About the Tradition
Sohar is a traditional folk song genre of Bihar, sung by women during celebrations marking the birth of a child, especially a son. It is a beautiful musical expression of maternal love, familial joy, and blessings. Themes and Style: - Lyrics: The songs describe the labor pains of the mother, the arrival of the child, the happiness of the grandparents, and the distributing of gifts (neg). They often reference mythological births, comparing the newborn to Lord Rama or Lord Krishna. - Musical structure: Sung in a chorus by women of the family and neighborhood, accompanied by simple instruments like the Dholak and Manjira. The melodies are sweet, emotional, and celebratory. Cultural Value: Sohar songs form an integral part of the 'Sanskar' songs of Bihar, which document every major life transition through music, keeping oral traditions alive across generations.