On this World Music Day on June 21, we feature two young musicians from Jammu and Kashmir who are working to revive the traditional Sufi music in the region by playing and promoting traditional instruments like the rabab and sarangi.
Jammu and Kashmir has its own musical instruments that have always been used by singers who are inclined towards Sufism. Over the years, with the advent of new technology, these traditional musical instruments have been fading from the scene. However, a few young artistes have learnt how to play the rabab and sarangi from their ancestors and are now showcasing their talent on social media.
Saraf Ahmad Bhat from Pampore, which is known as the hub of saffron cultivation, plays the rabab with much gusto. On the other hand, Iqbal Ahmad, who hails from Anantnag district, learnt how to play the sarangi from his father. Besides taking part in different local musical events, Ahmad has also showcased his talent on the television reality show, India’s Got Talent.
Aamir Ali Bhat is a journalist and independent researcher based in Kashmir. He writes on human rights violations, politics and the environment.
The lead image at the top shows Saraf Ahmad Bhat playing a rabab commonly used in traditional folk music (Photo by Aamir Ali Bhat)
Edited by: Novita Singh
