Opening Evening of Sharadotsav
By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 7 Oct: The opening evening of the Mussoorie Sharadotsav’ — returning after nearly 12 years—did not begin with a modern “star night” concert but rather the centuries-old folk faith and Jaagar tradition of the mountains.
At the Town Hall, Padma Shri awardee folk singer Basanti Bisht brought Uttarakhand’s folk culture to life on stage through her traditional rendition of Jaagars. The Jaagars, echoing with her powerful voice, connected the audience not only to the music but also to the spiritual faith and folk beliefs of the hills. During the first cultural evening of Sharadotsav-2026, organized by the Mussoorie Municipal Council, Basanti Bisht and her team performed Jaagars dedicated to deities such as Lord Krishna, Sem Nagraj, and Aanchari. As the melodies unfolded, the atmosphere in the Town Hall became steeped in devotion. The audience listened intently and encouraged the artists with applause.
A distinctive feature of Basanti Bisht’s performance was that she did not present the Jaagar merely as a song; through her singing, she highlighted the underlying faith of the mountains, the reverence for deities, and the region’s folk traditions. The scent of the mountain soil and the depth of folk life were clearly palpable in her voice. Her performance on the festival’s opening evening demonstrated that Uttarakhand’s folk culture continues to captivate people just as it has been an integral part of life in mountain villages for generations.
Municipal Council Chairperson Meera Saklani stated that the objective of ‘Sharadotsav’ extends beyond mere entertainment. A key priority of the event is to showcase Uttarakhand’s folk art, culture, and traditions to tourists from across the country and the globe, and especially to the younger generation. It was noted that with the return of the ‘Sharadotsav’ after a long hiatus, efforts have been made to ensure that the region’s culture and local heritage take center stage in the programming.
Performances by artists like Basanti Bisht can serve as a bridge, connecting the youth to their folk traditions. In an era where many forms of folk culture are gradually fading into the background, providing a platform for them through such events is essential. A large number of tourists, alongside local residents, attended the event. For visitors arriving from other states, Basanti Bisht’s ‘Jaagar’ performance offered a unique opportunity to experience Uttarakhand’s culture up close. The opening evening of the festival also strengthened the bond between tourism and culture. The launch of the festival with Basanti Bisht’s performance conveyed the message that the event’s identity in Mussoorie would not be limited to merely colourful entertainment; rather, the region’s folk heritage, spiritual beliefs, and culture would remain at its core.
