October 2026

Everyone has heard the song “Bedu Pako Baro Masa.” If you know about Uttarakhand and its culture, you’ve certainly heard this song as well. “Bedu Pako Baro Masa” isn’t just a folk song from the land of gods, but it embodies the soul, culture, and identity of the mountains. Originating from the valleys of Kumaon and Garhwal, this song has gained worldwide recognition. Yet, even today, many people still have a deep appreciation for this song. The credit for bringing this evergreen song to international recognition goes to the legendary theatre personality and musician Mohan Upreti. Mohan Upreti first sang it on stage at the Government Inter College (GIC) in Nainital in 1952. Given the song’s immense popularity, Mohan Upreti and Naima Khan Upreti recorded it for the renowned music label His Master’s Voice (HMV). Brijendra Lal Shah wrote the lyrics, while Mohan Upreti and Brijmohan Shah composed the music. Mohan Upreti, a renowned figure in Uttarakhand, is remembered for his efforts to revive Uttarakhandi folk music and preserve old Uttarakhandi ballads, songs, and folk traditions. Mohan Upreti is best known for his song “Bedu Pako Baro Masa.” Mohan Upreti, 1928, Almora. This song reflects the direct connection between Uttarakhand’s mountain life, its nature, and its people. The weather and beauty of the mountains are depicted through “bedu” (a type of wild fig) and “kafal” (a sweet and sour mountain fruit). A very interesting historical anecdote related to this song involves India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. In 1955, Mohan Upreti’s troupe sang this song in front of Nehru during an event organized to welcome Soviet leaders (Khrushchev and Bulganin) at Teen Murti Bhavan in Delhi. Jawaharlal Nehru was so impressed by the melody and energy that he couldn’t help but join in the dance. Nehru subsequently declared the song his favorite folk song. Impressed by the song, Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru nicknamed Mohan Upreti “Bedu Pako Boy.”