Rakkar’s World Music Day bash bridges borders, beats

In the serene mountain hamlet of Rakkar near Sidhbari, music transcended borders and genres as local artistes and institutions came together to celebrate ‘World Music Day’ with an evocative evening of melodies, rhythm and community spirit.

The event was a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, where connoisseurs, neighbours and visitors shared in a soul-stirring musical journey. Instrumental brilliance met vocal grace as performances on the flute, sitar and tabla painted the twilight sky with notes of nostalgia and joy. Ghazals, alongside folk songs from Himachal, Punjab and Rajasthan, created an atmosphere of cultural unity and emotional resonance.

The lineup featured a dynamic mix of seasoned performers and emerging voices, including Shambunath’s spellbinding tabla rhythms, Dr Ragini’s classical flair and heartfelt renditions by Nikesh Kumar Barjatia, Sonika Thakur on flute, Aloka Anand’s mesmerising Roopak Taal, Varun’s dholak, Sukhraj Singh’s guitar and Vijaya Rathore melodious singing. Each performance carried the essence of the mountains.

The evening was co-organised by Studio Sampraapti, an initiative dedicated to creativity and conscious living. Founded by former journalist Vijaya Rathore and sustainable fashion advocate Sukhraj Singh, the studio and its adjoining farm have become a vibrant hub for artistic expression, nature-centric learning and holistic community engagement.

Rakkar itself is fast emerging as a cultural and creative nucleus in the Kangra Valley, drawing talent from across the country. With its immersive workshops and experiential learning programs, the village is crafting a unique narrative — one where tradition, education and the arts merge seamlessly.

As the last note lingered in the cool mountain air, ‘World Music Day’ in Rakkar was not just a celebration—it was a reaffirmation of music’s timeless power to connect hearts and uplift souls.