Garhwal Post Bureau
Mussoorie, 8 Oct: The second evening of the ‘Sharadotsav’ was dedicated to the folk music of Uttarakhand. The atmosphere at the Town Hall transformed completely as soon as the melodies of Pahadi songs began to resonate. Folk artists from Uttarakhand, including Sangeeta Dhaundiyal, Manoj Sagar, Gajendra Rana, Manju Nautiyal, Mannu Vandana, and Virendra Singh Panwar, kept the audience dancing late into the night with their performances. A highlight of the evening was that the stage showcased not just music, but a comprehensive picture of Uttarakhand’s evolving musical culture. Through performances ranging from traditional Pahadi tunes to songs crafted in contemporary styles, the artists demonstrated that Pahadi music is no longer confined merely to the mountains.
The folk artists present at the ‘Star Night’ remarked that Uttarakhand’s music today rivals that of any major musical platform. Thanks to digital platforms and social media, Pahadi songs are finding new audiences both within the country and abroad. The artists noted that superior cinematography in music videos, modern musical arrangements, and innovative experiments are making these songs popular among the youth. High-quality videos and filming for many Pahadi songs have garnered them widespread recognition. According to the artists, while modernity has certainly been infused into folk music, the essence of the region—its soil, dialects, and folk melodies—remains its true identity. They expressed the view that sharing the stage allows new and veteran artists to come together, thereby further strengthening this musical tradition. Folk artists described the Mussoorie Winter Festival (Sharadotsav) as a significant platform for artists from Uttarakhand. They noted that many artists began their journeys here before advancing to larger stages; thus, the festival’s return after 12 years marks a special occasion for them. Performing Uttarakhand’s folk songs before tourists from across the country and abroad in a destination like Mussoorie offers a unique experience, providing an opportunity to share the region’s hill culture with people from outside the state.
Welcoming the artists, Municipal Council Chairperson Meera Saklani stated that the objective behind reviving the festival was not merely to host entertainment programs, but to strengthen Mussoorie’s cultural identity and provide a platform for local artists. She emphasized her aim to highlight Uttarakhand’s folk culture and enable local artists to showcase their talents. Noting that the festival has returned after a hiatus of nearly 12 years, she mentioned efforts to re-establish it as a regular and grand event.
Saklani acknowledged the support received from municipal officials, councillors, and staff. She added that the residents of Mussoorie are also enthusiastic about the festival, attending the events in large numbers. She expressed hope that with continued public support, the festival could be organized on an even larger scale in the coming years. The Chairperson explained that this year’s festival is not limited to cultural programs; sports activities and competitions are being organized across various parts of Mussoorie to engage youth and children, with participants ranging from young children to seasoned athletes. The goal, she noted, is to provide a platform for every segment of Mussoorie’s population to showcase their talents—whether in music, folk art, or sports. The Town Hall was packed to capacity during the artists’ performances at the ‘Star Night’. Not only the youth but also locals and tourists were seen dancing to popular *Pahari* songs. The audience hummed along with the performers and cheered them on with applause.
