Regional music. In general all those styles that do not fall within the scope of classical music. In fact, this category includes folk music, pop music and film music, also known as Bollywood music. The kīrtana remain ambiguous to classify given that today they meet those criteria that would make them fall within the classical genre. In classical texts, however, a distinction is made exclusively between doxological music called Mārga Saṁgita and the other genres that fell into the Deśī Saṁgīta category.

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Indian folk music is exceptionally diverse, reflecting the vast cultural variety across the nation. Sung in numerous languages and dialects, it resonates throughout India and has been exported worldwide due to migration.

Tamang Selo
Tamang Selo, a musical genre of the Tamang people, is widely cherished among the Nepali-speaking community in India and globally. Typically accompanied by traditional instruments like Damphu, Madal, and Tungna, modern instruments have found a place in contemporary compositions. Selo compositions range from lively and catchy to slow and melodious, expressing emotions like love, sorrow, and everyday stories.

Renowned as the pioneer of Nepali Folk songs and Tamang Selo, Hira Devi Waiba, recorded the first-ever Tamang Selo, "Chura ta Hoina Astura." Even after her passing in 2011, her iconic songs were re-recorded by her son Satya Aditya Waiba (producer) and Navneet Aditya Waiba (singer) in the album "Ama Lai Shraddhanjali" (Tribute to Mother).

Bhavageethe
Bhavageethe, translating to 'emotion poetry,' combines expressionist poetry with light music. This genre, popular in Karnataka and Maharashtra, draws from the works of poets like Kuvempu and D.R. Bendre. Notable performers include P. Kalinga Rao, Mysore Ananthaswamy, and Archana Udupa.

Bhangra and Giddha
Bhangra, a dance-oriented folk music of Punjab, and its female counterpart, Giddha, showcase the rich musical traditions of the region.

Lavani
Lavani, a popular folk form in Maharashtra, features traditional songs performed by female artists. Associated with the dance form Tamasha, Lavani involves various performers like the dancer (Tamasha Bai), helping dancer (Maavshi), drummer (Dholki vaala), and flute player (Baasuri Vaala).

Dandiya
Dandiya, a dance-oriented folk music, finds popularity in Western India, especially during Navaratri festivals. It has a rhythmic style derived from traditional music accompanying the Dandiya dance.

Jhumair and Domkach
Jhumair and Domkach represent Nagpuri folk music, featuring instruments like Dhol, Mandar, Bansi, Nagara, Dhak, Shehnai, Khartal, and Narsinga.

Pandavani
Pandavani, a folk singing style, narrates tales from the ancient epic Mahabharata with musical accompaniment, often portraying Bhima as the hero. This form of folk theatre is popular in Chhattisgarh and neighboring tribal areas.

Bauls
Bauls of Bengal, influenced by Hindu tantric and Sufi sects, play music using instruments like khamak, ektara, and dotara. Known for their mystical approach, Bauls seek the internal ideal, "Maner Manush."

Bhatiali
Bhatiali, cultivated by oarsmen and fishermen in erstwhile Bengal, features songs sung during the Ebb phase or those originating from the Bhati area. Prominent singer Nirmalendu Chowdhury contributed significantly to this genre.

Bihu
Bihu songs, celebrated during the Assamese new year and other occasions, showcase themes like love, nature, and daily life. Bihu music employs instruments like dhol, pepa, gogona, and toka, reflecting Oriental influences.

Garba
Garba songs, sung in honor of Hindu goddesses and gods during Navratri, add a festive touch to the celebrations.

Dollu Kunita
Dollu Kunita, a group dance from North Karnataka, involves 16 dancers wearing drums who perform rhythmic beats. The dance is led by a cymbal player, creating varied patterns.

Kolata/Kolattam
Kolata/Kolattam, a traditional folk dance in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, involves men and women dancing together with colored sticks.

Telangana's Janapadha Geyalu
Telangana's folk music, part of the Telangana movement, features prominent singers like Gaddar, Belli Lalitha, and Deshapati Srinivas.

Uttarakhandi Music
Uttarakhandi folk music, rooted in nature and cultural traditions, reflects the Himalayan way of life. Instruments like dhol, damoun, and turri accompany songs in languages like Kumaoni and Garhwali.

Veeragase
Veeragase, a vigorous dance form from Karnataka, draws inspiration from Hindu mythology, featuring intense and energy-sapping movements.

Naatupura Paatu
Naatupura Paatu, Tamil folk music, encompasses Gramathisai (village folk music) and Gana (city folk music), showcasing a rich cultural tapestry.

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