I was recently walking in the old Jaipur city near Hawa Mahal and Badi Chaupar. I saw a music band playing right outside an old temple. There was some casualness in the way band members were placed and playing. This prompted me to converse with the band members. Some of them were sitting outside the shops and conversing with each other. I spoke with many band members; here is the conversation with one of them. This information about bands in Jaipur exists outside of what is publicly known. He had worked for more than a decade in the same music band company in Jaipur. For those who are not aware, music bands or Baraat Bands in India are an important part of wedding celebrations and religious processions in India. In Jaipur, bands are used by many communities in Jaipur.

A Jaipur Baraat Band Member on Life Between Weddings | Interview

I spoke with Rajesh who was around 30-33 years oldand has spent more than a decade in the same band in Jaipur.

What’s your name?

Rajesh (name changed for privacy)

Since when have you been part of band?

I have been working since 14 years. I cam to Jaipur in 2011.

Where are you from?

I’m from Bharatpur

Are most of these band troope members playing instrument from outside Jaipur?

Yes. They are all from different places, mostly from Rajasthan state itself

Where do you stay?

In the old city near our office. Our owner is kind enough and has given us a place to stay. We stay in this place and cook our food. (The company office is in Haldion Ka Rasta – Johari Bazaar)

Is your band old?

Yes, our band company is oldest in Jaipur. It is in business since 1930s, The owner is from Sind (now in Pakistan) and came to Jaipur during India’s Independence.

Do you pratice band everyday?

No. Not everyday. Sometimes, we are called for practice. Else, we practice whenever we gather for performance.

Is there a band performance today?

Yes. We are here for a temple procession. So we are practicing.

When will temple procession start?

May be in half an hour.

Where is this religious procession headed?

We start from Badi Chaupar and will pass through Tripolia Gate, Choti Chaupar and end it in Chandpol Bazaar.

Do number of your band members vary?

Yes. It depends on client’s demand and need. The number can go upto 100-120 band members in wedding events.

How much are you paid?

Around Rs 17,000

Then our conversation ended because he was called in by his manager to get ready for the religious procession.

Band Baaja and Barat Band explained | Frequently Asked Question

What is Band Baaja or Baraat Band?

In India people commonly use the word Band Baaja and Baraat. Band refers to music troupe that are common in India. Members of band play calrinet, trumpet, saxophone, etc. Baja refers to music instrument. Baraat is a term used for groom’s wedding procession. It is an intrinsic part of Indian weddings.

What is Band Baaja do?

Band Baaja play music in events related to weddings – Baarat and also in some religious celebrations. As an exception, sometimes, people call band baaja for Antim yatra – death procession. This is not normal but is typically when someone who had a fulfilling life died peacefully and was able to complete all his or her wishes. In such scenario, the family members think that the deceased was a lucky person; it is a rarity.

What is history of Band Baaja?

Celebrations in India have always centred around music like Shehnai is synonymous of a wedding in a house. Dhol is a high energy instrument associated with groom’s wedding procession. The history of band has its roots from the colonial period when a music band would play at important events and ceremonies. These music band were military bands. This tradition was an “imported” concept for the subcontinent but was later accepted; it became an intrinsic part of Indian culture. Till date, many people beleive that having an army or military bands playing in the wedding is a cut above the rest. This is because not everyone has access to the military bands. In Jaipur, there are many events where military bands hold special performances for the public. A large number of such performances are organised at Albert Hall Museum. Despite this historical background, today these band baaja play popular bollywood music.

How to recognize Band Baaja members?

Band Baaja members are dressed in an uniform. The uniform is unique to each band company or brand. For example, in Jaipur, the most popular band companies are Jea Band, Jai Hind band etc. The color of and design of the band member’s uniform are distinct to maintain uniqueness.

Is Band Baaja meant for Baarat/ wedding or also for religious ceremonies?

Band Baaja is not restricted to wedding Baraat in Jaipur. The same band also performs in religious ceremonies. I have written an artcile a few years ago about Janmasthami celebrations in Jaipur. The procession of Janmasthami which originates from Govind Dev Ji Temple includes a band. Here is a picture from the procession of a band member.

Even in many Jain community events & celebrations in Jaipur, these bands an integral part of procession.

In Jaipur, some of the most famous local festivals like Teej and Gangaur includes Band Baaja. Here is a picture from Teej procession. Read – Teej in Jaipur

What is the busisness side of Baarat Bands?

The most busy times of bands in Jaipur is after Diwali, typically from “Dev Uthni” onwards until March. It is from Dev Utthni or Dev Uthana onwards that wedding season starts. Weddings are the biggest source of revenue for these band. As to the question of how much business does these bands generate? It is varied depending on the size of band, the city, etc. The off season is typically mid December to mid January and also from mid July to Dev Uthani. Even though religius procession music is also a big business but it is not as big as weddings.

How much do music band members earn?

Typically, music band members in Jaipur earn Rs 15,000 and upwards. Some senior band members are able to earn upto 40-50,000. In my opinion, these pay scale are lower considering the effort and time involved.

The life | Is it easy being a Band Baaja member?

Being a band member, life is not easy.

• The work timing are never under control, wedding procession are often during late nights.
• The venue are often far away from the city. The band is also comprised of lighting – a task that requires physical strength.
• These people have to walk on roads in challenging road conditions.
• Their uniform is ideal for winters but too uncomfortable for summer months.
• Even in lean season, some band companies requires them to practice regularly.
• In the case of Rajesh – explained above, the lodging is provided by the band company owner;.but they have to prepare their own food, a difficult situation when your work timings are erratic. Noise pollution is a reality and work condition.
• They also have to keep up with new trending songs.

I hope this artcile throws up light on Band Baaja Baraat and band members in Jaipur and India.