Rohit Chauhan, Jitendra Tomkyal, Lalit Mohan Joshi, Harish Joshi & Anuj Jaunsari enthrall audiences with soulful renditions
Dehradun : The second day of the Uttarakhand State Tribal Mahotsav, organised by the State Tribal Research Institute (TRI), unfolded as a vibrant tribute to the state’s rich and diverse tribal heritage. The evening witnessed an electrifying musical showcase by celebrated folk artists Rohit Chauhan, Jitendra Tomkyal, Lalit Mohan Joshi, Harish Joshi, and Anuj Jaunsari, who left the audience spellbound with their soulful and energetic performances. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Cabinet Minister Ganesh Joshi.
Held at Parade Ground, Dehradun, the festival drew an enthusiastic crowd, with visitors swaying and dancing to the rhythmic beats of Uttarakhand’s beloved folk music.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Director, TRI, Yogendra Singh Rawat said, “The Uttarakhand Tribal Mahotsav is a vibrant reflection of our living traditions. It not only preserves the cultural identity of our tribal communities but also creates meaningful connections between artists and audiences through music, art, and shared experiences.”
The evening featured a captivating lineup, beginning with renowned folk singer Rohit Chauhan, known for his deep-rooted connection to Uttarakhandi music. His performances of popular tracks like ‘Ghagri Ku Gheru’, ‘Dhan Singh Ki Gaadi’, and ‘Bhole Mahadev’ resonated strongly with the audience, creating an atmosphere filled with energy and nostalgia.
Adding to the musical charm, Kumaoni folk artists Lalit Mohan Joshi and Harish Joshi delivered mesmerizing performances that beautifully captured the essence of the hills. Their renditions, including ‘O Kafuwa’ and ‘Fauji Dagadiya’, had the audience singing along, celebrating the timeless spirit of regional folk traditions.
The stage was then taken over by Jitendra Tomkyal, a popular voice in contemporary Uttarakhandi folk music known for blending traditional melodies with modern appeal. His performances of ‘Dhana’ and ‘Fik Chaha’ further elevated the evening’s musical fervour.
The cultural night culminated with a high-energy performance by Anuj Jaunsari, whose powerful stage presence and popular tracks such as ‘Mangtu Dada’ and ‘Reshma’ brought the audience to their feet, marking a grand conclusion to the day’s festivities.
The three-day Uttarakhand Tribal Mahotsav, which concludes tomorrow, has been witnessing an impressive turnout of visitors eager to immerse themselves in the state’s cultural richness. One of the major highlights of the festival has been the vibrant exhibition-cum-sale, featuring organic produce, traditional handicrafts including jute products and décor items, along with a wide variety of authentic Uttarakhandi cuisine.
Sharing his views, Coordinator, TRI Uttarakhand, Rajeev Kumar Solanki said, “This Mahotsav is not just a celebration, but a meaningful platform that empowers tribal communities by giving visibility to their art, craftsmanship, and traditions. It is encouraging to see such enthusiastic participation from people across all age groups.”
The daytime program also showcased a series of traditional performances by tribal communities of Uttarakhand including Bhotia, Buksa, Jaunsari, Raji, and Tharu, along with cultural groups from other states, adding to the diversity and vibrancy of the festival.
Also present on the occasion was the Director TRI SS Tolia along with several dignitaries, officials, and cultural enthusiasts.
