Rajasthan Hits The High Notes With The Introduction Of Concert Tourism

Hotel Anantara hosted the inaugural evening of the Great Indian Travel Bazaar (GITB) 2025 in Jaipur. With the evening resonating with music, rhythm and culture, it marked a new endeavour for Concert Tourism in Rajasthan. The evening was not just an artistic showcase but a strategic and visionary step towards redefining tourism experiences in India.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari stated, "Today’s traveller seeks immersive experiences beyond forts and palaces. Music, tradition, and vibrancy are the soul of Rajasthan. With Concert Tourism, we aim to bring these emotions to the global stage. This is just the beginning, in the future, Rajasthan will host concert series featuring artists from around the country and abroad."

Anand Tripathi, Additional Director, Department of Tourism, emphasised that this was not merely a performance but a curated musical narrative that harmonised Rajasthan’s ancient folk traditions with modern musical expressions. The production was conceptualised and directed by art connoisseur Vinod Joshi.

The six iconic folk music communities, Manganiyar, Langa, Meghwal, Damami, Jogis, and others created a symphony for the evening with a total of 28 artists from 16 cities, villages, and hamlets presenting a euphoric blend of instruments, from Khartal, Kamaicha, Bhapang to Saxophone, Keyboard, Guitar, and Clapbox.

The event opened with the soul-stirring “Kesariya Balam”, followed by beloved Rajasthani folk melodies like “Balam Ji Mhara” and “Wari Jao Re”. These songs stirred deep emotions, showcasing that folk music is not merely entertainment, it is lived emotion, preserved tradition, and a universal language of expression.

Adding visual splendour to the evening was the stunning performance by the globally renowned Kalbeliya dancers, Khatu Sapera, Bhurki, Radha, Dhapu, and Sangeeta, whose graceful movements and expressive storytelling captivated the audience. Recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Kalbeliya dance highlighted Rajasthan's deep cultural wealth.

This cultural celebration was not just a musical evening, it was a declaration that Rajasthan is not only about history; it is today’s living festival. With its unmatched artistic legacy, the state is now reimagining itself as India’s heartbeat for cultural tourism. Rajasthan has also become the first Indian state to formally introduce Concert Tourism as a tourism category, an experience-driven approach that blends music, storytelling, and cultural interaction to attract global travellers.