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“Bedu Pako Baro Masa”: The Evergreen Uttarakhand Folk Anthem That Made Mohan Upreti Pandit Nehru’s ‘Bedu Pako Boy’

Hillywood, Music, Uttarakhand | October 7, 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.”

“Bedu Pako Baro Masa”: The Evergreen Uttarakhand Folk Anthem That Made Mohan Upreti Pandit Nehru’s ‘Bedu Pako Boy’ Read More »

Badrinath Controversy: Priyanka Meher Faces Social Media Backlash, Questions Raised Over Singling Out the Artist…

Hillywood, Uttarakhand | September 28, 2026

The controversy surrounding a cultural event near Badrinath Dham has sparked a heated debate on social media, with Uttarakhand folk singer Priyanka Meher at the centre of the discussion.Videos of her performance at the Devbhoomi Cultural Festival 2026 have gone viral, prompting criticism over the nature of the event and the use of music and dance near the sacred pilgrimage site.Several social media users and religious representatives have raised concerns about maintaining the sanctity and religious traditions of Badrinath Dham. At the same time, the controversy has led to a wave of comments targeting Priyanka Meher personally.While questions about religious decorum and the choice of venue deserve discussion, another important question is being raised: Why is the entire controversy revolving around the artist, when the event was organized with the involvement of the authorities and organizers? According to reports, the festival was organised under the Indian Army’s Operation Sadbhavana initiative, in collaboration with the Chamoli district administration and the Uttarakhand Tourism Department.The district administration has stated that the Army was responsible for conducting the programme and selecting the performances.The debate has now extended beyond the event itself, with discussions focusing on the responsibility of the organizers, the role of the administration, and the treatment of artists on social media.Respecting the religious significance of Badrinath Dham and respecting artists should not be treated as opposing issues. Questions about the event should be addressed through facts and accountability, rather than personal attacks.The central question remains: Who should be held accountable for the decisions behind the event, and why is the artist alone facing so much public criticism?

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Uttarakhand Film Awards 2024 & 2025: First-Ever State Honours for Local Films, Languages & Talent; Entries Open Till Oct 16

Awards, CM Dhami, Hillywood, Uttarakhand | September 18, 2026

As part of a major initiative by the Uttarakhand Film Development Council (UFDC), the official “Uttarakhand Film Awards 2024 and 2025” will be held in Uttarakhand for the first time. The primary objective of this state-level award is to provide a major national platform and recognition to Uttarakhand’s local films, languages (such as Garhwali, Kumaoni, and Jaunsari), local artists, and technical talent. Films produced or filmed in Uttarakhand in 2024 and 2025, as well as films produced in Uttarakhand’s regional dialects, Hindi, and other Indian languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, will be honored. Outstanding artists, technicians, and other creative individuals associated with the film industry will also be honored. Digital entries and online applications for the “Uttarakhand Film Awards 2024 and 2025” film awards began on September 15th, with the deadline being October 16th, 2026. Eligible films and artists can apply by visiting the official website of the Uttarakhand Film Development Council, ufdc.uk.gov.in. According to data released by the Uttarakhand Film Development Council, more than 1,440 film shooting/NOC-related activities have been registered in the state from 2019-20 to 2025-26. This has increased employment and self-employment opportunities in the state, not only in film production but also in hotels, transportation, catering, local services, and other sectors. Banshidhar Tiwari, Chief Executive Officer of the Uttarakhand Film Development Council, stated that the inaugural Uttarakhand Film Awards 2024 and 2025 are an important initiative to honor and recognize local films, languages, artists, and technical talent.

Uttarakhand Film Awards 2024 & 2025: First-Ever State Honours for Local Films, Languages & Talent; Entries Open Till Oct 16 Read More »

Dandi-Kanthi Club to Honour 17 Folk Artists with State Musical Instruments Award 2026 in Dehradun…

Hillywood, Uttarakhand | September 16, 2026

A special cultural event will be held in Dehradun on September 17th to promote Uttarakhand’s rich folk culture and traditional musical instruments. Organized by the Dandi-Kanthi Club, the event will honor 17 folk artists from across the state with the “State Musical Instruments Award 2026.” The event will be held in the Culture Department auditorium from 5 p.m. The event will also feature performances of Uttarakhand’s traditional folk genres and folk instruments. Performances of traditional instruments, including the Dhol-Damaun, along with Jagar, Pawad, folk songs, and folk dances, will be key highlights. The event aims to honor artists who have contributed to the promotion of the mountain’s folk traditions and cultural heritage over the years. Five senior officials who have made significant contributions to the field of folk culture will also be honored with the “Dandi-Kanthi Ratna 2026” award. Folk artists, Jagari, Dhol players, literary figures, and culture lovers from various regions of the state will participate in the event. Organizers say that in these changing times, it’s essential to preserve traditional folk forms so that the new generation can remain connected to their cultural roots and folk traditions. According to Vijay Bhushan Uniyal, President of the Dandi-Kanthi Club, the club is continuously working to preserve Uttarakhand’s folk culture and traditional arts. The awards ceremony aims to not only encourage artists but also connect the younger generation with the state’s cultural heritage.

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UBFDB proposes planting bamboo trees along expressways to NHAI…

Hillywood | August 16, 2026

The Uttarakhand Bamboo and Fiber Development Board has submitted an important proposal to NHAI to prevent soil erosion and reduce vehicle noise on the Uttarakhand Expressway. The UBFD Board has submitted a proposal to NHAI to plant bamboo along expressways in Uttarakhand. This will help prevent soil erosion during rains and reduce vehicle noise. It will also help purify the environment. The Board has suggested planting local bamboo species along all expressways. Soil erosion along expressways and highways causes road sinking. This also leads to road accidents, which can be reduced by planting bamboo. Bamboo plants develop a strong grip on the soil within two to three years and prevent soil erosion even during heavy rains. Landslides are a major problem in hilly states, causing loss of life and property. Planting bamboo can significantly reduce the damage caused by landslides. It will also prevent fertile soil from being washed away. Dense bamboo thickets provide a favorable environment for many animals and birds. Furthermore, bamboo is considered a favorite food for elephants and other animals, promoting wildlife. Bamboo plants provide 35 percent more oxygen than other plants. They regenerate rapidly even after being cut. Once planted, they can be harvested for fifty to a hundred years. Wild animals do not harm bamboo plants and do not require any special care. Meenakshi Joshi, Chief Executive Officer of the Uttarakhand Bamboo and Fibre Development Council, stated that due to the benefits of bamboo, it is called green gold. If approval is obtained for planting bamboo along the expressway, it will not only help prevent soil erosion but also provide employment to local people.

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Dharali-Like Disaster Threat Looms Over Uttarakhand: 49 Vulnerable Zones Identified

Hillywood | August 10, 2026

Dharali-like Disaster Awaits In Uttarakhand: Uttarakhand is once again facing the threat of a natural disaster like Dharali. Due to this, the State Disaster Management Authority has expressed concern about the danger of debris flows in the border mountainous regions of the state. Based on geo-spatial mapping and field assessment, a list of 49 locations in Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Pithoragarh districts has been compiled where there is a possibility of significant devastation due to rapid debris flows in the near future. Of these, 11 have been declared high-risk zones. Chamoli (total 22 locations) Pithoragarh (total 16 locations): Uttarkashi (11 locations): The study conducted by the State Disaster Management Authority closely examined the area’s topography, old landslide scars, glaciers, drainage channels, existing population and roads. Of the 49 vulnerable locations identified by the department, 11 have been categorized as high risk, 30 as medium risk, and 8 as low risk. Disaster Management Secretary Vinod Suman stated that the District Magistrates have been instructed to assess the ground conditions at these identified locations and prepare a detailed risk mitigation report, which will be submitted to the government. The report released by the department raises the greatest concern about the Char Dham Yatra and national highways. According to the report, many high-risk zones are located directly above the main national highways, bridges, and local settlements leading to Badrinath and Gangotri, posing a threat to the Char Dham Yatra.

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Uttarakhand Man Develops India’s First Single-Seater Electric Flying Car Prototype

Hillywood | August 8, 2026

Ravi Tamta of Uttarakhand has made a remarkable invention. After nearly a year of hard work, Ravi Tamta, a resident of Almora district in Uttarakhand, has developed a prototype of a single-seater flying car. He has named this car Hapida Skynex. Ravi developed this Hapida Skynex prototype under his startup, Hapida Sky Private Limited, and successfully flight-tested it. It is completely electric and incorporates drone-like technology. Ravi himself successfully tested the flying car in a field in Almora. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami congratulated Ravi on his success and wished him a bright future. Ravi says this is a significant milestone towards India’s first personal flying vehicle. He shared the news of his achievement on social media, writing that this is the biggest day of his life. He said that the successful first flight of the Hapida Skynex Skynex is the result of years of research, struggle, experimentation and continuous efforts. He called it an important achievement towards India’s first personal flying vehicle. Ravi Tamta says that a long and continuous hard work was done behind this project. This prototype was prepared after experiments were done at many levels and after improving the technology. He is feeling happy and proud after the successful flight.

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Uttarakhand: 34 new cooperative bank branches to open in rural areas, to be operational after RBI approval…

Hillywood | August 4, 2026

To expand banking services in rural areas of Uttarakhand, 34 new branches of the District Cooperative Bank will be opened. The Cooperative Department has approved proposals to open new branches in various districts. With the opening of these new branches, people in remote and rural areas will receive better and modern banking facilities. They will also benefit from various important cooperative schemes. Cooperation Minister Dhan Singh Rawat said that the state government is working to strengthen the rural economy through cooperation. In this regard, a decision has been taken to expand the District Cooperative Banks across the state, under which 34 new branches of the District Cooperative Bank will be opened across the state New District Cooperative Bank branches will open in these locations: Currently, there are 315 District Cooperative Banks operating across the state. With the operation of new branches, the cooperative bank network will be strengthened, due to which farmers, women, self-help groups, small entrepreneurs and rural consumers will get better facilities in financial transactions.

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Rare Species Discovered in Champawat, Increases Chances of Rare Species’ Presence

Hillywood | August 3, 2026

In this era of rare species becoming endangered globally, another endangered species has been spotted in Champawat, Uttarakhand. The rare beetle, Eupatorus hardwickei, with five horns and a shiny shell, has been sighted for the first time in Champawat. Known as the rhinoceros beetle or horned beetle, the discovery of this insect offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of the Champawat region. This species, Eupatorus hardwickei, has five horns and prefers cool, dense evergreen forests with high humidity. Forest experts believe that the presence of this rare beetle, with five horns and a shiny shell, is proof that Champawat’s natural conditions are favorable for rare species. Eupatorus hardwickei was spotted by a local resident on July 18th in the Baleshwar Mahadev Temple complex in Champawat. Continuous efforts were subsequently made to identify and confirm its presence. Following the insect’s identification, the Forest Department and experts have hailed it as a significant discovery. Forest department officials stated that the discovery of this species in Champawat has increased the possibility of the presence of other rare species in the Champawat region. This will provide a new direction for studies related to biodiversity, ecology, and conservation. They also stated that scientific study and conservation of areas where such species are present is essential. Evidence of the use of beetle wings in decorative items dates back to the 15th century. During the Mughal period in India, pieces of beetle wings were also used in zardozi embroidery on royal clothing. The beetle is not only mentioned in biodiversity but is also linked to religious beliefs. According to mythology, it is also associated with the sage Bhringi, mentioned in Hindu mythology. Various religious traditions, including the Shiva Purana, consider Bhringi to be one of the chief ganas of Lord Shiva.

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Supreme Court Lifts 8-Year Night Stay Ban on Uttarakhand Bugyaals, Boost for Tourism

Hillywood | July 31, 2026

A good news is coming for the tourists who want to see Bugyaals of Uttarakhand and want to stay there for the night. The night stay ban imposed on Bugyaals for the last eight years has now been lifted after important instructions of the Supreme Court. The DFO, in its letter dated July 27, ordered the Regional Forest Officer to follow the instructions of the court. In 2018, the Uttarakhand High Court, Nainital, had banned tourists from staying, pitching tents and spending the night in the Bugyals on the writ of Ali Vedani Bugyal Conservation Committee. This ban was imposed in view of environmental protection and decreasing greenery in Bugyala. From Base Camp Lohajung, the youth had built home stays and hotel lodges for the tourists to stay in many villages like Van, Didna, Lohajung, Vank, Kuling, Mundoli etc. But due to the ban on night stay in Bugyal, many home stays have been closed. At the same time, the Supreme Court has issued instructions dated 20th July 2026 to cancel the order of the High Court and remove the ban on night stay in Bugyals. Due to which a wave of happiness is being seen among the youth. At the same time, there is hope among the local people that business will pick up again. Block chief Tejpal Rawat, District Panchayat member Urmila Bisht, Balveer Ram, Roopkund Tourism Development Struggle Committee Chairman Inder Singh Rana, Eco Committee Van Chairman Trilok Bisht expressed happiness over the lifting of the ban on night stay. He said that with the lifting of the ban on night stay in Bugyala, hundreds of youth, guides, porters and tour operators associated with the tourism business will get employment. With the start of night stays, trekking activities will gain momentum and the business of hotels, lodges and home stays will start again. Shopkeepers and taxi operators will also get employment.

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