Folk music luminary Malini Awasthi celebrated the fourth release of her insightful book, ‘Chandan Kiwad,’ recently in Delhi. This literary endeavor, which occupied her for two and a half years, stems from her extensive experience as a columnist and her profound connection to folk traditions. Awasthi’s primary goal with ‘Chandan Kiwad’ is to unearth the foundational elements of folk songs, investigating their birthplace, creators, and centuries-old methods of rendition.
During the launch event, Awasthi elucidated on the book’s title phrase, “Guiyā̃ Darwajwa Mein Thāṛī Rahūn,” explaining it as a piece of a traditional Banaras thumri that perfectly reflects her musical sensibility. She stated that writing without a musical connection is inconceivable for her. The book focuses on the lives and stories of ordinary women, depicting them in serene moments of domesticity, such as reading, sewing, and singing.
With over 40 years of performing experience, Awasthi shared that many characters from folk songs have become incredibly vivid and personal to her. She sees ‘Chandan Kiwad’ as an open door for cultural enthusiasts to connect with heritage. The book offers a deep dive into specific musical pieces, including her favorite, ‘Mat Ja Mat Ja Jogi’ from Raag Bhairavi, and explores the yogic traditions, the Nath sect, and the teachings of Guru Gorakhnath. Additionally, Awasthi provides an interpretation of Amir Khusro’s poignant song about a daughter’s departure. The 27-chapter book is a comprehensive result of her combined musical, literary, and scholarly interests, emphasizing that timeless songs offer unique insights to each new generation.