Panchali is an oral narrative form of songs and stories in Assamese and Bengali culture.[1](panchali gaan collectively refers to the Bengali ballad songs) During a panchali recitation, the singer walks among the listeners making gestures to accompany the story.[2] The tradition is found among both Hindu and Muslim communities.[3] The themes are typically religious and reflect a variety of impacts on the culture through a period of several centuries.[4] Some focus on the duties of a good wife.[1]
Interspersed in the presentation of Bengali folk opera, there are frequently breaks which are filled with panchali and other forms of songs.[5] The panchali is followed by the singing of a religious song in Assam.[6]
Some popular Bengali "panchali"s include Lokkhir panchali (The Ballad of Goddess Lakshmi), Sriram panchali (The Ballad Lord Rāma), Bishohorir panchali (The Ballad of Goddess Manasā).
