Reviving the Legacy of Kumaoni Holi of Uttarakhand

Every time a culture fades, a piece of our heritage, history, and identity is lost. The ‘pahadi culture’ of Uttarakhand has been slowly declining as the exodus from the hills has become a significant trend. Kumaoni Holi, a defining attribute of Uttarakhand’s culture, embodies the essence of Kumaon with its music and celebration. However, with time and a dwindling population, this vibrant tradition seems to be fading away.

Typically, a culture is sustained through its youth, but the younger generation of Uttarakhand seems to have overlooked this beautiful tradition, partly due to circumstances beyond their control. However, displacement from one’s home does not always mean abandoning one’s roots. While Kumaoni Holi may not be as popular as modern events like ‘Bollywood Nights’ or college fests, it still lives on in the hearts of those enchanted by childhood memories, striving to revive them.

Girish Chandra Tiwari (Girda), the Jankavi of Uttarakhand, was a pioneer of Kumaoni Holi until his passing in 2010. He penned many songs and poems, such as Basanti Phool and Jogi Aaya, enriching and mainstreaming the tradition. His influence was so profound that Kumaoni Holi became synonymous with Girda. Similarly, Alok Prabhakar, a litterateur and poet from Tehri, sheds light on the glorious past of royal Holi in old Tehri, advocating for the preservation of Uttarakhandi culture.

The Uttarakhand Jan Jagriti Samiti, led by Alok Prabhakar, is actively involved in cultural activism, organizing traditional celebrations like ‘holi milan’ to revive Kumaoni Holi. Basanti Devi Bisht, a legendary folk singer, broke norms by singing Jagars traditionally done by men and was honored with the Padma Shri in 2017. Charu Chandra Pandey, a veteran composer, composed beloved melodies like ‘Yeh Kaisi Nadaani,’ blending Braj Bhasha into Kumaoni and popularizing Kumaoni Holi beyond Kumaon.

Despite challenges, stories like that of the Pahadi folks in Lucknow adapting Brij Holi into their own and the perseverance of women in upholding Mahila Holi inspire hope. Great singers like Neeraj and Navin Pant, along with newer talents like Vyapak Joshi and Hemant Pant, contribute to the rich tapestry of Kumaoni Holi culture.

Legends like Gajendra Adhikari, Purushottam Joshi, Shiv Charan Pandey, Dinesh Pandey, Sanjay Joshi, and Maheshanand Gaur have left indelible marks, preserving and enriching the legacy of Kumaoni Holi. Their efforts ensure that the younger generation reconnects with its roots, experiencing the awe-inspiring spectacle of Kumaoni Holi. Truly, their contributions are LEGENDARY.