By Sunil Sonker
Mussoorie, 11 Oct: The final evening of the Winter Festival held in Mussoorie belonged to folk singer Karishma Shah and singer Ruhan Bhardwaj. The duo captivated the audience with their magnificent performances and Uttarakhandi folk songs, compelling everyone to groove to the music. The charm of folk culture, the resonance of Pahadi melodies, and the artists’ dynamic partnership made the cultural evening truly memorable. The audience responded with great enthusiasm, thoroughly enjoying the folk songs. Through their performances, Karishma Shah and Ruhan Bhardwaj brought the beauty of Uttarakhand’s folk culture and music to the stage. Youth participation was a notable highlight of the event; the artists were delighted to witness such enthusiasm for Pahadi folk music among young people in this era of modern music.
Speaking during the event, Karishma Shah and Ruhan Bhardwaj remarked that reviving the Winter Festival in Mussoorie after 12 years was a commendable initiative. A special feature of this year’s festival was the prominence given to local artists from Uttarakhand and Mussoorie. This provided local talent with a platform to showcase their art and helped promote the region’s folk culture. They noted that while they perform on various stages across the country and abroad, the love and enthusiasm received from the Mussoorie audience held a special place in their hearts. The connection shared by the local people and their affinity for Pahadi music infuse the artists with renewed energy.
Both artists expressed that seeing the youth connect with their culture and heritage in today’s modern times is a truly gratifying experience. The enthusiasm shown by the youth for Pahadi songs indicates that the new generation is not only embracing its cultural heritage but also enjoying it. It was noted that for any artist, there is no greater joy than having their songs appreciated by audiences both within the country and abroad. The growing popularity of Uttarakhand’s folk songs is helping to project the state’s cultural identity on a broader scale.
Karishma Shah and Ruhan Bhardwaj remarked that audience interest in Uttarakhand’s folk songs is steadily rising. The resonance of Pahadi music is now being heard not only across various parts of India but also internationally, marking a positive trend for the state’s artists and folk music. Expressing their gratitude to the municipal administration and the state government, both artists emphasized the need for such cultural events to continue in the future. These platforms play a vital role in encouraging local artists while also introducing the new generation to Uttarakhand’s folk culture, traditions, and music.
