Dehradun: The sixth day of the Ninad 2025 State Foundation Day celebrations echoed with the diverse folk traditions of the Himalayas. The first session featured folk songs from Uttarakhand and Ladakh, along with performances of classical music in the open theatre. The session was inaugurated by Doiwala MLA Brajbhushan Gairola, in the presence of Ashish Kumar, Deputy Director, Directorate of Culture Department, and Madhu Bhatt, Vice President of the Uttarakhand Literature, Art and Culture Council.
Jaunsari Culture Enchants the Audience
Artists from the Tribal Area Development Committee, Kathiyan Dangutha, Tyuni, were the first to perform. They welcomed the chief guest with traditional musical instruments. The Harul dance of Jaunsar, an integral part of its culture, mesmerized the audience. Dancers in traditional attire, with women in regional costumes and men holding axes while singing folk ballads, made the performance truly captivating.
Shondol – The Royal Folk Dance of Ladakh
The Shondol dance, also known as the Royal Ladakhi Dance, is a traditional and royal folk performance representing Ladakh’s rich Buddhist culture, folk traditions, and community festivities. The participating women wore traditional Goncha robes, adorned with the unique headgear called Perak, inlaid with turquoise, coral, and silver ornaments. Their attire included woolen fabric, colorful belts, and handcrafted jewelry made by local artisans. The Himalayan Culture Centre witnessed this exquisite dance in all its grandeur today.
Devotional Ambience with Ramcharitmanas
Students from Subharti Institute, Dehradun, rendered verses from Ramcharitmanas, filling the atmosphere with devotion. Students of Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Karanpur, presented Marathi, Rajasthani and classical dance performances. The chief guest felicitated all the performing groups with mementos and congratulated the Department of Culture for organizing such a meaningful event.
Discussion – Nanda Devi Raj Jaat
The second session focused on the Himalayan Mahakumbh – Nanda Devi Raj Jaat. Padma Shri Basanti Bisht, renowned Jagar singer, inaugurated the session with devotional Jagar songs dedicated to Goddess Nanda. She emphasized the importance of proper management of the pilgrimage and the preservation of ancient Jhora songs and Jagars.
Researcher Dr. D.R. Purohit, who has studied various aspects of the Raj Jaat, shared insights into its history. Bhuvan Nautiyal, Secretary of the Nanda Devi Raj Jaat Committee, discussed the various aspects of organizing this unique pilgrimage held every twelve years. Scholar K.D. Singh, who has conducted an extensive study on the Raj Jaat, analyzed its changing forms and traditions.
MoU signed for Cultural Heritage Conservation
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Culture, Uttarakhand, and the Himalayan Society for Heritage and Art Conservation for the effective implementation of a three-year Himalayan Art Conservation Project. This partnership marks a new chapter in preserving Uttarakhand’s invaluable cultural heritage — including historical artifacts, sculptures, paintings, textiles, wooden and metal objects, manuscripts, coins. Supported by Tata Trusts, this collaboration aims to establish a Conservation Centre in Dehradun, where the preservation of historical and cultural assets will be carried out according to international standards.
Under this project, museums across various districts will receive technical assistance, and local museum staff and students will undergo capacity-building and training. The project will be led by Mr. Anupam Sah. A team of expert conservators will ensure the scientific preservation of heritage objects. The collaboration will secure the state’s tangible and intangible heritage, ensure long-term protection of museum collections, provide training and higher education opportunities to local youth, and raise public awareness about heritage conservation.
The MoU was signed by Yugal Kishore Pant, Secretary/Director General of Culture, who said it as a milestone in safeguarding and promoting the state’s cultural heritage for future generations. He also announced that the upcoming workshops at the centre would further strengthen local conservation expertise.
Anupam Sah, Secretary of the Himalayan Society, also signed the agreement. He said that Uttarakhand has become the first Himalayan state to establish a conservation centre in its capital under this project. Expressing gratitude to Tata Trusts, he added that for museums in remote regions unable to transport their collections to Dehradun, the conservation team would conduct on-site treatment.
Representatives from the State Museum, Almora — including Janmejaya Tiwari, Siddharth Chandra, and Vijay Singh were also present there.
Evening Session
The evening began with Mohan Singh Rawat’s Santoor performance
The evening session commenced with a soulful Santoor recital by Mohan Singh Rawat, one of the most renowned and versatile artists from Uttarakhand and the country. He was accompanied by Chitrank Pant on the tabla and Harshvardhan on the tanpura. Shri Rawat, who serves as the Head of the Vocal Department at Bhatkhande Hindustani Music College, Pauri, began his performance with Raag Chandrakauns, presenting it in Vilambit Rupak Taal (three beats).
Japan Foundation inaugurated the musical evening
The program’s chief guest was Dr. Koji Sato, Director General of the Japan Foundation, who inaugurated the cultural evening by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Culture Secretary and Director General Shri Yugal Kishore Pant honored the chief guest by presenting him a memento symbolizing the Brahma Kamal flower.
Himanshu cast a spell of melodies
Young ghazal singer Himanshu Darmoda, accompanied by tabla artist Nishit Gangani, filled the evening with enchanting melodies. Representing the Landed Rhythmistan Music Band, they offered refreshing renditions of songs like “Mora Saiyaan Mo Se Bole Na,” “Aan Milo Sajna,” and “Laagi Re Tujhse Dil Ki Lagan” in Raag Khamaj.
Following this, performances of “Aaj Dil Ki Ibadat” and the finale “Sanu Ik Pal Chain Na Aave – Kehna Galat Galat Toh Chhupana Sahi Sahi” had the audience swaying with joy. The performance concluded with a powerful jugalbandi (duet) between Jaisalmer’s Jakob Khan on khartal and Nishit Gangani on tabla, leaving the audience spellbound.
The audience kept dancing late into the night to the songs of Pritam Bharatwan.
The Ninad Festival, organized under the aegis of the Department of Culture, was entirely dedicated to the king of Jagar, Padma Shri Pritam Bharatwan, and his team. The spectators kept swaying to their performances till late at night.As soon as Padma Shri Pritam Bharatwan took the stage, the entire auditorium echoed with thunderous applause. The audience showered immense love on their favorite artist, and Bharatwan did not disappoint them, delivering one superhit song after another. He began the program with Ram Ganga Nayola Devaton and Shiv Ganga Nayola, followed by popular numbers such as Saruli Meru Jiya Lagige, Chal Meri Saruli Kimasadi Hat Ma, Mata Jogmaya, Band Amaravati, and Binduli Raat Re Gi Zara Si, among many others. Adding to the charm, Anjali Khare joined in with a delightful jugalbandi (duet) performance of the song Chal Bhina Patraula.
