Dehradun: Renowned Uttarakhand folk singer Diwan Kanwal passed away on Wednesday morning. He breathed his last at his residence in Khatyari, Almora district. News of his death has caused deep sorrow among folk artists and music lovers across the state. His last rites will be performed at Betaleshwar Ghat in Almora.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed deep grief over the death of the folk singer. He said that Diwan Kanwal made significant contributions in giving a new identity to Uttarakhand’s rich folk culture and folk music. He added that his demise is an irreparable loss to the state’s folk art and cultural world.
The Chief Minister prayed for peace for the departed soul and wished strength for the bereaved family members and his admirers to bear the loss.
Governor Lieutenant General Gurmeet Singh (Retd.) also expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the renowned folk artist. He prayed for the peace of the departed soul and conveyed his condolences to the grieving family.
Former Almora MLA Raghunath Singh Chauhan also paid tribute to Diwan Kanwal and remembered his cultural contributions.
Diwan Kanwal’s popular Kumaoni song “Dwi Dina Ka Dyar Sheruwa Yo Duni Mein” was widely loved by people. It is reported that he had been ill for some time and had received treatment at a private hospital in Haldwani. Later he was recovering at his home in Khatyari, but he passed away around 4 a.m. on Wednesday. He was about 65 years old.
He is survived by two sons and two daughters. His wife had passed away earlier. Currently, his elderly mother and elder son lived with him. After retiring from the District Cooperative Bank, he devoted himself completely to folk music and songwriting.
Last year he also composed a song recalling the memories of “Sher Da Anpadh,” which was appreciated by listeners. His songs reflected the transient nature of life and the deep emotions of folk life. His famous lyrics “Do dinon ka dyaar Sheruwa yo duni mein, na tyar na myar Sheruwa yo duni mein” still live in people’s hearts.
Members of the folk community say that Diwan Kanwal’s compositions are a priceless heritage of Kumaoni culture, and his songs will continue to connect future generations with folk traditions.
