Uttar Pradesh Folk Music on Harmonica

This harmonica tune is folk music and is inspired by a melody called Monsoon – Utter Pradesh Kajari from a CD Eternity – A musical Journey The melody is based on folk music a genre of Hindustani classical music, popular in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in India. The folk music of Utter Pradesh and most notably of Varanasi (Banaras) has class of its own. Keeping legends at bay, the word Kajari is possibly a derivative of Kajal that mean Kohl or Black in Hindi. Uttar Pradesh is a land that experiences sizzling hot summers and the only respite in that season are the black monsoon clouds that bring with them rain drenched with relief and great joy. Therefore typical of every season in India, monsoon too has its share of songs and dance and that is what Kajari is. The uplifting sound of Shehnai (A double reeded flute) on the original melody on the CD is designed to capture that special Varanasi magic and its strong association with this instrument. By no means can I play harmonica as it is played with classical instruments Shehnai & Flute. Just that, this is my favourite folk tune therefore I have attempted my version on harmonica.