Radio Sangwari

Radio Sangwari is a rare find. Most Indian radio stations chase Bollywood hits, but this one digs into the country's vast folk heritage. The programming is a journey across states: the driving dhol beats of Punjabi Bhangra, the haunting melodies of Baul minstrels from Bengal, the throaty ragas of Rajasthani performers like Mame Khan. You get a sense that the curators have an ear for the unvarnished. The sound is earthy, raw. It's the opposite of polished. Late night brings longer tracks, often live recordings from village festivals. You can hear the crowd clapping, the dogs barking in the back…