kalnai
Kalnai refers to a specific type of traditional song or ballad found in various South Asian cultures, particularly within the folk music traditions of regions like Rajasthan and Punjab in India, and sometimes observed in adjacent Pakistani cultural spheres. These songs are often narrative in nature, recounting tales of love, heroism, historical events, or local legends. The term "kalnai" itself is not universally standardized and can encompass a range of lyrical and musical styles depending on the specific region and community.
The instrumentation accompanying kalnai can vary but often includes folk instruments like the dholak (a hand