The folk music of Uttaranchal is primarily related to the various festivals, religious traditions, folk stories and simple life of the people of Uttaranchal. Thus the songs of Uttaranchal are a true reflection of the Cultural Heritage and the way people lives their lives in the Himalayas.
There are many kinds of folk songs from the area, including ceremonial mangals, martial panwaras and melancholy khuded, thadya and jhora.
Musical instruments used in Uttaranchal music include the dhol, damoun, turri, ransingha, dholki, daur, thali, bhankora and masakbhaja. Tabla and harmonium are also used, but to a lesser extent.
The Music and its development have seen various phases of growth and have undergone lots of transformation during the course of time.
The earliest of the singers who left an never ending impressions on the folk music of Uttaranchal were :
1. Shri Narendra Singh Negi who is considered to be the voice of Uttaranchal.
2. Shri Gopal Babu Goswami who is considered to be a legend in Kumaon for his melodious voice.
Other famous personality associated with Kumaoni Folk Music is Mohan Upreti, who is known for his Nanda Devi Jagar & Rajula Malu Shahi Ballad.
Likewise Chander Singh Rahi is another popular singer, a balladeer and storyteller. His recordings are perhaps the most authentic to the hills, and he incorporates many legends and folk tales into his rousing songs.
In the past decade Uttaranchali Music has seen a revolution after the offer by various Music Recording / Cassette Producing agencies such as Rama Video Cassette and T Series who have offered news talents from local areas to make their own Cassettes after getting their songs recorded in the Studios.
This has led to a sudden usurp of number of hidden talents from various corners of Uttaranchal which include famous personalities such as Kalpana Chauhan, Meena Rana, Anuradha Nirala, Fauji Lalit Mohan Joshi, Pritam Bharatwan, Gajendra Rana who have made their contribution to the Garhwali / Kumaoni Music by various hit songs / music albums over the period.
Also, with advance in Technology and easy availability of videocams and other recording devices, lots of talents have started producing music albums which has further led to popularization of Uttaranchali folk dance. In fact, Garhwali/Kumaoni songs have gained so much popularity over the years that they have become integral part of the DJ Music being played during wedding and other functions.
With the rapid growth and popularity in Uttaranchali Music and folk dances, the day is not far when any cultural / social functions / weddings / festivals / Discotheques would have some elements of Uttaranchali Music and folk dances as an integral part.