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Mahuri

A Mahuria (musician) plays the Mahuri in a Panchabadya ensemble, a traditional folk performance in Odisha
Other names	Mohuri, Jodi Mahuri
Classification	Wind instrument
Hornbostel–Sachs classification	421.122 (Aerophone, single-reed)
Timbre	Melodious
Volume	Medium
Attack	Quick
Decay	Sustained
Playing range
Variable Variable
Musicians
Mahurias

The Mahuri is a wind instrument made of wood and metal and it holds a special place in the cultural traditions of Odisha. It is used in religious ceremonies, wedding, bratopanayan, social events, and auspicious occasions. It is also referred to as "Mohuri". The Mahuri is an accompaniment in traditional Dalkha performances. Mahuri is also a part of 'Gandabaja', a folk art form from western Odisha.

Musicians who play the Mahuri or Jodi Mahuri are known as Mahuria. Mahurias perform at various events, including temple ceremonies and weddings, with increased demand during the Durga Puja season. They typically charge around ₹1,000 for their performances and often play in groups of three to five. These folk musicians receive support from the Government of Odisha through the Mukhyamantri Kalakar Sahayata Yojana, which provides pensions of ₹2,000 per month for general beneficiaries and ₹2,500 for those aged over 80.

It was reported in 2012 by The New Indian Express that the Mohuri is at risk of extinction due to insufficient government support and declining demand and many Mahuri players are abandoning the profession in favor of alternative livelihoods.

The annual Bodasambar Mahuri Festival is organized by the Sangeet Samiti in Padmapur, Odisha, to preserve the traditional Mahuri instrument.

Gallery

• Mahuri
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• The Mahuri is also played during folk theatre performances like Rama Nataka and dances such as Chhau.

See also

• Music of Odisha
• Bamboo musical instruments
• Bansuri

References

1. Kumar Pati, Amulya (October 15, 2010). "Lost in oblivion, mohuri tune". Telegraph India.
2. "Mahuri in Odisha". indianculture.gov.in.
3. ^ Ratha, Ashutosh (July 29, 2022). "Bargarh fest boosts traditional instrument 'Mahuri'". Daily Pioneer.
4. Senapati, Ashis (September 3, 2024). "Jodi Mahuri gasps for breath as a few try to keep it alive". New Indian Express.
5. "Mohuri tunes no more lilting for GenNext". New Indian Express. May 16, 2012.

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