Alha Song

Alha is a popular form of folk song sung in most parts of north India. It depicts the heroic deeds of two warrior brothers named Alha and Udal.

They had served under King Piramal, the erstwhile ruler of Mahoba. The story contains the constant conflicts between the brothers and Prithviraj Chauhan, which leads to the death of Udal. Alha however survives since he is believed to have received the boon of immortality.

The singing style employed in the Alha is of dynamic nature. The singers, exclusively men, sing in a very dramatic manner. The singing is initiated by a prayer offered to the local goddess. It is followed by the songs, which narrates each episode in the life of the brothers. They are usually sung during the monsoon season.

It is a major event for the villagers, who gather around a place where singers sing the Alha songs. These songs are also sung in the procession that carries the groom to the wedding venue. The people, tired by the long walk in the procession, get a respite by hearing these songs.