Anyone who thinks that the ongoing farmers` protest is a mere ripple in a pond, and not a tidal wave sweeping across the country, is being an ostrich with its head buried in the sand. It is one of the largest organised protests in Indian history, one that has jolted the central government into taking reconciliatory steps. What it`s also done is spawn a whole host of songs that ignite the passions of the people who are braving an unforgiving winter while camping at sites along the border of the national capital. The lyrics are mainly in Punjabi and Haryanvi - which have become the lingua franca of the movement - and an event this weekend, called Songs of the Soil, will dissect the role they play in fanning the flames of this protest.

Farmers protesting at the Singhu border in New Delhi. Pic/PTI