On 1 May, the acclaimed Dhod Group is scheduled to deliver a featured performance, reinforcing Rajasthan’s strong representation within the festival lineup. The programme includes devotional hymns, tabla percussion performances, live parade presentations by the Jaipur Maharaja Brass Band, Indian classical and folk dance showcases, Bollywood dance workshops, and culinary workshops focused on Indian cuisine. These curated activities are designed not only to present Indian culture but to allow audiences to experience and engage with it in an immersive manner.
Throughout the 10-day festival, more than 25 Rajasthani artists will perform continuously, offering a sustained and dynamic presentation of Rajasthan’s rich cultural legacy and India’s broader artistic traditions.
The event holds added significance as India returns as the guest country for the first time in nearly 20 years, reaffirming its cultural influence within the international arts landscape. Renowned artist Raees Bharti, along with his ensemble Dhod, has been specially invited to represent Rajasthan and India at this prestigious gathering.
The Dhod Group is recognized not merely as a folk performance ensemble but as a living international expression of Rajasthan’s traditional heritage. Raees Bharti is also collaborating with French rock artist Yarol Poupaud on an innovative fusion project that blends Rajasthani folk melodies with French rock music, which is set to culminate in an upcoming album.
Over the past 25 years, Bharti and his ensemble have performed in 119 countries, completing more than 2,500 shows and elevating over 700 local folk artists to global platforms. Their creative collaborations include prominent names such as the Jaipur Maharaja Band and the Bollywood Masala Orchestra – Spirit of India.
Raees Bharti began his European cultural journey in 2000 from Ajaccio in Corsica, France, establishing a long-standing artistic bridge between Rajasthan’s folk traditions and European cultural stages. This evolving cultural connection has now extended to major international festivals, including the current event in Tours.
The Dhod Group has previously performed at high-profile occasions such as the Namaste France programme, welcoming Narendra Modi, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee celebrations, and special presentations in the presence of the President and Prime Minister of France.
The festival thus stands as a powerful reaffirmation of Rajasthan’s global cultural presence, showcasing how traditional Indian folk heritage continues to evolve and resonate on international platforms.
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