Nyoli is a popular form of folk song native to
Uttaranchal. ‘Nyoli’ is the local name of a nightingale found in the hilly regions. This bird is symbolic of forlorn lovers, in the local folklore. As the name suggests, this song also pertains to the theme of separation. This separation and the resultant agony of the lovers are termed ‘virah’ in the local slang.
The Nyoli songs are very slow in their rhythm adding to the distress caused by separation. They are high on emotion portraying the feelings of the separated lovers.
