Jubin Nautiyal's 'Eeja': Soulful ode to Uttarakhand roots

Singer Jubin Nautiyal has released his heartfelt new song Eeja, a touching tribute to his home state, Uttarakhand. The track honors the region’s language, culture, and fading traditions, while also reflecting on themes like memory, identity, and the love between a mother and child.

Created in collaboration with lyricist Neelesh Misra, known for songs like Zindagi Kuch Toh Bata, Eeja marks their second project together. This time, they focus on the essence of belonging and the emotional pull of the hills.

Jubin shared that Eeja is different from anything he’s sung before. He aimed to create something gentle and reflective, using simple acoustic sounds with minimal instruments. I didn’t want to sing it like a performance, he said. I wanted it to feel like a whisper to my mother — soft, emotional, and real.

The word Eeja means mother in the Kumaoni language and represents love, home, and one’s roots. The song is also a quiet reminder of how mountain traditions and natural beauty are slowly disappearing due to modernization and climate change.

The music video, shot in the stunning landscapes of Uttarakhand, highlights local symbols like Bawala (home), Harele (a flower festival), Pichoda (bridal wear), and Burans (rhododendron tree). These elements deepen the emotional impact, showing both sorrow and strength. Eeja is now available on all major streaming platforms and YouTube.