Chander Singh Rahi Biography 
Chander Singh Rahi was a well-known folk singer and musician from Uttarakhand. He was also a writer and poet, and cultural conservator. For his timeless contributions towards the field of folk music, he is addressed as “Bhishma Pitamah of Uttarakhand folk music”. Rahi collected, revived and curated more than 2500 age-old traditional songs covering various folk forms of Uttarakhand. Those folk forms include Khuder Geet, Sanskar Geet, Barhai, Panwara, Mela Geet, Jhaura, Pandavani, Chaunfla, Thadiya, Jaagar etc. He also collected folk musical instruments of Uttarakhand. He authored one book related to folk music titled 'A comprehensive study of the songs, musical instruments and dances of the Central Himalayas'.
His full name is Chander Singh Negi. He was born to Dilbar Singh and Sundara Negi in Giwali village in Maudadsyun, in the year 1942. They traditionally followed Pahadi music, and he along with his brother inherited it from their father. Rahi learnt the foundations of Pahadi music, and used to accompany his father for his music performances, as a part of his living. Later he also learnt classical music. Rahi sold flutes for a living during his early days in Delhi. Later he got a government job with the Telecom department, and lived in Delhi in a rental for 40 years. Whatever he saved, he used that money to record folk songs in his voice.
Rahi sang more than 550 songs of Garhwali and Kumaoni language and has released over 140 cassettes during his lifetime. He passed away on 10th January 2016 at the age of 73. Many of his family members followed his legacy, and are into the musical field. His youngest son Rakesh Bhardwaj is a rhythmist in the Indian rock-pop band Euphoria.
Published: October 30, 2018
Updated: October 30, 2018
