Rituraina is a variety of song popular in the
Kumaon region of
Uttaranchal. These songs mark the arrival of the spring season. They are sung by a singer community locally known as '
Dholis' or 'Mirasis.'
The troupe of singers travels to different villages during the spring season and sing the Rituraina songs. These songs, containing the very essence of the beautiful season, are the source of livelihood for the singers. Following a performance, the villagers give them alms which is called 'chaitol' in the local slang.
In the earlier days, dances used to be performed to the tunes of these songs. Such kind of performance was termed 'Kafaliya.' This kind of performance still exists today, but only rarely.
