BOOKS

3. Folklore of Himachal Pradesh,
M.R. Thakur,
Indus Publishing Company,
New Delhi Price Rs. 550

Himachalis are highly spirited people. Traditionally, they are the descendants of that great race Yaudheyas whom Panini described as Ayudhajivi i.e., those who earned their living by way of military service, serving as soldiers to any king or ruler who needed their services. They are hardy and war like mountaineers. Most of the recruits of Dogra regiment are drawn from Himachal Pradesh. They have made remarkable contributions for the defence of the country and their services have been kept alive in the folk songs of the area. Himachal Pradesh has come to be known as the valley of Gods, because of many benign gods and goddesses installed in the various picturesque temples throughout the state. The people are deeply religious, and firmly believe in the appeasement of their gods. They worship them with awe, admiration and reverence. Patriotism is an inborn disposition and a distinguished attribution of a man for love to his country. Whether a person is young or old, ignorant or vigilant, s/he loves his country and feels happy to be in company with that land. Furthermore, this love is irrespective of the size, nature, climate or topography of that land. Love songs form the greatest volume of the folk songs of Himachal Pradesh. Broadly speaking, they may be classified as tale-oriented, incident-based and free verses. There are a large number of fairs and festivals in Himachal throughout the year and on every such occasion singing, dancing and rejoicing are essential parts. It is a Deva-bhumi 'land of gods' and every god has a temple and a temple-yard where regular festivities are held. All this has generated a vast volume of folk knowledge and wisdom transmitted by word of mouth from one generation to another in the form of folklore. Only a small portion of folk literature of Himachal Pradesh has so far come to light. But in this report comprehensive efforts are made to compile folklore of Himachal Pradesh. Report contains a collection of Ballads and long songs, folktales, proverbs and proverbial sayings, charming riddles, folk dance, folk theatre, melodious music and fascinating folk songs.

Click Here to order