Kotdwar, Garhwal: “Chal Roopa… ” Writer Maheshanand Gaur, ‘Chandra’ Passes Away
Renowned lyricist of Uttarakhand and distinguished scholar of Garhwali and Kumaoni languages, Maheshanand Gaur “Chandra”, passed away on Thursday in Haldwani. He was 87 years old and had been unwell for several months. His last rites were performed at Chandi Ghat, Haridwar, on Friday.
Originally born in Garhwal, Maheshanand Gaur wrote one of the most popular Garhwali folk songs of the mid-1960s, “Chal Rupa Buraas ka Phool Bani Jaula”. Even today, the tune of this song remains on the lips of the older generation in the world of Uttarakhand’s traditional folk music.
His composition of the classical Kumaoni ‘Baithki Holi’ song “Sabko Mubarak Holi” is also very well known. As a trainer for the Central Government, he served for many years in GIC Almora and Uttarkashi.
His daughter, music teacher and Uttarakhandi folk singer Aarti Upadhyaya, created a video album a few years ago based on her father’s song “Chal Rupa…”, which gained great popularity on YouTube.
Maheshanand ji’s son-in-law, Ashutosh Upadhyay, has been a news editor with the Hindustan Times Group in New Delhi.
