Tumba-Algoza Group, Punjab, performing Hir

A dastango or "tumba-algoza" group, performing at the folk festival in Patiala, Punjab, India. So called, because the instruments they use are tumba (the plucked spike lute) and algoza (double fipple flutes). Like dhadi groups, they perform ballads in Punjabi.
(*Sorry, I forget the name of the performers -- I will add them when I remember*)

They are performing THEIR version of the Hir-Ranjha love epic, in the characteristic style of the tumba algoza genre. Although the (textual) material is similar, the style of this genre is very different from that of the dhadi genre. See a dhadi group perform Hir-Ranjha, here:
   • Sharif Idu Dhadi Group  

Although today's audiences have little patience for this type of music, it is the foundation of popular music in Punjab. In fact, the very first commercial recording of Punjabi music made in Punjab, in the 1930s, was of this style of music. Whereas other types of singing (not "music," and mostly done by women) were common during rituals/holidays and dance (again not "music') had its accompanying lyrics ("boli", etc), this was the entertainment music, where one sits and listens. Such groups performed at fairs and at events like weddings for the entertainment of guests. The focus is on the text -- like older style "ballads" in many parts of the world, one is primarily listening for the poetry and the story being told. Therefore, melody (which just repeats) is not of great importance. Today's listeners are conditioned to look for variety and dance-ability, something which obviously was not a concern of past audiences.

In my estimate, traditional Punjabi music made clear, exclusive distinctions between singing that was meant for sitting and listening (to properly appreciate its text) and singing that was meant for dancing. Global events in the mid 20th century, like the phenomenon of rock 'n' roll bands, introduced a mixing of these two functions and which, when adopted by the Punjabi music industry (in my opinion) brought an end to traditional Punjabi music culture.