Logo

Lahaul valley is one of the tribal belts of Himachal Pradesh situated at an elevation between 2100 m and 4600 m, amongst high rugged mountains covered with massive snow and glaciers as high as 6400 m above sea level. This area is inhabited by tribal people popularly known as ‘Lahauls’. The area has diverse cultural history and intermixed cultural mileus of adjoining areas. As a results the difference in language, art, culture and music is clearly evident from the life-style of the people of this area. Lahaul is known as ‘Wonderland of Himachal Pradesh’ but it is quite surprising that this wonderland remained a neglected area as far as the study of its folk music is concerned. Due to the difficult hill terrain and snow-clad peaks, this area is approachable for only two or three months in a year. Thus, the traditional customs, ceremonies, fairs and festivals have still maintained their natural flavour. This book presents a vivid insight into the melodious music which is still preserved in its original and traditional form accompanied with dances, playing of instruments, celebrating fairs, festivals and performing many rituals and ceremonies. This is an effort to document and preserve the grandeur of tribal melodies of Lahaul valley by notating their original tunes. This will be a welcome addition in the lesser known field of tribal music.