A Tribute to the Last Echo of  Uttarakhand’s Folk Legacy

In the serene expanse of the Kumaon hills, amidst the whispers of the wind and the soft rustle of leaves, we gather to bid farewell to a luminary whose voice was the final reverberation of a fading epoch. Today, we mourn the departure of a humble soul, a stalwart custodian of tradition, and a virtuoso of Kumaoni folk music – Prahlad Singh Mehra, affectionately known as Prahlad Da, who infused life into the melodies of our native land.

Prahlad Da transcended mere singing; he embodied a living repository of culture, a torchbearer of authenticity in an era dominated by the clamor of techno beats and pop anthems. Born amidst the misty peaks of Munsiyari Tahsil in the Kumaon Hills, he was nurtured by the timeless harmonies of the region, where each melody bore a narrative, and every rhythm echoed a profound connection to the soil.

From his humble beginnings, serenading intimate gatherings to gracing grand stages that celebrated his artistry, Prahlad Da remained firmly rooted in the essence of his upbringing. With finesse, he wielded local musical instruments, infusing each note with the essence of Uttarakhand – its struggles, its joys, its enduring beauty, and notably, the resilience of its formidable women.

In an era captivated by the allure of mainstream culture, Prahlad Da stood resolute, an unwavering guardian of tradition. Amidst the cacophony of contemporary beats, he steadfastly upheld the sanctity of Kumaoni folk music, ensuring its pristine purity remained untainted. His voice served as a bridge between generations, a poignant reminder of our rich heritage amidst the whirlwind of modernity.

Yet, Prahlad Da’s legacy transcended musical antiquity; he was a voice for the people, an advocate for culture, and a catalyst for change. With an ever-present smile and unyielding spirit, he addressed pressing issues plaguing his beloved Uttarakhand – from environmental conservation to the empowerment of women. His songs were not mere reflections of the landscape; they mirrored society, echoing the joys and sorrows of a community in flux.

With his departure, we mourn not only the loss of a singer-songwriter but the end of an era. The echoes of Kumaon’s folk legacy grow fainter with each passing day, overshadowed by the relentless march of progress. Yet, in the echoes of Prahlad Da’s performances, in the melodies he bequeathed to us, we find solace – a timeless reminder of our roots, our identity, our essence.

As the sun sets over the hills of Uttarakhand, let us remember Prahlad Singh Mehra with reverence, not sorrow – for he was, and forever will be, the last echo of a vanishing era, a guardian of tradition, and a maestro of Kumaoni folk music.

Rest in peace, dear music maestro, your songs will forever resonate in the soul of our beloved Uttarakhand with the signature beats of Hudka and Mask Been.