Falak Bilal
Srinagar, June 23: The soulful tunes of the rabab and the rhythmic beats of the tumbaknari once echoed through villages across Kashmir during weddings, festivals and community gatherings. Today, many folk artists fear these traditional melodies are being drowned out by the sounds of smartphones and digital entertainment.
As internet access and social media continue to transform lifestyles in the Valley, folk musicians say younger generations are increasingly turning to online content and modern music, leaving traditional art forms struggling to retain their audience.
“Earlier, entire villages would gather to listen to folk songs during celebrations,” said Ghulam Ahmad, a folk singer from Budgam who has been performing for more than 40 years. “Now people spend more time on their phones. Many youngsters are unfamiliar with the songs that were once a part of everyday life.”
Folk music has long been an important part of Kashmir’s cultural identity, reflecting the region’s history, traditions and social life. Songs performed during weddings, harvests and religious occasions have been passed down through generations, often without written records.
However, changing social habits and the growing influence of digital media have altered the way people consume music.
According to local musicians, traditional performances at weddings and social functions have declined significantly over the years.
“There was a time when folk artists were booked months in advance,” said musician Bashir Ahmad from Baramulla. “Today, DJs and recorded music have largely replaced live folk performances at many events.”
Despite these challenges, artists are increasingly using the same technology that disrupted traditional practices to keep folk music alive. Social media platforms have enabled musicians to share performances with wider audiences and document songs that might otherwise be forgotten.
Twenty-four-year-old singer Insha Mushtaq, who uploads folk music videos online, believes digital platforms can help preserve the tradition.
“Many young people first discover folk music through social media,” she said. “Technology can either erase traditions or help protect them. It depends on how we use it.”
Cultural experts say preserving folk music requires sustained efforts from educational institutions, cultural organisations and local communities.
“Folk music is more than entertainment; it is a record of our collective memory,” said cultural researcher Dr. Shabir Hussain. “If these songs disappear, future generations may lose an important connection with their heritage.”
Several cultural groups have recently organised folk music festivals and awareness programmes aimed at encouraging youth participation. Schools and colleges have also begun including traditional performances in cultural events.
Observers believe such initiatives are essential at a time when global digital content is increasingly shaping cultural preferences.
As Kashmir continues to embrace the opportunities of the digital age, artists remain hopeful that traditional melodies will find new audiences through modern platforms.
“The medium may change, but the music should remain,” said Ahmad. “Our songs carry the stories of our people. They deserve to be heard.” For many folk musicians, the challenge is no longer whether technology will influence culture, but whether Kashmir’s centuries-old musical traditions can adapt and survive in an era dominated by screens and smartphones.
