Before meeting an artist in person, forming a bond over a call often leads to a unique and continuous experience. The excitement of finally meeting them and the anticipation of hearing their music is indescribable—like finding a needle in a haystack. This time, our documentation journey took us to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, specifically to Almora, known as the Cultural Capital of Kumaon.
Almora is a treasure trove of Kumaoni culture and traditions, home to many artists who keep traditional songs alive with their enchanting performances. Among them, Bhaskar Bhauryal stands out. Initially appearing ordinary, Bhaskar’s music captivates anyone who hears it. Our meeting place was Doli Dana, a beautiful spot often reached by foot. However, due to our recording equipment, we had to drive up the challenging terrain. At the top, a serene temple dedicated to a goddess welcomed us, where devotees come to offer prayers every morning and evening.
Bhaskar arrived, clad in a traditional lungi, with a khanjari in hand and a turban on his head, accompanied by three other young artists. Despite their youth, these artists proudly sing folk songs rooted in their culture and traditions. Some of them are farmers, others returned to music after completing their education and jobs, while some are dedicated solely to preserving their cultural heritage. Bhaskar, originally from a village near Bageshwar, completed his education in Almora. His passion for folk music and his desire to innovate while preserving its essence is evident in his work.
He shared that although there wasn’t a professional musical environment at home, his mother loved to sing traditional songs, which sparked his love for music. He considers his mother his first guru, who laid the foundation of music in his life. His Instagram page reveals his deep connection with folk songs and the people who sing them. Whether singing with women working in the fields, playing hudka on temple steps, or joining elderly women in the hills, He finds joy in performing these songs in their authentic settings. He frequently meets artists from different regions, learning from them and incorporating elements of their music into his own in a respectful and innovative manner. He doesn’t consider any one person his guru. Instead, he believes in learning from every talented person he meets, continually expanding his musical knowledge. This openness to learning is evident in his interactions, as he always strives to understand and appreciate every perspective.
One of his songs, “Mankhi re,” is a spiritual piece that describes the human body as a vessel and narrates the journey from birth to death and the experiences it undergoes. He believes humanity is the greatest religion and prefers songs that positively impact society. At such a young age, preserving and promoting cultural songs is commendable. Besides singing, Bhaskar is also interested in writing. His upcoming song, “Syahi Mein Kalam,” written in the jagar style, carries a message of unity and resilience, encouraging people to move forward without losing hope. His group includes instruments like the moorchang, also known locally as Binai, the Hudka, a drum commonly used in local songs, and the harmonium. As their sounds echoed through the hills, we felt an unparalleled sense of bliss, as if we were in heaven, privileged to listen to such divine music. Bhaskar considers people and nature as his sources of energy, which inspire him to keep making music. He believes that if his songs can bring a smile to someone’s face, there’s nothing better. Our journey couldn’t have started on a better note.
