Farmers Movement Archive

Haryanvi ‘ragnis’ keep farmers’ morale high at Singhu

With no end to the deadlock between the Centre and farmer unions in sight, emotions are running high among the protesters camping at the Delhi borders in the bone-chilling cold. In this trying time, a makeshift performance pavilion has come up in a small space at the Singhu border where a group of Haryanvi artistes can be seen singing ‘ragnis’ (folk songs) to keep the spirit of protesters high.A seven-km stretch on the highway has become a “bhaichara” spot for thousands of protesters from Punjab and Haryana. Sitting around bonfire, they can be seen discussing the future course of action. Although the number of farmers from Punjab is high at Singhu, their Haryanvi counterparts are also coming forward to extend support.Ballads of protestThe sound of ‘gharcha’, a musical instrument made by adding rubber cover on the pitcher, and harmonium, can be heard in tractors and trolleys. A corner of the protest site reverberates every day with ‘ragnis’, which tell the tales of resistance.The sound of ‘gharcha’, a musical instrument made by adding rubber cover on the pitcher, and harmonium, can be heard in tractors and trolleys. A corner of the protest site reverberates every day with ‘ragnis’, which tell the tales of resistance. Some elderly could be seen enjoying the Haryanvi traditional music and ‘ragnis’ with hooka puffs.Jagjeet Singh of Patiala said, “We are thankful to our brethren from Haryana who have extended support to us. We will not go back home till the repeal of the farm laws.”

The Tribune

2021-01-15

Sonepat