern era due to urbanization, changing lifestyles, new media, and shifts in the interests of the younger generation. In many places, this tradition is becoming limited to specific occasions, raising questions about its preservation. In conclusion, it is clarified that Samaj Gayan is an important folk-cum-divine tradition of the Braj region, which is not merely a religious practice but a powerful force for social unity and cultural expression. Identity, human values, and collective consciousness play a crucial role in preserving this tradition. Documenting, researching, preserving, and transmitting this tradition to the new generation are essential for its survival.