Baduli, an annual event put together by the Uttarakhand Association of New Zealand, will see artists from the home-state Uttarakhand, once again, marking attendance in a three day programme being organised in Auckland, coming April. Baduli is a nostalgic experience for those living in the pristine environs of New Zealand, away from their home in the hills of Uttarakhand. The annual event is an effort to bring expats closer to their grass-roots by reviving their love for folklore, folk songs; theatre and various other genres which gives them a glimpse of what was once, home.
Registered with the Registrar of Societies on 23rd May 2013, and founded by a close knit group of Uttarakhandi’s living in New Zealand with the mission to, “bring all people of Uttarakhand on one platform and to promote, popularise and pass on the rich culture heritage of Uttarakhand among the people of New Zealand.”
Under the same banner, this year too, a collage of artists will represent the hill-state of Uttarakhand. Termed as the ‘Mystic Himalayan folk music from Uttarakhand,’ the team of seven includes legendary singer Narendra Singh Negi along with talented Kishan Mahipal and Kumaoni female singer Khushi Joshi. Artist Vinod Chauhan will play the Keyboard with flutist Mohan Joshi accompanied by Satendra on the dholak and Anurag Negi on the tabla. The great seven are all set to woo Uttarakhandis and take them down memory road, even if it were for a day.
Speaking to Newspost, veteran singer Narendra Singh Negi states, “the organisers of Baduli have been trying for years to make me come there, previous commitments kept me postponing my trip. This time I am going with artists from here. It is a nice opportunity to meet people from our land in New Zealand and be able to give them a flavour from back home. We will sing solo songs and ensure that the people enjoy what we bring for them.“
Performing live at the Avondale College in Auckland from the 19th-21st of April from 11:00 a.m. onwards, the artists promise to leave their audience asking for more.
