Devotional songs
One musical genre that has always remained in demand is devotional songs. These songs are in existence in centuries. No matter what, even though time has drastically changed, people’s preferences have totally changed and yet this one genre refuses to go out of fashion. If we go back to history, devotional songs have remained the hot flavour throughout the civilization. Devotional songs were first seen in form of prayers used to offer to Gods. There was a certain rhythm and harmony in the mantras chanted for God. Going forward, middle age witnessed mesmerising poets and singers like Surdas and Tulsidas who composed huge numbers of songs dedicated to almighty. By singing devotional songs, one gets a chance to offer his gratitude and prayers to the supreme almighty. There are no fixed rules or forms for such songs. It could be in form of Bhajans, Qawali and now a days even devotional pop songs. Just listen to one song ‘Barso Yaaro’ in the movie London Dreams. It is a fast, rock songs and yet you will be hearing rock version of Hanuman Chalisa and you are sure to love it.
Indian movies have remained the best platform for proliferation of devotional songs. Some of the devotional songs shown in movie have acquired cult status. Remember, ‘Sukh ke sab saathi dukh mein na koi’ or ‘Allah tero naam ishwar tero naam’? These devotional songs can never go out of fashion.
Some of the popular devotional songs are, ‘Sant Samaagam Kije Aarti’, ‘O Paalanhaare Nirgun Aur Nyaare’, ‘Mai Toh Aaratee Utaru’, ‘Yaha Waha Jaha Taha Mat Puchho’, ‘Tumhi Ho Mata Pita Tumhi’, Ek Tu Hi Bharosa’, and ‘Ishwar Allah tere Jahan Mein’ etc. These songs have been sung by singers of different religions and that reflects ubiquitous appeal of these devotional songs.
Hindi Devotional Songs
Hindi devotional songs, also known as bhajans or kirtans, are songs that are sung in the praise of God. These are sung in soulful language and have their origins in the ancient hymns that express the deepest emotions of love for God. Singing is considered to be the best way to heavenly pleasures.
A number of Hindi devotional songs are rooted in the Indian tradition and culture. These songs are truly divine and help to unite mind, body and soul. These songs are mostly sung with closed eyes so that more concentration is laid on singing and expressing the inner feelings. This kind of singing delivers an eternal bliss.
Hindi devotional songs were first found in the Sama Veda, in the form of bhajans. These first devotional songs were beautified because of the easy lilting flow, emotional lyrics and the informal renderings. They are sung in groups comprising of devotees. Later on, many other forms came up. Another form was found in the Haridas tradition, known as the kirtan.
Later on, in the medieval age, devotees like Tulsidas, Meera Bai , Surdas, and Kabir came into existence and they were believed to be the masters of devotional songs. During their ear they had sung beautiful devotional songs that are fascinate the masses even today.
Gradually, the trend went on going and increasing number of devotional songs was written by composers. The lyrics of bhajan and kirtans are mainly associated with the lifestyle of saints, preaching sainst, expressing love for God, and showcasing God's generousness. The only thing that was required to write beautiful devotional songs lyrics was emotions-love, passion, praise and devotion.
Some of the popular devotional songs are natkhat kaanhe, kaanha tere roop nirale, govind bolo gopal bolo, ganapati vandana, makhan chor, tere bharose nandlala, and Krishna janam bhayo aaj.