Celebrating Rajasthan's Cultural Heritage: Arpan Foundation's 'Padharo Mhare Des' Takes Center Stage

Rajasthan, a state steeped in rich cultural traditions and heritage, is set to celebrate one of its most beloved cultural expressions, 'Padharo Mhare Des', in a special evening organized by the Arpan Foundation in New Delhi. On June 3, 2026, at the India International Centre, the event titled 'Padharo Mhare Des: Revisiting the Song and the Slogan' will bring together artists, cultural leaders, policymakers, diplomats, media, and patrons of the arts to commemorate the remarkable journey of this iconic song.

The event comes at a significant moment, following the recent visit of Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the Netherlands, where 'Padharo Mhare Des' was performed by lead singer Manesha A Agarwal, reaffirming the enduring relevance of India's regional cultural traditions in contemporary global conversations. This performance not only showcased Rajasthan's musical legacy on an international diplomatic platform but also underscored the importance of cultural diplomacy in fostering global understanding and cooperation.

The evening will feature a live performance by young artists from the Manganiyar and Langa communities, nurtured through Arpan Music Lab, an initiative of the Arpan Foundation dedicated to preserving Rajasthan's rich folk music traditions and supporting the next generation of hereditary musicians. This performance will be a testament to the foundation's efforts in promoting and preserving the state's cultural heritage.

The event will be graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon'ble Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Government of India, as the Chief Guest. Additionally, sixth-generation jeweler, collector, and photographer Sudhir Kasliwal will showcase a special edit of his photographs of Rajasthan, shot over six decades, as part of the event.

Speaking about the occasion, Manesha A Agarwal said, 'When 'Padharo Mhare Des' was first conceived, it was envisioned as a heartfelt tribute to Rajasthan's spirit of warmth, music, and hospitality. To witness the song being played during the welcome of our Hon'ble Prime Minister in the Netherlands was deeply moving. Our larger vision has always been to highlight and celebrate artists across genres from Rajasthan, bringing the richness, diversity, and contemporary relevance of the state's artistic heritage to wider audiences in India and across the world.' This vision is a testament to the foundation's commitment to promoting Rajasthan's cultural heritage and its significance in the global cultural landscape.

Originally released in 2011, 'Padharo Mhare Des' brought together some of India's most revered musical legends, including Jagjit Singh, Ustad Sultan Khan, Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, and Anwar Khan, among others. Conceived and conceptualized by Gauri R Yadwadkar, the song remains one of the most significant musical tributes to Rajasthan's cultural spirit. The evening will also acknowledge the legacy of Dr. Lalit K. Panwar, former Tourism Secretary and Director of Tourism, Rajasthan, under whose leadership the iconic 'Padharo Mhare Des' tourism identity became one of the most recognized cultural symbols of the state.

The event serves as a reminder that folk traditions are not relics of the past but living, evolving expressions of India's cultural identity. At a time when conversations around cultural diplomacy and heritage preservation are becoming increasingly relevant, 'Padharo Mhare Des' stands as a beacon of Rajasthan's enduring voice, one that continues to inspire, welcome, and connect people across the globe.