Rahis Bharti and Dhoad Band to perform at Paris 'Bonjour Modi' event on June 18
Synopsis
Rajasthan's Dhoad Band — 20 artists from remote villages, 119 countries performed in, 26 years on the road — lands at Paris's Salle Pleyel on 18 June for 'Bonjour Modi', officially selected by the Embassy of India. It is folk diplomacy at its most visible, and a reminder that India's softest power often travels on the shoulders of its most overlooked artists.
Key Takeaways
Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad Band will perform at the 'Bonjour Modi' event at Salle Pleyel, Paris on 18 June .
The ensemble was officially selected by the Embassy of India in Paris to represent India at the event honouring PM Narendra Modi .
The touring group comprises nearly 20 folk artists from remote villages across Rajasthan , currently on a European circuit.
The Dhoad Band has performed in more than 119 countries over 26 years , promoting traditions including Langa, Manganiyar, Kalbelia , and Kalbelia art forms.
Rahis Bharti has supported more than 700 folk artists from rural Rajasthan, giving them national and international platforms.
Post-Paris, the ensemble will perform in Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Italy , and Spain .
Rajasthan's celebrated folk artist Rahis Bharti and the internationally acclaimed Dhoad Band are set to represent India at the 'Bonjour Modi' event in Paris on 18 June, an evening organised in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that will celebrate Indian culture and the enduring ties between India and France. The ensemble has been officially selected by the Embassy of India in Paris, marking a significant moment for Rajasthan's artistic community on the global stage.
The Venue and the Occasion
The performance will take place at Salle Pleyel, one of Paris's most iconic and storied concert halls. The 'Bonjour Modi' event is conceived as a cultural celebration bringing together the Indian diaspora in France and honouring the India-France bilateral relationship. The Dhoad Band's inclusion in the programme underscores how traditional Rajasthani folk arts have earned a place at the highest levels of international cultural diplomacy.
The Artists and Their Legacy
For over 26 years, Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad Band have carried India's folk traditions to stages across the world, performing in more than 119 countries. The ensemble currently touring Europe comprises nearly 20 folk artists drawn from remote villages across Rajasthan. Each year, the group spends six to seven months performing internationally, introducing global audiences to the music, folklore, and living traditions of the region.
The Dhoad Band has been instrumental in bringing global recognition to several traditional Rajasthani communities and art forms, including the Langa, Manganiyar, Kalbelia, Dhadhi, Damami, and Rana traditions, as well as Rajasthan's brass band musicians. Through his sustained efforts, Bharti has provided more than 700 folk artists from diverse rural communities with opportunities to perform on national and international platforms.
What Rahis Bharti Said
Speaking about the honour, Rahis Bharti said, 'Performing at an event organised in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a great privilege for us. We see this as recognition not only of the Dhoad Band, but also of Rajasthan's folk artists and India's rich cultural heritage. It is an honour to represent our traditions on such a prestigious international platform.'
What Comes Next
Following the Paris event, Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad Band are scheduled to perform at major international music festivals in Portugal, along with cultural events and concerts across France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain. The packed European schedule reflects the growing international appetite for India's traditional arts and the Dhoad Band's standing as a leading cultural ambassador for Rajasthan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Bonjour Modi' event in Paris?
The 'Bonjour Modi' event is a cultural programme organised in Paris on 18 June in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrating Indian culture, the Indian diaspora, and the bilateral relationship between India and France. It will be held at Salle Pleyel, one of Paris's most prominent concert halls.
Who are Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad Band?
Rahis Bharti is a celebrated Rajasthani folk artist who has spent more than 26 years promoting India's traditional music and dance globally. The Dhoad Band, which he leads, has performed in over 119 countries and is recognised as a leading ambassador of Rajasthan's folk heritage, championing traditions such as Langa, Manganiyar, and Kalbelia.
How were they selected for the Paris event?
Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad Band were officially selected by the Embassy of India in Paris to perform at the 'Bonjour Modi' event, making them India's chosen cultural representatives for the occasion.
How many artists are part of the current European tour?
The touring ensemble comprises nearly 20 folk artists from remote villages across Rajasthan. They have been performing at cultural festivals and events across France and other European countries for several weeks ahead of the Paris event.
What are the Dhoad Band's plans after the Paris performance?
Following the 'Bonjour Modi' event, Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad Band are scheduled to perform at major music festivals in Portugal and at cultural events and concert venues across France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain.
