Ululululu...... yes that may sound funny and most non-bengalis(outside Bengal) who have attended a Bengali ceremony or rituals must have asked his/her Bengali friend ¨what is that funny thing you people do in your rituals where all the woman roll their tongues and make sounds??¨
Yes, that sound is called ¨uludhoni¨(Bengali) and uluation all throughout the world.It is done by producing a high-pitched loud voice accompanied with a rapid back and forth movement of the tongue and the uvula(connective tissue, on the posterior end). It brings kind of singing which is either practiced alone or a group of people(generally ladies) expressing their strong emotions and to bring positivity on the sarrounding.It is practiced in various functions like in ceremonies(specially at subho dristi where the bride sees her groom for the first time), during pujas, and many other occasions.
Ululation is practiced in many other cultures in and outside India. Most of the holy rituals in any religion makes a certain kind of sounds or songs which brings positivity to that place like in few religions ¨Sankha¨(a conch shell) is used to make holy sounds etc. Sound of ululation is terrifically strong for the people in and around that region can easily recognize from long distance that there is something going on (during early morning if you listen a sharp thrilling sound of rolling of tongue know it there must be a Bengali wedding next day nearby).
Ululation is not only practiced in certain parts on India (mostly east) but also it is popular in other parts of the World. Every language every religion has its own name with its own significance for ululation.
As a part of Ethiopian culture uluation is called as ¨Ilitait¨ a part of singing for them in thrilled sand in various festivals and occasions or sometimes they ululate at their Sunday church. Rest of Africa generally ululate to cheer, mourn or generally for attention seeking. Whereas in Europe woman ululate as a signal of celebration for the shepherds. Among Lakota people(generally originated at down part of Mississippi river) yell ¨lililili!¨ to praise the warriors. Among Indians, it is generally practiced among Hindus and popular by the name of Bengali, it is also named as ¨Hula-huli¨ is Odhisa and among Assamese it is called as ¨uruli¨(mostly during weddings which is called biya), whereasTamilians calls it ¨Kulavai¨.
As a part of culture Uluation has being carried down since centuries around the World and still being followed and believed to spread positivity.
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| group of ladies ululating during durga puja |
