Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 26 Nov: The fifth edition of Uttarakhand Folk Heritage–2025 is set to be held this year in an even more grand and vibrant format. On 29–30 November, the campus of Social Baluni Public School will come alive with traditional folk songs, dances, cultural performances, and the charm of hill handicrafts.
The festival will be inaugurated by Dharampur MLA Vinod Chamoli and Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, while Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami will attend the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
During a press conference held at the Press Club, Uttarakhand Lok Virasat Trust President Dr KP Joshi and Patron SC Nautiyal said that the objective of the Folk Heritage Festival is to connect hidden cultural talent from village levels to a larger platform and to give economically weaker artists an opportunity to showcase their art in the state capital. They emphasised that folk music, instruments, forgotten songs, traditional dances, attire, and handicrafts of the hills must be preserved in rapidly changing times—and this festival is an important step in that direction.
Dr Joshi added that the festival will give special emphasis to identifying handicrafts, traditional instruments, folk dances, and local skills produced in villages and providing them a state-level platform. He said the festival aims to curb migration from the hills, connect local artists with livelihood opportunities, and strengthen the demand for government support in allocating fixed financial assistance for artists in every village. The Trust also aims to contribute to social welfare, including supporting economically weak artists and initiating a campaign to adopt orphaned children.
The festival will be organised in four major segments:
- Lok Rang
Folk singers, musicians and dancers from Garhwal, Kumaon, Jaunsar, Rangpa and the Rung community will fill the atmosphere with ancient mountain melodies and rhythms.
- Lara–Latta, Gauna–Pata
This segment will feature a captivating showcase of traditional attire and jewellery from Chaudankot Salan, Takanor Valley, Chamoli, Niti–Mana, the Bhotia tribe, Rung–Dharchula, Kumaon and Jaunsar.
- Geet Sandhya
Renowned Uttarakhand folk legends Narendra Singh Negi and Padma Shri awardee Dr Preetam Bhartwan will perform. Along with them, emerging young artists will also present their talent, giving new performers an opportunity to shine.
- Handicraft Exhibition
Artisans from remote villages will display their products, musical instruments and traditional crafts, helping local art reach new markets.
The organisers believe that this festival will not only infuse new energy into Uttarakhand’s rich cultural heritage but will also inspire the youth to understand and embrace their roots and traditions.
