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The term Uttarakhand music is used to denote folk,religious and contemporary music from both kumaon and garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. The term Uttarakhand music is also used to denote the unique experience of the faithful who enjoy the traditional chalariya dance or hum to the latest musical numbers .

The hills of himalayas have inspired generations of singers and musicians throughout the ages. The natural beauty of the mountains that inspires a deep spirituality, and the values of life have resulted in Uttarakhandi music having a mix of lyrical texture and reprsentying the social,cultural ethos of the place. The traditional forms of Himalayan music have deeply popular. This has been especially true of the Pahari penchant for folksy values, biting humour, raw honesty, loving devotion, and soaring spirits that shines through each of the Uttarakhand songs.The Uttarakhand Himalayas have inspired generations of singers, balladeers, and musicians throughout the ages. Both the natural beauty of the mountains that inspires a deep spirituality, and the harshness of life that darkens the heart with adversity and anguish.Indeed, in face of other homogenizing trends in India, Uttarakhandi music has distinguished itself in retaining its cultural uniqueness and vibrant sound, while remaining popular among the masses.

If the music and dance styles of any region are profuse, it automatically emphasizes the rich cultural heritage. The culture of Uttarakhand is an illustrious example of this trend. Music is integrated to every nook of Uttarakand society. The aura of this mountainous region is such that it had inspired musicians to compose wonderful tunes. Mighty streams of rivers, lushness of the pine forests, rugged mountain peaks, celestial beauties of hill stations-all these became themes of numerous musicals composition. The folk music primarily is related to the various festivals, religious traditions, folk stories and simple life of the people of Uttarakhand. The music of Kumaon and garhwal region is a medley of fine tunes and lyrics. Content is spiritual and it depicts conundrum of the socio- cultural scenario of the state.

Uttarakhandi music, heightening its poignancy and enriching its lyrical texture. The Grahwal and Kumaonese are fond of music, folk dance, and songs accompanied by local musical instruments. They go from place to place narrating folklores, dancing and singing the praise of their gods and goddesses. During fairs and festivals and at harvest time, the Kumaonese often dance the Jharva, Chandhur Chhapalior, and many other forms of folk dances. Major dance forms of the Garhwal region are Langvir Nritya, Barada Nati folk dance, Pandava Nritya, Dhurang, Dhuring and Chhura, Chapeli (folk dances).

Singers -:

Shri Mohan Upreti-: The most famous personality associated with Kumaoni Folk Music is Mohan Upreti, who is known for his Nanda Devi Jagar & Rajula Malu Shahi Ballad.He is famous for the great Kumaoni song Bedu Pako Baro Masa which for many years the identity of the hills of Uttarakahand. It is said this song was also a favourite of Jawahar Lal Nehru who heard it in a band march as this song is also apopular marching song. Sh. Mohan Upreti

Shri Gopal Babu Goshwami-: Shri Gopal Babu Goswami who is considered to be a legend in Kumaon for his melodious voice.His songs on the life of the members of the armed forces and their families like Kaile baje muruli , Ghughuti na basa and many others are legendary, it is said that when these songs were transmitted on All India Radio women with their husbands could not help but weep when they heard the soul touching voice of Gopal Da as he was lovingly called. Sh. Gopal Babu Goshwami

Shri Narendra Singh Negi -: Shri Narendra Singh Negi who is considered to be the voice of Garhwal. Likewise Chander Singh Rahi is another popular singer, a balladeer and storyteller. His recordings are perhaps the most authentic to the hills, and he incorporates many legends and folk tales into his rousing songs. Sh. Narendra Singh Negi

Shri Chander Singh Rahi-: Chander Singh Rahi, another popular singer, is both a balladeer and storyteller. His recordings are perhaps the most authentic to the hills, and he incorporates many legends and folk tales into his rousing songs. Sh. Chander Singh Rahi

This has led to a sudden surge of a number of hidden talents from various corners of Uttarakhand which include famous personalities such as -:

Fauji Lalit Mohan Joshi, Heera Singh Rana, Kalpana Chauhan, Meena Rana, Anuradha Nirala, Pritam Bharatwan, Gajendra Rana

who have made their contribution to the Kumaoni / Garhwali Music by various hit songs / music albums over the period. Heera Singh Rana is identified as a singer and a social activist whose songs tell the tale of the pain of the people of the hills .