Bakhshi is an epic poem that has played an integral role in the musical and literary heritage of the Uzbeks and Karakalpaks of Uzbekistan throughout history. These centuries-old poems, also called Doston, are based on myths, legends, folk tales, and legendary chants, and are popular for various purposes. These include patriotism, commitment, love, friendship, and solidarity.
Bakhshi refers to the tradition of narrating epic stories with the accompaniment of musical instruments and incorporating cultural practices and practices into the story. The storyteller, often known as a Bakhshi, performs the stories from memory, as well as incorporating melodies and originality into the stories.
The Bakhshis must captivate listeners with their melodies and tell stories in an interesting and original manner. They must also use creative language, word games, proverbs, and phrases to tell those stories, and they must recite those stories from memory.
It should be noted that Doston is more than just a verbal performance. It is also a work of art that is prosaic, poetic, and musical. Indeed, Bakhshi does not only read Doston but sings it as well. The singer is accompanied by a dombra or an instrumental ensemble during a performance. Every element of Doston's artistic composition has been designed to enhance listeners' perception of the work.
The combination of music, poem, and story enhances the listener's perception of the work by focusing on words. The words play an extremely significant role in Doston, but not exclusively. In Doston, a word, a verse, and a text nonetheless carry most of the semantic and artistic burden. They also sound more natural, emotional, and expressive when accompanied by music. While traditionally Bakhshis were men, a group of female Bakhshis emerged in the nineteenth century and continues to play an important role in the tradition.
Today, Bakhshi is an influential part of Uzbek culture, as it is used for family ceremonies, rituals, holiday celebrations, and local festive events. The storytellers are always welcoming guests, and to this day, Bakhshi enjoys significant popularity. The government of Uzbekistan holds high regard for the creative activity of folk narrators. As such, it has provided the honorable title of 'People's Bakhshi of Uzbekistan' for many folk narrators.
As with most traditions associated with epic literature, the traditions have been passed on from master to apprentice, from father to son. One piece of evidence that these traditions are continuing and flourishing is the organization of competitions such as the Bakhshi competition, which was conducted in Uzbekistan in 1975. In addition, the art of Bakhshi is also being studied in various colleges of art (in Karshi, Termez, Urgench, and Nukus) and pedagogical universities throughout the country.