Volume II,Issue IV, March 2026
Volume-II, Issue-IV, March, 2026 |
Received: 15.03.2026 | Accepted: 17.03.2026 | ||
Published Online: 31.03.2026 | Page No: | ||
DOI: 10.69655/atmadeep.vol.2.issue.04W. | |||
পূর্ব মেদিনীপুরে লোকসংগীত চর্চার ধারা: পটুয়া গান ড. অনুরূপা হাজরা, রাজ্য সাহায্য প্রাপ্ত কলেজ শিক্ষক, বিভাগীয় প্রধান, সংগীত বিভাগ, খেজুরী কলেজ, পশ্চিমবঙ্গ, ভারত |
The Tradition of Folk Music Practice in Purba Medinipur: Patuya Songs Dr. Anurupa Hazra, State-Aided College Teacher, Head of the Department, Department of Music, Khejuri College | ||
ABSTRACT | ||
Folk songs express the emotions of the human mind in simple and straightforward language through music. When the life stories of common people are presented in such plain and rustic melodies, they become deeply appealing. Folk music is a form of expression in which the joys and sorrows of a simple, unadorned lifestyle are conveyed through songs. Because of its uncomplicated language, folk songs easily find a place in people’s hearts. The richness of melody and the charm of rhythm and cadence give folk music its aesthetic beauty. Many people also earn their livelihood through this tradition, which is why folk music has gained popularity as a means of sustenance.
Patuya Gaan is one such genre of folk music that portrays various aspects of society with the help of scroll paintings (patachitra). In this tradition, song, poetry, and visual art blend seamlessly into one. In the district of Purba Medinipur, this form of folk music holds a significant place. It has a close relationship with visual art, as Patuya or scroll painters create long narrative paintings on cloth or paper and present the sequential stories through songs. For this reason, it is often referred to as Pata Gaan as well.
Patuya artists travel from place to place, creating scroll paintings with colors and brushes, and performing poetic songs to entertain people while earning their livelihood. These songs generally revolve around religious, mythological, social, and contemporary themes. Stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, Manasamangal, Chandimangal, various folk tales, as well as themes of education, health, and natural disasters, often become the subject matter of these performances. As the song progresses, the scroll is gradually unfolded, allowing the audience to follow the narrative visually.
In various villages of Purba Medinipur, especially during rural fairs, festivals, and social gatherings, Patuya Gaan is performed. It is not only a medium of entertainment but also an important tool for education and social awareness. The artists of the Patuya community have preserved this art form across generations. As an integral part of the folk culture of Purba Medinipur, Patuya Gaan represents a unique folk art where music, painting, and storytelling come together to create a distinctive cultural expression.
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