the song of demise. The song traditionally depicts the idea of the immortal being unleashed. Bihav song The Bihav song is a category that is used and sung during marriage celebrations to commemorate the union. As many marriages in Chhattisgarh last over several days, much like many other Indian states, Bihav songs are sung according to various days of the marriage ritual. They are divided into various theses, mostly relating to the act of marriage. These themes include: Maymour Chulmati Telmati Parghani Bhadoni Nahdouri The cultural significance of music within the Bihav song is hence deeply linked to rituals and customs of society. Many of these songs have been used to add a sense of tradition to the marriage ritual as well as add to the enthusiasm and excitement of the ceremony. Sua Songs Sua songs are a popular type of folk song common in the Dantewada and Bilaspur districts of Chhattisgarh. The songs are intended to be accompanied by Sua dance performances. Sua songs or Sua Geet songs refer to folk music that is performed by the women of Chhattisgarh as a celebration of the harvest period. They are an integral aspect of the festivals and celebrations in many rural areas of the state of Chhattisgarh. Sua songs hold a particular performative element to them, with song, dance and colour each interacting to contribute to their attraction. Because of such, they are also commonly used in the celebration of Diwali within Chhattisgarh. In Chhattisgarh folk music, the Sua song is noted as feminine, and so it is traditionally performed by women who use the symbol of the parrot, Sua, to tell the story of internal worlds. The song is deeply connected to the history of Gond Adivasis tradition as a representation of the regional performative form. Post the celebration of Diwali, women from Chhattisgarh begin performing and singing these songs, continuing for up to two months. The songs are performed in a circle within the centre of which, a basket filled with harvested grain and traditionally a wooden parrot figurine is displayed. Rather than being accompanied by musical instruments, the songs are set to the beat of the collective clapping of hands. Because of this, Sua songs are very rhymic and lively. Often, Sua songs are also used as a form of celebration for the wedding of Shiva Parvati in Chhattisgarh lore. References Chhattisgarh Culture of Chhattisgarh