Devotional

Indian devotional music comes in many forms. The most prominent Hindu devotional songs are called bhajans, which literally mean "adorations." While the songs are rooted in the Vedas (Hindu scriptures), their language is simple and easily accessible. Musically, a bhajan can consist of a repetitive chant, or it can mimic more complicated light classical styles like thumri. Composed of ancient Persian (and, more recently, Urdu) religious poetry, Qawaali is the music of the mystical Islamic Sufis. Lyrics treat God as the Beloved, and the music works to bring the listener into spiritual union and ecstasy. Dholak (a double-headed drum) and tabla provide rhythmic accompaniment; harmonium often drones melodically in the background. Singing is always a male group affair, led by a master assisted by several others. Handclaps, cyclical refrains and repeated calls of Allah's name punctuate songs that begin slowly before developing a sparkling, shouted intensity that's as entrancing as it's absorbing.