Virpal Kaur and Pawandeep Kaur from Khosa Kotla, dedicated to preserving Punjab’s folk music, have collected and documented hundreds of traditional songs to ensure the rhythms of Punjab’s past resonate with future generations.
A group of women in vibrant salwar kameez and colourful dupattas gather in the sunlit courtyard of a traditional Punjabi home. Their laughter fills the air as they form a semi-circle, clapping rhythmically and singing tappe and boliyan. Each couplet brings a new wave of energy, and pairs of women step into the centre to dance.
As one pair finishes their turn, they seamlessly blend back into the circle, still clapping and singing. Another pair steps forward, their steps in sync with the rhythm of the song. The dancers’ faces are lit with smiles, their expressions mirroring the playful and teasing nature of the lyrics.
One couplet segues to another, the tempo quickening, and the circle of women grows more animated. The clapping intensifies, echoing through the courtyard, and the laughter becomes contagious. The dancers twirl and move with effortless grace, their anklets jingling in time with the beat. The tappe and boliyan they sing are a mix of light-hearted banter, love stories and snippets of everyday life, each one a reflection of their shared experiences and folk heritage.
At the heart of this joyous scene are Virpal Kaur, 35, and Pawandeep Kaur, 34 from Khosa Kotla village in Moga district, dedicated to preserving Punjab’s rich folk music.
They have collected and documented hundreds of traditional folk songs — tappe and boliyan —from villages across Punjab, including the Malwa region. Their efforts have culminated in the publication of three books, ensuring that the voices of Punjab’s past continue to resonate with future generations.
Folk songs are more than mere melodies. They are the lifeblood of the community, encapsulating the emotions, traditions and history of its people. From birth to death, every ritual and ceremony is accompanied by music, with songs that reflect the simplicity, spontaneity, gaiety and intimacy of everyday life. These songs, often composed by ordinary people, express deep emotions, longings, love and the struggles of life.
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The passion of Virpal and Pawandeep for preserving these songs began early. Both were born and raised in Khosa Kotla, and were always drawn to the rhythms.
“From the beginning, we were fond of tappe and boliyan. Whenever there was any wedding function in the village, the women would invite us, and we would sing,” Virpal said.
Their formal education began at the village school, and later, they pursued higher studies at Punjabi University in Patiala. It was during their university years that their dedication to folk songs truly blossomed.
In 2008, they won a gold medal in a folk-song competition at the inter-zonal festival, a victory that ignited their desire to delve deeper into Punjab’s musical traditions.
“We prepared our own team, prepared for the stage performance ourselves, and won the gold medal,” Pawandeep said.
Determined to preserve these cultural treasures, Virpal and Pawandeep decided to collect folk songs directly from the elderly women in the countryside. This journey took them across Mukatsar, Moga, Barnala, Patiala and Faridkot, often travelling by bus. Despite facing financial challenges and other hardships, their passion never waned.
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“This work was not so easy. We had to face a lot of problems since our expenses increased along with the fee,” Pawandeep said.
The folk songs they collected are diverse, covering themes of happiness, sadness, love and everyday life. For instance, lullabies like “Saum ja kaka tu, tere bode vad gaiju/Kaḍhaṇ valiam masiam, kaḍhauṇa valatu” (Fall asleep, baby; louse is in your hair/Aunts will pull them; you will let them) reflect the tender moments of motherhood. Wedding songs, too, are a staple, with lyrics such as “O father, I am asking you/Hold my marriage in the month of Assu/There would be no shortage of grain in the house/Never would be the yogurt spoiled”.
These songs are passed down through generations, with elders serving as the custodians of this oral tradition. Virpal and Pawandeep ensured that these songs will not be lost to time. Their books — Banbukat Langh Jange, Udd Gyiyan Kunjan, and Jind Ni Ronhak Kudiye — serve as vital links between the past and the present, connecting today’s youth with their cultural roots.
Their work extends beyond the printed page. Virpal and Pawandeep engage audiences by singing from their collections and sharing these treasures on their YouTube channel, bringing Punjab folk songs to a broader audience.
“When I got married, I was afraid whether I would be able to carry forward this work or not. But my in-laws supported me in every step of the way,” Virpal said.
In their courtyard, through song and dance, the women celebrate not just the occasion but also their culture and community. The tappe and boliyan, passed down through generations, come alive in their voices and movements, ensuring that these cherished traditions continue to thrive.
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Virpal and Pawandeep exemplify the power of folk music and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. Through their dedication, the songs of Punjab continue to echo.
The lead image on top shows Pawandeep Kaur (left) and Virpal Kaur, residents of Khosa Kotla village in Moga district of Punjab. (Photo by Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir)
Kiranjit Kaur Jhunir is an independent journalist based in Punjab.
