Kato (instrument)

Kato (Punjabi: ਕਾਟੋ), also spelled as Kaato or Katto, is one of the traditional musical instruments of Punjab.[1][2] It is used in various cultural activities especially in folk dances like Bhangra,[3] Malwai Giddha.[4] Kato literally means squirrel in Punjabi[5], so named because of its design, which is similar to a squirrel and used as a symbol of happiness.[3] In Punjab, when a happy man is asked how he is, he would answer "Ajj Taan Kaato Phullan Te Aa", which translates as "The squirrel is on flowers" (meaning the squirrel is happy).[4]

Design and function

The Kato is composed of a rudimentary squirrel on the end of a stick, both made of wood. The dancer holds the stick and rhythmically pulls a rope attached to the squirrel's mouth and tail, producing a clapping sound.[1][2][3][5]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Pande, Alka (2006). Folk Music and Musical Instruments of Punjab, Volume 1. Mapin Publishing Pvt. Ltd. pp. 128. ISBN 978-1890206154.
  2. ^ a b "Punjabi Music Instruments". www.unp.me. 17 January 2011. Retrieved 10 Mar 2012.
  3. ^ a b c ਅਰੁਣਜੀਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਟਿਵਾਣਾ. "ਭੰਗੜੇ 'ਚ ਵਰਤੇ ਜਾਣ ਵਾਲੇ ਲੋਕ ਸਾਜ਼". An article in Punjabi. www.dhaula.in. Retrieved 10 Mar 2012.
  4. ^ a b "Malwai Giddha". www.unp.me. 22 August 2010. Retrieved 10 Mar 2012.
  5. ^ a b "Kato". www.cmubhangra.com. Archived from the original on January 13, 2012. Retrieved March 17, 2012.
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