Somalak Balti Folk Song

Interview of Mr. Ghulam Ali of Hushey The traditional Balti folk song Somalake is a poetic expression of the "Bonnism" doctrine. According to Mr. Ghulam Ali Hushey, the residents of Baltistan sing different kinds of folk songs depending on the season of the year. Rose melodies known as "Mandoq Song" are sung during the springtime. In fall, sorrowful songs are sung in autumn season. There are many books that contain Balti folk songs. However, Somalake is very close to becoming extinct at this time. Let me to sing some poetic verse of the traditional folk song Somalake. O’ Somalake, tell me, how this world was created? This world was created above the ocean when it was first created, O’ Somalake. O’ Somalake, what other things were created from this beautiful blue ocean? Huge clouds were created from this azure sea. O’ Somalake. O’ Somalake, can you tell me what happened to the cloud? This huge collection of clouds was the source of the creation of three realms. O’ Somalake, On top of this blue sea, a large green field was created. O’ Somalake, This ocean, which was once blue, eventually gave rise to three continents. What does a mountain go by its proper name? There is a mountain that is known as Red Mountain. The Sandal tree originated in this huge area of green expanse What things support to the roots of Sandal tree? Earth supports to the roots of Sandal tree. What things support to stem of Sandal tree? Mountains support to the stem of Sandal tree. O' Somalake tell me what is the seed of Sandal tree? The seed of Sandal tree is a medicinal seed O' Somalake. What kind of bloom does the sandal tree have? The sandal tree blooms have golden flowers O' Somalake. What kind of leaf does Sandal tree have? Sandal tree have the leaf of poison. Translated by: Basharat Hussain Maqpon Reviewed by: Ghulam Hassan Lubsang