Pahari folk singer Chander Singh Rahi was one of the most prominent voices of Uttarakhand. The notes that rose from his throat left everybody mesmerized.
Chander Singh Rahi, who sang folk songs of Uttarakhand, was born on 28 March 1942 in Pauri. The village he hails from is Ginwali. He was born in an underprivileged family. Rahi had two brothers. He had no special training in music but had inherited the talent. He received the education of music from his father and managed to maintain that precious legacy very well.
Late Rahi Ji was such a musician of Uttarakhand who was well versed with every rare folk instrument. He also did quite a lot of research on the changing folk music of the state. Chander Singh Rahi was given his early education in music by his father, Dilbar Singh. He believed that he wanted to make songs for the people of Uttarakhand that they would never forget, and that is what he exactly did. During his time, he worked with all the famous litterateurs and artists. It was said that he had a wealth of folk songs. He used to sing and his self-written songs. He was also proficient in playing folk instruments. He used to play Daur, Hudki, Dhol, Damaun, Shinai with great skill.
After learning music in Pauri, Uttarakhand, Chander Singh Rahi went to Delhi and started living there. In Delhi, he participated in cultural activities and became a prominent part of many cultural activities taking place in Delhi. Along with this, he also worked for films made in Garhwali. After a long time, he got a big chance to make films for Doordarshan. That was the opportunity of a lifetime for him. After making films in Doordarshan, he started singing for the All India Radio Station.
Chandra Singh Rahi was always devoted to uplifting the position of laborers, the poor, neglected, and exploited people. He wanted to dedicate his life to working for Uttarakhand. He was also associated with Comrade KamalaramNautiyal of Uttarkashi and traveled extensively, singing songs with a harmonium around his neck that awakened the thoughts of laborers and neglected people. Chandra Singh Rahi Garhwali songs are always towards Uttrakhand culture, people and its biodiversity which made him an Uttarakhandi folk star in very less time.
In January 2016, folk singer Chandra Singh ‘Rahi’ Ji became unwell. Even after many efforts, he could not recover, and on 10 January 2016, he left for his heavenly abode. With his departure, a whole era of folk art came to an end.