Uttarakhand is famous for its beauty and ancient temples. It has beautiful views and mountain spots that attract the attention of all visitors. Uttarakhand Folk music represents the culture, tradition, and history of a nation. There are many folk music styles in Uttarakhand. The Garhwal and Kumaon regions are particularly famous for the folk music of Uttarakhand. They represent different stories and acknowledge people about their ancestral past. The culture of Uttarakhand is vibrant, and the various musical forms and folk songs of Uttarakhand reflect the same. Folk songs of Uttarakhand are performed on various occasions and festivals.
The art of music also draws inspiration from the fascinating mythological music, which inhabits the snow-capped peaks and is variously described as anchoris, ketchery, or parrys. Melody plays a significant role in the musical genre while people collect specific notes to perform music and worship. ‘Churra’ folk songs are sung among the shepherds. These are a form of advice given by the elders to the youth. They are songs of wisdom given to children by elderly shepherds. These songs contain essential teachings that shepherds learned during their lives that they impart to young shepherds who are beginning their journey.
Churra are beautifully written and widely popular folk songs for shepherds. For decades, older shepherds have sung Churra to their next generations as a suggestion from their own experience about grazing goats and sheep. The lyrics of Churra in Uttarakhand have deep meaning and an emotional aspect as older adults share their feelings with the youth. Every time a young man is about to step into the shoes of a shepherd, he is warned about the dos and don’ts of shepherd life. He is told that a shepherd must obey his elders, who have been in this livelihood for a long time.