Culture bearers to society: Saga of the folk musical performers of Punjab

The cultural traditions of a community is specifically reflected in the working patterns and perspectives of its performing arts. These artisitic acitivities are no doubt rooted to the sociocultural matrix of the people concerned and are characterized by the transmission through generations. A partcular community is identified according to its cultural heritage which is comprised of multfarious oral traditions and diversified native technological devices of performing artistic works as well as thinking patterns. The present paper is based on the findings of an empirical study conducted amongst the folk musicians and makers of musical instruments in Punjab. Punjab's rich cultural heritage as patronized by the folk performers has been categorically evaluated here through the presentation of some concrete case studies. The present status and future circumstances of the tradition-bound folk performances have been highlighted in the background of their interactions with the present rapidly changing processes.