Introduction
Saari Gaan or music is a compilation of beautiful river songs.It’s one of the many types of folk music which is widely famous in Bengal.It comes under the well known genre of ‘Baulgan’ a term used for folk music and musicians in Bengali culture. These songs are sung during boat races in various parts of Bengal (both present day southern part of West Bengal and Bangladesh) as it can be determined by the meaning of the word ‘Saari’ itself. These are meant to promote collaboration and camaraderie among the rowers while racing. Saari gaan also depicts mythological events, which is an essential and significant part about it.
Origin of Saari Gaan
While there is no particular written fact about when or where saari gaan originated but there are references made about it in many historical texts. The earliest reference can be found in the 10th century vajrayana tradition buddhist text ‘Charyapada’ which is a collection of mystical poems related to tantrism. This text contains songs not just from Bengal but also from Bihar, Odisha and Assam. However, it doesn’t directly mention about saari gaan but charyapada contained information about the music of Ancient Bengal which, then it is believed provided the foundation for Saari Gaan. The text in which Saari Gaan is directly mentioned is in a different version of ‘Padma Purana’. This version was written by a 15th century poet Vijay Gupta and he goes on to use the term ‘sari’ and ‘song’ simultaneously conveying the same meaning throughout the text.
With the introduction of regattas by the naval forces of Mughal Empire in between 15th to 18th centuries Saari Gaan made itself very popular. With the riverine trade becoming more and more prosperous it was a regular feature in boat racing events organised by the Mughals and the boatsmen sang it quite passionately. With time it adapted elements from other folk cultures as well which folk music often tends to do.
During the era of infamous Bengal Renaissance taking place in the 19th and 20th centuries the Saari Gaan emerged again. The then researchers and scholars started researching and documenting this group of songs and a gradual promotion of saari gaan was evident in Bengal.
How it flourished
Saari Gaan has a deep connection with boats and waters. Primarily sung by males, the songs are quite rhythmic in nature which helps the boatmen to get in their zone and spread a sense of collectiveness among the fellow racers.The songs have choirs with a lead singer and the chorus follows the lead singer after the lead singer sings a line of the song. The songs have pretty explicit content which promotes a sense of energy and enthusiasm among the racers. Over the years saari gaan has become an essential part of competitive sports for the entertainment part.
This genre of music has been sung with great zeal in various districts of West Bengal and particularly in Bangladeshi districts of Dinajpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh and Barisal. The songs are sung during both Hindu festivals such as Shrabon Sankrati and Dussehra (Bijoy Dashami as they say in Bengali) as well as Muslim festivals of Eid ul Fitr and Eid ul Zuha. The songs itself have a good number of themes. During the beginning of the race, songs which are meant to get blessings of the deities are usually sung which also often praise the deities. When the race starts and boats begin to sail in the rivers, the sound of the songs starts to get even louder. The main singer often dances with the rhythmic beats of the songs. The mood is all fun, enjoyable and enthusiastic in the beginning of the race, but as the race comes towards the end the mood becomes more gloomy. The lyrics start becoming more philosophical and thoughtful by the end of the day.
But regattas and rivers are not the only places where Saari Gaan is sung extensively.These are sung in general also when a certain group of people irrespective of men and women are trying to accomplish challenging tasks such as weeding a field, threshing paddy or washing jute. This helps them doing their job without getting bored, tired or lethargic. Thats why when labours start singing a song in a collective manner it is called a Saari Gaan. But in a broader context Saari Gaan is always associated with regattas or boat racing.
The songs of these type are always fast, quick and rhythmic in nature. These songs are always sung in chorus with many people singing together in joy and harmony, unlike Bhatiali which are often arrhythmic, slow and often sung by a single person alone on his boat rides.
What do the songs talk about?
Saari Gaan songs are inspired by the stories of the gods and goddesses of Hindu mythology particularly Bengali mythology and folklore. The story of the origin of the river Ganga in Hindu mythology is depicted and described in many songs. Ganga has been symbolised as a goddess in mythologies and she has been represented as a very kind, warm and compassionate goddess. The songs that are attributed to Ganga often talk about how she craves human love and company. On the other hand, folklore of the fishing groups and communities have also been a great subject of these songs. Many mythical and imaginary animals such as “Machh Bhoot” (Fish Spirit) and “Jal Kanya” (Water Nymph) have been depicted in many songs. Another beautiful story covered by the Saari Gaan is the story of undying love between Radha and Krishna describing their relationship quite beautifully.
Accompanying Instruments
1. Drum (Dhol) – Dhol is a two sided rhythmic instrument played with stick on one side and with bare hands on the other. It is an essential and significant instrument as far as Bengali Folk music is concerned. It adds up to a lively and energetic atmosphere.
2.Mandira – Mandira is a pair of small bell shaped cymbals often used in both baulgaan and in kirtan as well.
Present conditions
Saari Gaan is still very popular in rural areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh. In present times, Saari Gaan apart from regattas and among labours is also performed in live musical events and festivals with more accompanying instruments other than dhol and mandira. There are many Saari songs available on youtube demonstrating how the songs are sung.
Conclusion
Saari Gaan is mainly a group of river songs, having a deep connection with regattas quite famous in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Although apart from the association with boat races and rivers saari gaan also connects with hindu mythology especially bengali mythology.Although mostly male dominated, but both men and women collectively sing these songs while doing various day to day activities such as washing jute and threshing paddy. Although there is no particular historical record to the origin of these songs but various historical texts mention and talk about it which then provided the foundation for the development of saari gaan further. The songs are often sung in choirs with a lead singer where the choir follows the lead singer. It is still very popular and apart from regattas saari gaan is now performed live also. Saari Gaan is an important symbol and signifies the legacy of the rich cultural heritage of bengali folk music.
Bibliography
1. Sreemoyee Bhattacharya. Traditional Sari and Bhatiali Songs of Bengal. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR)
2. Aruna Chakravarti. The Oral Traditions of Bengal: Stories and Songs. Borderless Journal
3. Neha Banka. In West Bengal, four villages are preserving a culture of generations-old indigenous boat races. The Indian Express article published in September 2023
4. https://youtu.be/yjrjPfpuqFw?si=-l4u2yOCxCgx7k3t
5. https://youtu.be/D2_ekoCWPaM?si=4eBuC3DhXM3_poqU