Thumri : music of love

Rasas or emotions that govern human lives are mentioned in the Natya Shastra, the 400 B C 'bible' of Indian music, dance and drama. Shringar Rasa, the emotion of romantic love, is the essence of Thumri and its allied forms, Dadra, Kajri, Jhoola, Sawan, Hori and Chaiti. Thumri is a short piece of semi-classical rendition usually sung at the conclusion of a classical music concert. Thumri is based on the romantic-devotional literature inspired by the Radha-Krishna love theme. The words are strictly adhered to, and the singer attempts to interpret them with his/her melodic improvisations. It is quite usual for a singer to deviate from the rendered Raga, but momentarily.

Shobha Gurtu - Thumri Des - Saiyan Re Ho :  



Parween Sultana - Thumri Pilu - Tum Radhe Bano Shyam :  





Savita Devi - Thumri - Jao Wahin Tum Shyam :  



Savita Devi - Padi Gailen Chunaria Mein Daag :  



Savita Devi is daughter of Siddheshwari Devi, the legendary Purab Ang singer of Benares and one of the finest exponents of Thumri, Dadra, Kajri, Chaiti, Hori and Tappa.