Siliguri to host 3-day Himalayan Folk Festival starting January 10
Siliguri: Siliguri is set to host the Himalayan Folk Festival, a three-day celebration of ethnic music, culture and heritage, from January 10 to 12 at a shopping mall in Matigara.
Organised by Warnamala Pariwar, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving the traditions of the Himalayan region, in collaboration with the Association for Conservation of Tourism (ACT), the event aims to highlight the diverse folk culture of the entire Himalayan belt.
The festival will feature performances by bands and artists from across the region, including Raithane Jhuma Limbu, Emanuel Bardewa Tabernacles, and Daghugs Ladakh.
Adding an international touch, Three Seas, a renowned cross-cultural band from Australia, will also participate. Four members of the band have
travelled to Siliguri specifically for the event.
Matt Keegan, a member of Three Seas, shared the band’s enthusiasm about participating in the festival. “The folk culture of the Himalayan region is fascinating and offers us a chance to learn. This event will also provide a platform for local folk singers to showcase their talent internationally, including in Australia,” he said.
Listing the broader goals of the festival, ACT convenor Raj Basu said: “The Pan Himalayan Festival aims to foster a sense of belonging, especially among the youth, by encouraging the practice of singing in ethnic languages that are rich in wisdom.
Beyond celebrating culture, the festival also advocates for responsible tourism to tackle plastic pollution in Himalayan rivers,” he explained.
Eminent folk singers Sarnu Ram, Sonay Toto, and Phutti Sherpa will be felicitated during the event for their contributions to preserving Himalayan music and traditions. Dewashish Mothey, founder of Warnamala Pariwar said, “This city, with its close proximity to the Himalayan region and international borders, is the perfect venue. We hope this event will boost the culture and heritage of the Himalayan region on a global platform,” he said.
