Papu and Sonni: Bhopa Singers of Pushkar (Song 1)

Two talented musicians from Pushkar allowed me to record a few of their entrancing songs. Bhopa's are historically nomadic, but Papu and Sonni have settled outside the city of Pushkar (Rajasthan, India). The lifestyle of the Bhopa has become an increasingly difficult one to sustain, due to the rapidly changing interests of modern civilization.

Papu talked at length of how his father and grandfather trained him in the skills of the Bhopa. They travelled to villages and played for hours (sometimes days) to an admiring audience in the deserts of Rajasthan. Papu stated that their voices and instruments (ravanhattas) would carry for several kilometers in the cool desert night. He would fall to sleep listening to the melodies of his ancient lineage.

If you come across a Bhopa in Pushkar, be sure to listen to a few of their brilliant songs and send some rupees their way.