Bihar’s weddings feature a variety of entertaining folk songs. One such song is “He Ram Dulha Babu,” sung during the paddy-pounding ritual. In this song, women playfully tease the groom. During the ritual, the groom is required to pound paddy in a mortar, and the women mock him while pointing out his shortcomings. The way they tease him is quite amusing and is sure to make you laugh. Let us learn more about this folk song.
A Playful Dig at the Groom’s Clumsiness
The song begins with the lines: “Kaun baklolba e baate dulha babu, kaun maiya dihli janmiya re babu?” (Which foolish fellow is this groom? Which mother gave birth to him?). The women call the groom a “baklol.” “Baklol” is not an insult; in Bihar, it is an affectionate term for someone who is naive or clumsy. Here, the women use the word affectionately while asking whose son this naive groom is. They go on to sing, “Dhanwa kutela na jaane re, baklolba kutela na jaane re” (He doesn’t know how to pound the paddy; the foolish fellow doesn’t know how to pound it). The paddy-pounding ritual tests the groom’s patience as he works with the mortar and pestle. To add a touch of fun to the ceremony, the women tease him, claiming he doesn’t even know how to pound the paddy—calling him a complete “baklol,” or fool.
A Vivid Description of the Mortar
The mortar and pestle hold great significance in the paddy-pounding ritual, as they are the tools used to process the grain. In this song, while describing the mortar and pestle, the women sing: “The beautiful mortar is made of sandalwood, and the fine pestle is crafted from the sturdy wood of the *Bel* tree!” In other words, the mortar is fashioned from sandalwood, and the pestle from the strong wood of the *Bel* tree.
They go on to sing: “He does not know how to pound the paddy; the foolish fellow does not know how to pound it.” The implication is that despite the mortar and pestle being made of such excellent materials, it is of little use; the groom simply does not know how to pound the paddy. Mocking his ineptitude, they label him a *baklol* (a fool or simpleton).
**Cultural Significance of the Song**
Songs sung during weddings in Bihar often blend sentiment with satire. Through these songs, the groom and his family are good-naturedly teased. These songs are an integral part of Bihar’s folk culture and serve to break the ice and ease the initial awkwardness between the bride’s and groom’s families. The paddy-pounding ritual itself holds great significance; it is a hallmark of Bihar’s rural culture.
