The folk music of Uttarakhand refers to the traditional and contemporary songs of Kumaon and Garhwal regions in the foothills of Himalayas. This music has its root in nature and the hilly terrain of the region. The folk songs of Uttarakhand are a reflection of the cultural heritage and the way people live their lives in the Himalayas. Common themes in the folk music include the beauty of nature, various seasons, festivals, religious traditions, cultural practices, folk stories, historical characters, the bravery of ancestors, and love ballads. The folk songs sung in Uttarakhandi music include the dhol damau, Turri, ransingha, dholki, daur, thali, bhankora and mashakbaja. Tabla and harmonium are also sometimes used, especially in recorded folk music from the 1960s onwards. In recent years, Uttarakhandi folk songs have transformed. Generic Indian and global musical instruments have been incorporated in modern popular folks by singers like Gajendra Rana, Narendra Singh Negi, Gopal Babu Goswami, Mohan Upreti, Chander Singh Rahi, etc. Modern themes include geopolitical issues affecting the region, humor, and nostalgia for the hills by the diaspora. Traditional folk songs from the region, include ceremonial Mandal, martial panwara, melancholy khuder, religious jagar, thadya, and jhora. Prominent folk artists of Uttarakhand The earliest of the singers who left never-ending impressions on the folk music of Uttarakhand are: Mohan Upreti: A famous folk-singer from Kumaon, Mohan Upreti is known for his Nanda Devi Jagar & Rajula Malushahi Ballad. His iconic Kumaoni song Bedu Pako Baro Masa is fondly referred to as the cultural anthem of Uttarakhand. It is said that this song was also a favourite of former Prime Minister of India Jawahar Lal Nehru who heard it in a band march as this song is also the official regiment song of the Kumaon Regiment of Indian Army. This iconic song has been covered by various artists and dance groups all over the world. Narendra Singh Negi: He has sung in every style of singing popular in Uttarakhand be it Jagar, Chaumasa, Thadya, or Playback. He has sung in different local languages like Garhwali, Jaunsari, Rawalti, etc. prevailing in the state. He started his music career by releasing "Garhwali Geetmala". These Garhwali Geetmalas came in 10 different parts. His first album came with the title called Burans. Burans is a well-known flower found on hills. He has released the most super-hit albums. He has also given his voice in many Garhwali movies