Rahis Bharti and Dhoad ensemble win standing ovation at PM Modi's Paris welcome
Synopsis
Selected by the Embassy of India in Paris for PM Modi's state-visit welcome, Rajasthani folk ensemble Dhoad – Gypsies of Rajasthan turned Salle Pleyel into a celebration of living heritage — earning a standing ovation with Ghoomar and 'Kesariya Balam'. The performance caps over two decades of international touring and sets the stage for a five-country European tour.
Key Takeaways
Rahis Bharti and Dhoad – Gypsies of Rajasthan were officially selected by the Embassy of India in Paris to perform at the 'Bonjour Modi' welcome ceremony on 19 June .
The performance at Salle Pleyel Concert Hall , Paris, earned a standing ovation from diaspora members, dignitaries, and international guests.
The programme featured 'Kesariya Balam' , 'Meri Jhopdi Ke Bhaag Aaj Khul Jayenge' , and the Ghoomar dance.
Dhoad has represented Rajasthani folk culture internationally for over two decades .
The ensemble continues a European tour across France, Italy, Germany, Spain , and Switzerland , including World Music Day celebrations in Paris.
Internationally acclaimed Rajasthani folk artist Rahis Bharti and his ensemble Dhoad – Gypsies of Rajasthan earned a standing ovation at Salle Pleyel Concert Hall in Paris on 19 June, performing at the grand welcome ceremony — titled 'Bonjour Modi' — organised in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official state visit to France. The duo were officially selected by the Embassy of India in Paris to represent the country before an audience of Indian diaspora members, foreign dignitaries, cultural leaders, and international guests.
The Performance
The ensemble transported the historic Paris concert hall to the heart of Rajasthan through a programme anchored by the iconic folk composition 'Kesariya Balam – Aao Ni Padharo Mhare Des', the devotional piece 'Meri Jhopdi Ke Bhaag Aaj Khul Jayenge', and the world-renowned Ghoomar dance. Vibrant traditional costumes, classical instruments, layered rhythms, and dynamic choreography drew enthusiastic applause from the gathering, culminating in a standing ovation.
What the Embassy Selection Signals
The official mandate from the Embassy of India in Paris underscores Dhoad's standing as one of the most recognised ambassadors of Rajasthani folk culture on the international stage. For more than two decades, the ensemble has performed at prestigious venues and festivals across the world, consistently presenting authentic Indian folk traditions to global audiences. Their inclusion in a head-of-state welcome ceremony marks a notable elevation of that recognition.
Bharti's Reaction
Speaking after the performance, Rahis Bharti said, 'Being officially selected by the Embassy of India in Paris to perform for the welcome ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a great honour and a proud moment for our entire team. This recognition is a tribute to the rich cultural traditions of Rajasthan and India. We are proud to carry our heritage to international audiences and strengthen cultural bonds through music and art.'
What Comes Next
Following the Paris performance, Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad Ensemble continue a broader European cultural tour with scheduled appearances at festivals and cultural events across France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. The group will also participate in World Music Day celebrations in Paris, further extending Rajasthan's artistic footprint on the international stage.
Point of View
But the Embassy of India's choice of a Rajasthani folk ensemble over a Bollywood act for a head-of-state welcome is a deliberate signal — one that prioritises living heritage over commercial spectacle. Dhoad's two-decade international track record gave the selection credibility, yet the real question is whether this visibility translates into sustained institutional support for folk artists who typically operate without the infrastructure that classical or film music enjoy. A standing ovation at Salle Pleyel is a milestone; structural backing for the genre would be a policy shift worth watching.
NationPress
4 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad ensemble?
Rahis Bharti is an internationally acclaimed Rajasthani folk artist and the lead of Dhoad – Gypsies of Rajasthan, an ensemble that has represented Indian folk music and dance at prestigious venues worldwide for over two decades. They are recognised as leading cultural ambassadors of Rajasthan's artistic traditions.
What was the 'Bonjour Modi' event in Paris?
'Bonjour Modi' was a grand welcome ceremony organised in Paris in honour of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official state visit to France. It was held at the iconic Salle Pleyel Concert Hall and attended by Indian diaspora members, foreign dignitaries, and cultural leaders.
Why were Rahis Bharti and Dhoad selected for PM Modi's welcome ceremony?
The Embassy of India in Paris officially selected Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad ensemble, reflecting their international reputation as ambassadors of Rajasthani and Indian folk culture. Their decades-long record of performing at global festivals made them a credible choice for a head-of-state event.
What did the Dhoad ensemble perform at Salle Pleyel?
The ensemble performed 'Kesariya Balam – Aao Ni Padharo Mhare Des', the devotional piece 'Meri Jhopdi Ke Bhaag Aaj Khul Jayenge', and the Ghoomar dance, accompanied by traditional Rajasthani instruments and colourful costumes.
What are Dhoad's upcoming performances after Paris?
Following the Paris ceremony, Rahis Bharti and the Dhoad Ensemble will perform at festivals and cultural events across France, Italy, Germany, Spain, and Switzerland. They will also participate in World Music Day celebrations in Paris.
