Gambhari Devi Biography 
Gambhari Devi was a veteran folk singer from Himachal Pradesh. Known as a Folk Musician, Dancer and Entertainer, she was also related to folk studies and research works. As an artist, she is known for her contributions towards the folk culture of Himachal Pradesh. She was honoured with Tagore Akademi Puruskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2011. She was also a recipient of Himachal Academy of Arts in 2001. A place called Gambher pool in Himachal Pradesh has been named after her. She passed away in 2013.
Gambhari Devi was born in Bandla village of Bilaspur district in Himachal Pradesh in 1922. She started performing at the age of 8. But following her marriage at a younger age, she was restricted from singing and performing. Yet she continued with her profession even after marriage, and later established a name in the field of Himachal folk music. She was so talented that society slowly forgot the stigma associated with girls performing in public places. Later she was frequently called for local functions, and there was a time when a public function was incomplete without her performance. It includes marriage ceremonies too.
Seen as an idol of romance, people started coming from distant places to watch her performing. She was accompanied by a drummer and a wrestler for her performances. The wrestler Basanta Pehlwaan later went on to become an iconic figure in Himachal culture. They formed a romantic couple, though they never married legally. Conservative society was not willing to accept their relationship, and later Basanta Pehlwaan married another woman. She continued with her performances till the last stage of her life, except a few months. She passed away on 8 January 2013 aged 91.
Published: February 07, 2019
Updated: February 07, 2019
