Udaipur (Udaipur Kiran): The Vedanta Udaipur World Music Festival 2026 began on a vibrant and energetic note, with a successful opening day at Gandhi Ground where Indian and international artists shared the stage. The first day marked the beginning of the festival’s 10-year journey, celebrating music as a medium of cultural exchange. Supported by Hindustan Zinc and conceptualised and presented by Seher, the festival is being organised with the cooperation of the Rajasthan Government and the Tourism Department.
The evening at Gandhi Ground unfolded with a rich blend of sounds and traditions, showcasing musical diversity on stage. The performances opened with the Rajasthani Folk Orchestra, whose powerful rhythms and traditional melodies beautifully reflected the region’s rich musical heritage and set the tone for the evening.
The international flavour followed as Norway’s 9 Grader Nord took the stage with their distinctive mix of Norwegian and Tamil folk rock. Their unique cross-cultural sound struck a strong chord with the audience. This was followed by an evocative performance by Algeria’s Sofiane Saidi, who captivated listeners with his soulful presentation and global musical rhythms, making the opening night memorable.
One of the most awaited performances of the evening was by Kailash Kher and Kailasa Live. His soul-stirring vocals and compositions rooted in folk and Sufi traditions left the audience spellbound. The high-energy performance brought together devotion, emotion, and musical intensity, giving the festival’s first day a powerful and memorable conclusion.
Hindustan Zinc CEO Arun Misra said that music and culture uniquely weave different voices into a single harmony. He noted that this was clearly reflected on the first day through the blend of Rajasthani folk music with global sounds. He added that Hindustan Zinc and Vedanta remain committed to promoting music, art, and culture by providing opportunities for young talent, reinforcing Udaipur’s identity as a global cultural capital celebrating creativity and passion.
Sharing his thoughts on the opening day, Seher founder Sanjeev Bhargava said the first day of the festival sets the rhythm for the days ahead. Bringing artists from different parts of the world onto one stage, he said, lies at the core of the Vedanta Udaipur World Music Festival. The opening day once again highlighted the importance of genuine cultural dialogue, shared emotions, and the simple joy of experiencing music together.
Following the strong opening, the festival will continue on Saturday with meditative music performances at Manji Ghat from 9 am, romantic-themed presentations at Fatehsagar Paal from 3 pm, and high-energy performances at Gandhi Ground from 6.30 pm.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
