Chandrasingh Rahi

Chandra Singh Rahi was born on 24 March 1942. He was a famous musician, balladeer, poet, storyteller, and folk singer. Chandra Singh was also known as a culture conservator. He was born in Diwali, a place in Uttarakhand. Chandra used to play folk music of Uttarakhand, Garhwal, and India. Rahi is described as the ‘Bhishma Pitamah’ of Uttarakhand folk music due to his great devotion to and culture of Uttarakhand. Rahi begins his musical career at All India Radio’s Delhi Station. Rahi has presented 550 pieces in Kumaoni and Garhwali languages. Rahi was the first among the Garhwali whose voice was on the radio. Chandra Singh’s mentor Kanhaiyalal Dandriyal has given him the nickname Rahi. Chandra Singh has performed over 1500 songs across India. Chandra Singh was also a poet and songwriter. He has written monographs and composed music.

Rahi was among the people in Uttarakhand who could play all folk instruments. Rahi has a collection of songs that has the folk forms of Uttarakhand. Chandra Singh Rahi has written the book Name a Comprehensive Study of the Songs, Musical Instruments, and Dances of the Central Himalayas. His book was published in Sanskriti Kala Parishad. Chandra Singh Rahi has been honored with various awards like Mohan Upreti Lok Sanskriti Kala Samman, Dr.Shivanand Nautiyal Smriti Puraskar, Garh Bharati, Garhwal Sabha Samman Patra, and Monal Sanstha, Lucknow Samman Patra. Chandra Singh Rahi was born in a modest Ghadiyal family. His Father was Dilbar Singh Negi, and his mother was Sundara Devi. Rahi’s Father was also a singer.

He used to sing the jaguar music of Uttarakhand. Rahi and his brother learned the tradition of Pahari music from Dilbar Singh Negi. Chandra Singh also knows the theme of the Himalayas from Early life. In his adulthood, Rahi learned classical music from Bachan Singh. Chandra Singh Rahi also worked in the Telecom department. Rahi used to invest in finance rather than investing in home and used the finances to record Uttarakhand folk music. Chandra Singh’s wife’s name is Sudha. They both have four sons and one daughter. Rahi’s whole family is in the field of music. His eldest son has worked with him since childhood, and his youngest son works in an Indian rock-pop band as a rhythm. Rahi has established his music company named Pahadi soul. Chandra Singh Rahi passed away at the age of 73.