Bihar, the ancient heartland of Indian civilisation, has a musical heritage that stretches back thousands of years. Home to some of India's most significant cultural and religious sites — including Bodh Gaya, Nalanda, and Vaishali — Bihar's musical traditions are as deep and varied as its extraordinary history. At Radio Hotstar, proudly broadcasting from Barharia, Siwan, Bihar, we celebrate this heritage while serving our listeners' love of Bollywood music and contemporary Indian entertainment.
Folk Music Traditions of Bihar
Bihar's folk music traditions are diverse and regionally specific. Maithili music, associated with the Mithila region, is one of the oldest and most sophisticated folk traditions in North India. The Vidyapati songs — compositions by the 15th century poet Vidyapati — are performed at religious ceremonies and festivals throughout the region and are considered among the finest examples of devotional folk poetry in Indian history.
Bhojpuri music from western Bihar has a completely different character — earthy, celebratory, and rooted in the everyday life of the community. Bhojpuri songs have always been central to weddings, harvest festivals, and community celebrations. In recent decades, Bhojpuri music has gained a massive nationwide audience, with artists like Pawan Singh, Khesari Lal Yadav, and many others achieving widespread fame.
The Chaiti and Kajri Traditions
Chaiti songs are sung during the month of Chaitra (March-April) and are associated with the worship of the Mother Goddess. These songs have a distinctly devotional quality, carrying the spirit of the spring season. Kajri songs, typically sung during the monsoon, capture the longing and joy associated with the rains — a tradition shared with neighbouring regions of Uttar Pradesh.
Radio Hotstar and Bihar's Musical Identity
Radio Hotstar was founded in Barharia, Siwan, with deep pride in Bihar's musical heritage. While our primary programming focuses on Bollywood and Hindi film music, we understand that this music exists within a broader cultural context shaped by the traditions of this remarkable state. Our mission is to keep Indian music alive and accessible to everyone in Bihar, across India, and around the world.
