List of Indian Folk Songs – Your Quick Guide to Classic Tunes

India’s folk music feels like a living map of the country. Every state, village, and festival has its own rhythm, story, and voice. If you’re curious about the sounds that have kept generations humming, you’ve landed in the right spot.

Why Indian Folk Songs Matter

Folk songs are more than catchy lyrics; they carry local history, agricultural cycles, love tales and even ancient lullabies. Listening to a Punjabi bhangra beat, a Rajasthani desert ballad, or a Kerala boat song instantly connects you to the community that created it.

How to Use This List

We’ve grouped the songs by region so you can explore the styles that interest you most. Click on a title, hit play on YouTube, Spotify or any regional streaming app, and let the melody guide you. Want to dive deeper? Look up the language name (e.g., Marathi, Bodo, Tamil) and search for "folk" plus that language for hidden gems.

North India: Think of lively Punjabi dhol beats, Rajasthani “Padharo” melodies, and Kashmiri “Roshni” lullabies. These songs often celebrate harvests, weddings, and heroic legends.

South India: The Tamil “Nadan” tunes, Malayalam “Villu Paatu”, and Karnataka “Janapada” songs are rich with percussion and storytelling. Many are sung during temple festivals and harvest fairs.

East India: Bengali “Baul” ballads, Odia “Jatra” songs, and Assamese “Bihu” tracks capture river life and seasonal dances. Their lyrics are poetic, sometimes mystical.

West India: Gujarati “Garba” chants, Marathi “Lavani”, and Konkani “Mando” tunes are upbeat and perfect for community gatherings.

When you click a song, pay attention to the instruments – a dhol, mridangam, flute, or even a simple hand clap can tell you a lot about the region’s musical heritage.

Want a quick start? Try these five crowd‑pleasers:

“Dandiya Raas” – Gujarat
“Raga Paavak” – Tamil Nadu
“Bihu Dhol” – Assam
“Lalita Gita” – Bengal
“Padharo Mhare Des” – Rajasthan

These tracks showcase the range of tempo, mood, and language you’ll meet across the list.

Lastly, keep an ear out for modern revivals. Many indie artists remix folk tunes with electronic beats, bringing the old sounds to new listeners. Searching “folk remix India” will surprise you with fresh takes.

Enjoy the journey – every song is a story, and this list is your passport to India’s musical soul.

How Many Types of Folk Songs Are There in India? A Practical Guide with Regional Examples

Wondering how many types of folk songs India has? Get a clear, practical count, major families, regional examples, and a simple method to build your own list.