Rohinygya culture is enriched with traditional songs mostly consisting from religious aspects (Kawali) but seasonal songs are widespread in the Arakan region. The seasonal songs are known as “Geet”.
The Rohingya marriage ceremony has marriage songs known as “Howla.” Usually Rohingya women perform Howla songs in the ceremony.
Gazir Geet, Bitayali Geet, Natua Geet and dancing are held usually outside the village for not disturbing the pious/religious elders of the villages.
During the British reign Rohingya ethnicities were introduced to Urdu language. Kawali is a form of music practiced by sufis to inspire religious devotion and instruction which shows harmony and legacy of Mughal to Arakan.
The founder of Mujahid movement of Arakan in 1947, Mr. Jafar Kawal was a prominent singer of Kawali. Kawal Jafar’s lyrics of Azad-Arakan were quite famous in 1950s.
Mr Habibullah Kawal of Bowli Bazar and Mr Shabbir Kawal of Nagura Village of Maungdaw Township were reputed Kawali singers. Moulana Nurul Islam of Maungnhama village in Maungdaw Township is one of the best composers of Kawali and Rohingya songs. Shogi of Shikdapara is a noted singer and Shamaya was one of the prominent Rohingya musicians.
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