ABSTRACT
November and early December are the busiest months of the year for drummers in Garhwal. Harvesting and field fertilization gradually draws to a halt during these months, allowing time for a variety of ritual, entertainment and festivity. Påñ∂aval¥lå performances, Diwål¥ celebrations, as well as numerous melås (festivals) of regional significance, are timed to coincide with this period of less agricultural activity. Furthermore, the months of Mañgser (November/December) and Mau (January/ February) are particularly auspicious, and consequently weddings are often scheduled during these periods. By contrast, the month of Pπs (December/January) is inauspicious. Wedding activity therefore builds to a crescendo in Mañgser, comes to a halt in Pπs and then begins again in Mau. It is common while travelling through the region during Mañgser and Mau to pass chartered buses full of grooms’ parties as they travel in ritual conquest to secure their new brides. Drums echo across valleys as parties move up and down distant ridge systems between villages. Traffic in urban centres may be delayed as these same parties provocatively dance in the middle of streets to display their exuberance at having secured a bride. Naturally, such a concentration of activity provides numerous employment opportunities for musicians.
