GANILAURI

GANILAURI in Odisha

Material: Light wood

The Ganilauri is a rare and uncommon musical instrument, indigenous to the Kutia Kond community. As very few pieces of this instrument are left in the community, they make an improvised version of the same by striking a bamboo piece with a stick. In ancient times it was a custom among the Kutia Konds to give a Ganilauri as a wedding gift, supposedly to fight a curse of the community. The Ganilauri is made of a very special kind of light wood found in the hills. The light wood not only improves the tonal quality of the instrument but also makes it easier for the musician to keep it on his shoulders for a long period of time. The instrument is similar to another more popular rhythm instrument of the state, the Daskathia. The music beckons the listeners, and the womenfolk leave their household chores and come out to dance to its rhythm. Many of the instruments are decorated with drawings and etchings to increase their aesthetic value. The Ganilauri is an integral part of the traditions of the Kutia Konds and all the members of the community can play it.