Holi’s Jogira song fading gradually

A song sung during the Holi festival in Tarai region is fading gradually with the declined interest of the new generation.

There are few old people left here to sing the Jogira song, which is a worrying trend for the conservation of cultural song. Vibe of this special song has diminished sharply especially for a decade here.

The song sung in tune with various musical instruments such as harmonium, damphoo and majira, used to give a message to the community that Holi was approaching. The song is also special because people exchange feelings of harmony, merriment, and fraternity by singing it. Love and satire are also shared via the Jogira song.

Holi is the festival celebrated as a special occasion for the people to forget enmity, envy and discrimination, and to foster fraternity and harmony. The Jogira was such a mighty connection for this in the past. Unfortunately, Jogira is getting replaced by ‘disco’ music, thereby effacing the cultural originality, the locals worried.

A resident of Lumbini, Birendra Mishra, viewed Jogira as an effective medium for the people to exchange happiness and sadness and to protect culture. “Willy-nilly, we are preserving the culture. But, the new generation is indulging in new things and forgetting Jogira,” he said, warning that once they pass away, the Jogira will also vanish.

Moreover, Mishra vented ire that the present day youths are following indecent songs. He also regrets being unable to inspire modern youths to preserve the culture, the Jogira song.

In the past, Jogira songs were popular at the onset of Spring Season. People used to throng public places and sing Jogira songs till late night.

The Jogira had a distinct melody. It helped people communicate and spread love in the Terai belt.

Holiya, the singer of Holi songs, also said the aura of Holi festival declined with the decreasing Jogira song. The Jogira song also motivates young boys and girls to be open and show their talents.

Radheshyam Pal observed that the atmosphere of Holi festival is different- even the soil emanates fragrance; it is the onset of the Spring Season as well. Pal, who is also the member of Lumbini Cultural Biraha Group, decries the invasive songs getting immersed among youths.