Koli Geet

Koli Geet (also known as Nakhva Geet) are a significant genre of folk music associated with the Koli people, in Maharashtra, India.^[1] These songs are deeply rooted in the community's lifestyle, religious practices, and emotional experiences, often reflecting the daily struggles and celebrations of the Kolis, who are Ethnic group, Koli songs are characterized by their rich variety of themes, including religious devotion, social rituals, emotional life at sea, and festivity.^[2]

Koli Geet
Native name	कोळी/नाखवा गीत
Stylistic origins	Folk
Cultural origins	Konkan
Typical instruments	Dholak shehnai cymbals

Origin and history

The Koli is one of the oldest and most prominent indigenous ethnic group in Maharashtra, with a deep and rich history considered a ethnic group, primarily located in coastal areas, has traditionally depended on diverse and multiple occupations for its livelihood. Koli songs, which originated from daily life and rituals, often explore themes of religion, nature, and the seafaring profession, evolving into a significant oral tradition over time.^[3]

The first commercial Koli song, "Phatki Not Mana Ghyavachi Nay, Dhandyat Khot Mana Khavachi Nay," was recorded in 1962 by Vitthal Umap, with lyrics by Kundan Kambale.^[4][5]

In 1964, for the film Vaishakh Vanva, Pandit Abhisheki performed the Konkani Nakhwa song "Gomu Maherla Jate Ho Nakhwa" on the recommendation of the film's writer, Mahadevshastri Joshi. The music for this song was composed by Datta Davjekar.^[6]

Themes and types of Koli songs

Koli songs cover a wide range of subjects, reflecting different aspects of the Koli people's lives. These songs are generally categorized into several themes, such as religious, ritual, festival, emotional, and boatman's songs.^[3]

Religious songs

Koli songs have a strong religious component, with devotion to local deities like Khandoba, Ekvira, Ranai, Kalsubai, and Matubai. These songs are sung during religious ceremonies, rituals, and festivals, expressing gratitude, prayer, or devotion.

Ritual and marriage songs

Koli songs are linked to life-cycle rituals, especially marriages. Pre-marriage rituals like Haldi are accompanied by songs that describe the bride's beauty, using nature-based metaphors such as comparing her legs to sugarcanes or her eyes to flowers.

Boatman's songs (Nakhva Geet)

Nakhva Geet, or Boatman's Songs, are iconic in Koli culture. They express the emotional lives of fishermen, often sung while at sea or by fisherwomen at home, conveying feelings of love, longing, separation, and hope. The boat symbolizes the community's relationship with the sea.

Festival songs

During festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi, and Narali Poornima, Koli songs celebrate cultural and religious significance. These songs incorporate traditional customs, folklore, and rituals.

Erotic songs (Ambvanya)

Ambvanya songs are playful, flirtatious songs sung by men, often to amuse and tease one another, especially during camaraderie among fishermen at sea.

Performance and dance

Koli songs are accompanied by traditional dances, which are integral to expressing the song's themes. Men and women dance together, responding to the rhythm and mood of the song. Dances often mimic natural or everyday movements, such as the undulating motion of a boat.^[7]

Boat Dance (Nakhva Dance)

The Nakhva Dance is associated with Boatman's Songs. Performers use small wooden oars to mimic rowing motions, synchronized to create the appearance of a boat on the sea.

Musical instruments

Koli songs are accompanied by folk instruments like the Dholak (a two-headed drum), cymbals, Shehnai (a wind instrument), and wooden oars used in the Boatman's Songs. These instruments provide rhythm and melody for the performances.

In films

Hindi

In Bollywood films, Koli songs have made notable appearances, often incorporating the distinctive rhythms of this traditional folk music. For example, in the iconic song "Ek Do Teen" from Tezaab, starring Madhuri Dixit, the Koli Geet rhythm played a significant role. The song, sung by Alka Yagnik and Amit Kumar, was inspired by a catchy Koli folk tune that composer N. Chandra had in mind, with a rhythmic pattern that went, "Ding dong ding, ding dong ding dong..."^[8] A remix of this track was released in 2018, featuring Jacqueline Fernandez and Tiger Shroff, with Shreya Ghoshal lending her voice.^[9]

Another well-known Koli song, "Galyan Sakli Sonyachi... Hi Pori Konachi?", appears at the start of the film Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, set in the fishing village of Madh Island. This song is picturized on Pooja Bhatt and Deepak Tijori.^[10][11]