The traditional musical instruments of Uttarakhand which are fast losing ground to the modern instruments were at display with the associated grandeur and artistry at Rangers ground of provisional state capital of Dehradun on Saturday. The artist captivated the audience with beautiful performances on the instruments such as Dhol, Damau, Ransingha and Muskbeen (bagpiper) on the occasion of a competition.
The competition organised under the aegis of Char Dham Hospital was inaugurated by the Mayor of Dehradun Sunil Uniyal ‘ Gama’ and his wife Shobha Uniyal. The audience were enthralled when the artists enacted the traditional and revered Nanda Raj Jat Yatra.
The beating of Dhols and singing of verses of Jagars ( the traditional verses sung for the deities) captivated those present on the occasion. The artists of Johar valley of Kumaon sang their unique Jagar. The team of Chholia artists with their traditional clothes drew acclaim from the people. The traditional Jagars were accompanied by the captivating and enchanting sounds of local percussion instruments and beating of plates.
Speaking on the occasion the Mayor Gama appreciated the efforts of Dr K P Joshi of Char Dham hospital for organising the event. He said that the assembly of traditional artists at one place is very pleasing and enthusing. The Mayor said that the event would introduce the younger generation with the rich culture of our state. Celebrated folk singer Narendra Singh Negi said that a separate state of Uttarakhand was created to protect the culture and efforts should be made to conserve the traditional and folk arts.
He exhorted the people to come forward for protecting culture. Noted folk singer and recipient of Padmashree Pritam Bharatwan said that the Dhols would survive only when their artists are saved. He said that the Dholis (Drummers) should be respected for preserving the culture.
The director of Char Dham hospital Dr K P Joshi said that the programme is being organised to protect the culture and folk art of the mountainous areas of the state. He said that the programme would continue on Sunday also and in it the folk artists would be honoured. The Director General (DG) police Ashok Kumar, former IPS G S Martolia, director industries Sudhir Nautiyal and others were present on the occasion.
