The Missing Magic of Festival Songs in Bollywood

It’s common in offices or colleges to hear someone say, “HOLI KAB HAI? KAB HAI HOLI... KAB…

KAB.” This famous line is from Gabbar Singh, played by Amjad Khan, in the classic film Sholay. In the same movie, Hema Malini and Dharmendra, who live in the village Ramgarh, dance to the song Holi Ke Din Jab Dil Mil Jate Hai. Even after 50 years, this film continues to leave an impact, showing how strong Hindi films have been across generations.

Celebrating festivals with singing and dancing is an integral part of Hindi films. But recently, songs celebrating festivals like Diwali, Karwa Chauth, and Christmas have faded from the scene, while songs on Ganpati and Holi took center stage. However, even those songs have become rare in the last few years.

In recent times, a few movies have managed to leave an impact with their festival songs. The Ganpati song from Hrithik Roshan’s Agneepath and the Holi song from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani are examples, but otherwise, festival songs are missing.

There was a time when audiences eagerly waited for festival songs, and films were often released around festivals. Many of these songs are still played during celebrations. Some of the iconic ones include:

Dahi Handi Songs: Dahi Handi, celebrated on the second day of Krishna Janmashtami, is marked with joy in many parts of India, but Mumbai’s celebration is unique. Bollywood has captured this energy in several movies like Bluffmaster, Khuddar, Agneepath, Badla, and Hello Brother. Veteran actor Shammi Kapoor’s iconic song Govinda Aala Re from Bluffmaster (1963) remains popular, but Mach Gaya Shor from Khuddar (1982), featuring Amitabh Bachchan, is an all-time hit that still gets people dancing. The song Chandi Ki Daal Pe from Hello Brother (1999) struck a chord with younger audiences and is still played today. Another favorite is Go Go Govinda from OMG – Oh My God. However, in recent years, no new Dahi Handi song has had the same effect.

Ganpati Songs: A few iconic Ganpati songs have continued to resonate with audiences. Deva Shri Ganesha from Agneepath (2012), thanks to Ajay-Atul’s music, is played throughout the 10-day Ganesh festival. The original Ganpati song from the older Agneepath didn’t have the same impact as the 2012 version. Mourya Re from the remake of Don (2006) starring Shahrukh Khan also became a hit, as did Sadda Dil Vi Tu from ABCD, which is a favorite in Ganesh pandals. However, in the last decade, no new Ganpati songs have been as popular.

Holi Songs: Filmmakers have always loved Holi songs for their ability to show love and festivity. Classic Holi songs like Holi Ke Din (Sholay), Rang Barse (Silsila), Ang Se Ang Lagana (Darr), and Holi Khele Raghuveera (Baghban) continue to be played every year. Recent songs like Lahu Munh Lag Gaya from Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela and Jai Jai Shivshankar from War have added to the collection, but none have achieved the legendary status of Amitabh Bachchan’s Rang Barse. In the last 5-6 years, no new Holi song has stood out.

Diwali Songs: Despite being one of the biggest festivals, Diwali has very few songs associated with it. Only 7-10 Diwali songs are memorable. Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham is a rare example, where Jaya Bachchan’s character waits for her son Shahrukh Khan, welcoming him with an aarti. Films like Vastav, Amdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiya, and Taare Zameen Par feature Diwali songs, but overall, the festival lacks iconic musical representation.Festival songs in Hindi cinema seem to be losing their charm, with no major releases in recent years. Hopefully, Bollywood will bring back the magic of festival songs that audiences love. Let’s hope for the best.

(The writer is a communication professional. Views personal.)