Comparing Hindu-Sufi Mystical Musical Understanding in India

The geography of India, whose history dates back to ancient times, has become the settlement and development center of different cultures and beliefs. Cultures and religious beliefs, which have been neighbours for many years, have also been highly influenced by each other. This interaction has brought with it different new cultural and religious formations. In the region of India, there are a number of religious songs sung in choirs to commemorate the holy Gods. These songs are sung by the choir and the crowded band and their instruments during the rituals. These songs, which have a mystical background, are seen to be very popular in Indian Sufi lodges and among Sufis. Although Hindu and Sufi believers call the mystical songs they sing by different names, the purpose, melody, sung style, and artistic weight of the songs are the same. Hindus often sing these mystical hymns, which they call Bhajan, on special days. The Sufis have called it Qawwali, and they have been changing the name of remembrance of Allah by decorating it with religious chants and Islamic motifs in dervish lodges and religious places for many years.