Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the celebration of Igas Bagwal, a traditional folk festival of Uttarakhand, held at the residence of Rajya Sabha MP Anil Baluni in Delhi. This festival, observed 11 days after Diwali, symbolizes the rich cultural heritage of Uttarakhand. During the event, the Prime Minister performed gau puja (worship of cows) and lit a sacred fire. The event featured captivating cultural performances by renowned artists from Uttarakhand, including Ruhan Bhardwaj and Karishma Shah. Their traditional songs and dances enthralled the audience. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, yoga guru Baba Ramdev, and several other prominent figures were also in attendance. The Prime Minister praised the local community for preserving the cultural traditions of Uttarakhand and expressed happiness over the festival gaining national recognition. Cultural Performances by Ruhaan Bhardwaj and Karishma Shah Ruhaan Bhardwaj and Karishma Shah, two celebrated artists from Uttarakhand, showcased their talents at the event, highlighting the state’s vibrant culture and traditions. Ruhan’s soulful singing captivated the audience, while Karishma mesmerized everyone with her traditional folk dance. These performances aimed to present Uttarakhand’s rich heritage before the Prime Minister, who lauded their efforts to keep these traditions alive. About Ruhan Bhardwaj . Hometown: Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand • Ruhaan inherited his passion for music from his father, Shri O.P. Bhardwaj, a noted folk musician. • Trained in music and instruments since childhood, he is now a renowned YouTube artist with over 2.79 lakh subscribers. • His song “Ab Lagalu Mandaan” has garnered more than 5.7 million views. • Ruhan has actively promoted Uttarakhand’s culture through his performances at various cultural events. About Karishma Shah • Hometown: Dehradun, Uttarakhand • Karishma is a talented singer, songwriter, and performer. She sings in Hindi, Garhwali, Kumaoni, Punjabi, and other languages. • Her unique style and energetic performances have made her a social media sensation. • She has performed on leading radio channels and at prestigious events, earning national recognition for her singing. A Dynamic Duo Ruhan and Karishma first collaborated in 2018 on the song “Radha Rukmini”, which became a hit on YouTube. Together, they have reimagined Uttarakhand’s folk culture with a modern touch through their songs and videos. Their recent performance in front of Prime Minister Modi further underscored their dedication to promoting Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage, giving it a well-deserved platform on a national stage.
