Mother’s Day is all about celebrating the special bond children of all ages share with their mom. Across India, musical customs ensure a safe motherhood and that this bond develops even before childbirth.
Mother’s Day! It’s that day of year again, when we celebrate motherhood and a mother’s bond with her children. In addition to Mother’s Day, which falls on the second Sunday in May every year, India celebrates Safe Motherhood Day on April 11 every year.
While Mother’s Day is celebrated across the globe, the date for Safe Motherhood Day was chosen to mark the birth anniversary of Kasturba Gandhi, the wife of Mahatma Gandhi, because of her role in India’s freedom movement and because she is a symbol of women’s empowerment.
India has a rich repertoire of traditional and folk songs that not only celebrate motherhood but also the journey to motherhood. Recognising its positive impact, music can also be used beyond traditional ceremonies to ensure safe motherhood.
Music has the power to evoke strong emotions and foster connections. Listening to music together with the unborn baby or singing cradle songs strengthen the bond between mother and child, promoting feelings of closeness and attachment.
In this modern world, baby showers have become a prominent ceremonial event. The purpose of a baby shower is to show emotional support for the mom. This traditional version of this ceremony in India is known as godh bharai in north India, valaikappu and seemandham in Tamil Nadu, seemantha in Karnataka and pellikuturu in Andhra Pradesh. It is celebrated as shaad in Bengal, srimantham in Rajasthan and seemandham in Maharashtra. In all these similar ceremonies, music is an integral part. Many popular folk and traditional songs in different dialects are sung at these occasions.
Jagar, a traditional folk ceremony of Uttarakhand, is performed to bless the expectant mother and pray for a safe delivery. The melodies and rhythmic beats create a solemn and uplifting atmosphere.
In their paper, researchers Tanvi Kashyap and Anuradha Sharma have mentioned that prenatal music intervention has been proven to be beneficial and effective in reducing anxiety in full-term pregnant women. Other studies have indicated that listening to music in the third trimester of pregnancy can reduce the risk of postnatal depression.
The hospital environment is sterile and intimidating, which may increase feelings of discomfort and apprehension in expectant mothers. Incorporating music into the birthing environment by playing soft melodies or nature sounds can create a more soothing atmosphere, promoting relaxation and comfort.
Music has been shown to have analgesic effects. The use of music in pain control is called music-induced analgesia or audio-analgesia. It is said to help reduce the perception of pain. Using music during labour is believed to help reduce the perception of pain through a concept called “the gate control theory of pain” which says that by using music as a stimulus, the body perceives other stimuli, including pain, less.
Among tribal communities, drumming is a common element of tribal music and ceremonies, and it is often used during childbirth rituals. The rhythmic beat of drums creates a calming and meditative atmosphere, helping the mother in managing pain and maintaining focus during labour.
Among Christian communities, music is incorporated into these support activities, through singing sessions, choir performances or music-based prayer gatherings, to offer emotional and spiritual support to women as they navigate the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood.
In many Muslim cultures, traditional folk songs and lullabies are passed down through generations and hold cultural significance in supporting mothers and newborns. These songs often convey messages of love, protection and familial bonds, creating a nurturing environment for mothers and infants and helping to establish a sense of security and belonging within the family unit. Zoroastrian music has also been used as a medium for expressing devotion and connecting with divine energies.
In Kashmir, Wanwun is a traditional folk song sung by women during childbirth and postnatal ceremonies. Wanwun songs often express themes of love, hope and maternal care, reflecting the community’s support and celebration of new life.
Music therapy can also be beneficial during the postpartum period, helping mothers cope with the physical and emotional changes following childbirth. Listening to uplifting music or participating in group music sessions can provide a sense of support and encouragement during this transitional phase.
Research has shown that music not only had a positive impact on postpartum depression but also proved to be less expensive than other treatments (Yang, 2019).
In essence, combining the concept of safe motherhood with the therapeutic effects of music creates a holistic approach to maternal care that addresses not only the physical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth but also the emotional and psychological well-being of mothers.
Lead illustration from Shutterstock.
Sharat Pandey works as Senior Specialist – Public Health at Transform Rural India in Ranchi, Jharkhand.
