Cultural Diaries: A Musical Gathering at Albert Hall: The Magic of Folk Music and Fusion – Deputy CM Diya Kumari’s Initiative Appreciated

Jaipur : The last cultural evening of November under the unique initiative “Cultural Diaries” by the Rajasthan Tourism Department was held on Saturday at the historic Albert Hall. In this special event, the people of Jaipur, along with a large number of domestic and international tourists, enjoyed the remarkable blend of folk and contemporary music. Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage and modern musical tunes made this gathering unforgettable.

Encouraging Rajasthan’s Cultural Heritage

It is noteworthy that on the initiative of Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, the Rajasthan Tourism Department launched the “Cultural Diaries” cultural series to provide a platform for folk artists and promote their art. This series, held every fortnight, aims to preserve the state’s cultural heritage and give it national and international recognition.

The presentations under Cultural Diaries are proving to be milestones in the preservation and promotion of Rajasthan’s culture and music. These events not only strengthen Rajasthan’s identity but also provide artists with the opportunity to leave their mark on the global stage.

Jaipurites Immersed in the Tunes of Ravan Hatha

The program began with the melodious tunes of Rajasthan’s ancient musical instrument, the Ravan Hatha. The famous folk artist Rooparam from Amer and his companions captivated the audience with their performance. Popular Rajasthani songs like “Ghoomar,” “Kesariya Balam,” and “Nimbuda” were presented in a new style through the Ravan Hatha.

Ravan Hatha, often considered the ancestor of the violin, holds a special place in Rajasthan’s folk tradition. It is primarily used by the Bhopas in Pabuji’s Fad singing. The sweetness of the tunes produced by this single-stringed instrument mesmerized the audience, from Albert Hall’s courtyard to the Ram Niwas Gate.

Yugm Band: The Magic of Fusion

After the Ravan Hatha performance, Jaipur’s Indie folk band, Yugm, took the stage. The band presented a fusion of traditional and modern music that made the audience groove. Locals and international tourists could be seen synchronizing their claps to songs like “Musafir Hoon,” “O Re Piya,” and others. Their final performance, a poetic fusion of Rag Bairagi titled “Man Bairagi Hua,” made the listeners sway in rhythm.

Yugm Band added new dimensions to music through Indian and Western instruments. The echoes of Rajasthan’s cultural roots were heard in their songs and poetry. The band members explained that their goal is to give Indian folk tunes and traditional instruments a new identity on the global stage.

It is worth noting that several of Yugm Band’s songs are quite popular on Netflix.

Appreciation for Deputy CM Diya Kumari’s Initiative

With Deputy CM Diya Kumari’s initiative, this Cultural Diaries event, held against the historic backdrop of Albert Hall, was not only a musical celebration but also an opportunity for the people of Jaipur, locals, and tourists to connect with Rajasthan’s culture. This cultural evening proved that the roots of music and tradition have the power to touch people’s hearts. The efforts of the Rajasthan Tourism Department were appreciated by both the locals and tourists. Bringing folk artists and contemporary musicians together not only highlights cultural diversity but also elevates Rajasthan’s art and music to new heights. At this final presentation of Cultural Diaries, Mrs. Puneeta Singh, Joint Director of the Department of Tourism, and Mr. Nawal Kishore Baswal, Deputy Director, along with other officers and staff, were also present.