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{{Short description|Semi-classical singing genre from India}}
{{AI-generated|date=September 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=April 2019}}
{{Infobox music genre
{{Infobox music genre
| name              = Hori
| name              = Hori
| bgcolor          =
| bgcolor          =  
| stylistic_origins =
| stylistic_origins = {{hlist|[[Folk music]]|[[Devotional song|Devotional]]|[[Semi-classical music|Semi-classical]]}}
| cultural_origins  = [[Northern India]]
| cultural_origins  = [[Braj Region]]
| instruments      =
| instruments      = {{hlist|[[Dholak]]|[[Taal (instrument)|Taal]]|[[Harmonium]]}}
| derivatives      =
| derivatives      =  
| subgenrelist      =
| subgenrelist      =  
| subgenres        =
| subgenres        =  
| fusiongenres      =
| fusiongenres      =  
| regional_scenes  =
| regional_scenes  =  
| local_scenes      =
| local_scenes      =  
| other_topics      =  
| other_topics      =  
}}
}}
'''Hori''' is a genre of [[Hindustani classical music|semi-classical]] singing, popular in [[Uttar Pradesh]] and [[Bihar]].<ref>{{cite news |title= Rashmi’s impressive solo|url= http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2007/09/07/stories/2007090750080200.htm|archive-url= https://archive.today/20130125084510/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2007/09/07/stories/2007090750080200.htm|url-status= dead|archive-date= 25 January 2013|newspaper= [[The Hindu]]|date= 2007-09-07|accessdate=16 January 2012}} </ref><ref>{{cite news |title= An Utsav to breathe life into Thumri|url= http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-14/kolkata/28687737_1_indian-classical-music-dhrupad-babul|archive-url= https://archive.today/20120709025804/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-03-14/kolkata/28687737_1_indian-classical-music-dhrupad-babul|url-status= dead|archive-date= 9 July 2012|newspaper= [[The Times of India]]|accessdate=16 January 2012}}</ref> It can be adorned with a [[Bhairavi (thaat)|Bhairavi]],<ref>{{cite news |title= My Favourite Raga|url= http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/09/19/stories/2008091951330800.htm|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080922113810/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2008/09/19/stories/2008091951330800.htm|url-status= dead|archive-date= 22 September 2008|newspaper= [[The Hindu]]|date= 2008-09-19|accessdate=16 January 2012}}</ref> [[Thumri]] etc.


It comes in the series of season songs, like [[Chaiti]], [[Sawani]] and [[Kajari]], and is traditionally sung in the villages and towns of [[Uttar Pradesh]]: around [[Banaras]], [[Mirzapur]], [[Mathura, Uttar Pradesh|Mathura]], [[Allahabad]] and the [[Bhojpur district, Bihar|Bhojpur]] regions of [[Bihar]].It is also called Dhamar , which is sung with Dhamar taal . Songs of Hori/ Dhamar are related to Radha-Krishna Leela in the festival of Holi.
'''Hori''' refers to a genre of folk songs in [[Braj Bhasha|Braj Bhasa]] traditionally sung during the [[Holi]] festival, particularly in the [[Braj|Braj region]] of [[Uttar Pradesh]] in India. These songs are an integral part of the [[Holi]] festivities and contribute significantly to the celebratory atmosphere.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=95CfAAAAMAAJ&q=Hori+song++braj |title=Sangeet Natak |date=1998 |publisher=Sangeet Natak Akademi |language=en}}</ref>


<br />
== Themes and Significance ==


==References==
Hori songs often depict the playful and romantic interactions between [[Krishna]] and [[Radha]], key deities in [[Hindu mythology]], whose stories are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the [[Braj|Braj region]]. The lyrics frequently allude to the throwing of colors and the joyous spirit of the festival. These compositions are mainly based on the love pranks of ‘[[Radha Krishna|Radha-Krishna]]’ known for its connection with [[Vrindavan]], the native place of [[Krishna|Lord Krishna]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2024-12-11 |title=Hori Songs: Celebrating Krishna and Radha's Playful Escapades, Fading Beyond Rural Holi Festivals - historified |url=https://historified.in/2024/12/11/hori-songs-celebrating-krishna-and-radhas-playful-escapades-fading-beyond-rural-holi-festivals/ |access-date=2025-03-21 |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
== Musical Characteristics ==
 
Characterized by lively rhythms and melodies, '''Hori''' songs are often accompanied by traditional Indian instruments like the [[dholak]], [[manjira]], and [[harmonium]]. The call-and-response structure is common. In [[Indian classical music|classical]] renditions, Hori follows the [[Dhrupad]] form, set to the 14-beat Dhamaar tala. These versions showcase [[tempo]] variations (dugun, tigun, chaugun) and precise [[raga]] development.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JooMsAA8130C&q=Hori+folk+song |title=Shanmukha |date=2004 |publisher=Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha. |language=en}}</ref> [[Semi-classical music|Semi-classical]] Hori incorporates elements of [[Thumri]], often using lighter talas. When Dhamaar is sung in lighter talas and in a semi-classical repertoire incorporating elements of [[Thumri]], the resulting composition is also known as '''Hori'''. [[Kafi (raga)|Raga Kafi]], known for its passionate character, is frequently used, especially in semi-classical and Thumri styles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 2011 |title=Significance and evolution of traditional and folk Hori singing during Holi festival |url=https://www.esamskriti.com/e/Culture/Music/Significance-and-evolution-of-traditional-and-folk-Hori-singing-during-Holi-festival-1.aspx |website=www.esamskriti.com}}</ref>
 
== Regional Variations ==
 
While originating in the [[Braj region]], variations of Hori songs are also found in other parts of [[North India]], including [[Uttar Pradesh]], [[Madhya Pradesh]], [[Bihar]], and regions further east. [[Mathura]], [[Ayodhya]] and [[Varanasi|Kashi]] are 3 major centers for Hori.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hori – Nad Sadhna |url=https://nadsadhna.com/indian-music/vocal-forms/hori/ |access-date=2025-03-21 |language=en-GB}}</ref> These regional variations often reflect local dialects, musical styles, and specific traditions associated with [[Holi]] celebrations. The traditionally sung Horis often describe Krishna's celebrations, romance with Radha, and pranks with the [[Gopi|gopis]], depicting the [[Sringara|Shringara Rasa]] (romantic love) with underlying devotion. "Holi khelat Nand Lal" is a traditional example.
 
== Preservation and Contemporary Relevance ==
 
Although ''Hori'' remains a vibrant part of [[Holi]] festivities in many areas, there are concerns about the preservation of its traditional forms, especially in urban settings. Efforts to document and promote Hori songs are crucial for ensuring the continuation of this rich cultural tradition.<ref name=":0" />
 
== Hori in Bollywood ==
Shailaja Tripathi of [[The Hindu]] observed, "''Holi khele raghubira Awadh mein'' from the film ''[[Baghban (2003 film)|Baghban]]'' and the hugely popular ''[[Rang Barse Bhige Chunar Wali|Rang barse]]'' are ulharas which have their roots in Awadh. In the film [[Kati Patang]], the Holi song ''Aaj na choddenge bas humjoli'' has shades of Dhamar. This form begins with a slow tempo but as it progresses it becomes extremely fast. ''Holi aayi re kanhai'' from ''[[Mother India]]'' is a hori but interestingly has a kajri tune."<ref>{{Cite news |date=2010-02-25 |title=Hues of Hori |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/arts/Hues-of-Hori/article16816881.ece |access-date=2023-09-21 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
 
==References ==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


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[[Category:Hindustani music genres]]
[[Category:Hindustani music genres]]
[[Category:Music of Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Music of Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Music of Bihar]]
[[Category:Hindustani music terminology]]
[[Category:Hindustani music terminology]]
{{music-genre-stub}}

Latest revision as of 14:13, 13 February 2026


Template:AI-generated

Hori refers to a genre of folk songs in Braj Bhasa traditionally sung during the Holi festival, particularly in the Braj region of Uttar Pradesh in India. These songs are an integral part of the Holi festivities and contribute significantly to the celebratory atmosphere.[1]

Themes and Significance[edit | edit source]

Hori songs often depict the playful and romantic interactions between Krishna and Radha, key deities in Hindu mythology, whose stories are deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the Braj region. The lyrics frequently allude to the throwing of colors and the joyous spirit of the festival. These compositions are mainly based on the love pranks of ‘Radha-Krishna’ known for its connection with Vrindavan, the native place of Lord Krishna.[2]

Musical Characteristics[edit | edit source]

Characterized by lively rhythms and melodies, Hori songs are often accompanied by traditional Indian instruments like the dholak, manjira, and harmonium. The call-and-response structure is common. In classical renditions, Hori follows the Dhrupad form, set to the 14-beat Dhamaar tala. These versions showcase tempo variations (dugun, tigun, chaugun) and precise raga development.[3] Semi-classical Hori incorporates elements of Thumri, often using lighter talas. When Dhamaar is sung in lighter talas and in a semi-classical repertoire incorporating elements of Thumri, the resulting composition is also known as Hori. Raga Kafi, known for its passionate character, is frequently used, especially in semi-classical and Thumri styles.[4]

Regional Variations[edit | edit source]

While originating in the Braj region, variations of Hori songs are also found in other parts of North India, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, and regions further east. Mathura, Ayodhya and Kashi are 3 major centers for Hori.[5] These regional variations often reflect local dialects, musical styles, and specific traditions associated with Holi celebrations. The traditionally sung Horis often describe Krishna's celebrations, romance with Radha, and pranks with the gopis, depicting the Shringara Rasa (romantic love) with underlying devotion. "Holi khelat Nand Lal" is a traditional example.

Preservation and Contemporary Relevance[edit | edit source]

Although Hori remains a vibrant part of Holi festivities in many areas, there are concerns about the preservation of its traditional forms, especially in urban settings. Efforts to document and promote Hori songs are crucial for ensuring the continuation of this rich cultural tradition.[2]

Hori in Bollywood[edit | edit source]

Shailaja Tripathi of The Hindu observed, "Holi khele raghubira Awadh mein from the film Baghban and the hugely popular Rang barse are ulharas which have their roots in Awadh. In the film Kati Patang, the Holi song Aaj na choddenge bas humjoli has shades of Dhamar. This form begins with a slow tempo but as it progresses it becomes extremely fast. Holi aayi re kanhai from Mother India is a hori but interestingly has a kajri tune."[6]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. Sangeet Natak. Sangeet Natak Akademi. 1998.
  2. 2.0 2.1 "Hori Songs: Celebrating Krishna and Radha's Playful Escapades, Fading Beyond Rural Holi Festivals - historified". 11 December 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  3. Shanmukha. Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha. 2004.
  4. "Significance and evolution of traditional and folk Hori singing during Holi festival". www.esamskriti.com. March 2011.
  5. "Hori – Nad Sadhna". Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  6. "Hues of Hori". The Hindu. 25 February 2010. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 21 September 2023.