The Echo of the Veena in the Rann of Bakhasar Barmer

Bakhasar — ​​On the first day of the three-day 'Vaani Utsav 2026'—organized by the Ruma Devi Foundation to celebrate Vaani singing, an invaluable heritage of the Thar region's folk music—thousands of people gathered deep into the night in the desolate yet shimmering white Rann of Bakhasar. United by a shared resolve to promote tourism in the region, the crowd—comprising both Vaani singers performing to the melodious strains of the Veena and avid listeners—remained captivated until the late hours.

At the Rann Vaani Utsav, a troupe of 40 Bhajan singers from the regions of Marwar, Malwa, and Kutch delivered captivating performances accompanied by the Veena. Late in the night, Muralala Marwada from Kutch mesmerized the entire audience with the magic of his velvety voice as he sang "Hiye Kaya Mein Bartan Mati Ka" and "Aisa-Aisa Ram Ras Piyo Mere Bhai." The musical duet performed by Muralala and Kavita Potaliya compelled the listeners present to sway and dance to the rhythm of the Vaani.

Additionally, singers Ranjit Akhand and Kelam Dariya from the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh—along with Kehararam, Jhaman Gadhveer, Jaisingh Solanki, Laxman Ram Bhil, and others—drew the audience in with the indelible impression left by their singing prowess.

During the event, Aadu Ram Meghwal remarked that festivals like the Vaani Utsav serve as vital means for keeping our folk traditions alive. Furthermore, Ratan Singh Bakhasar encouraged the Bhajan singers, stating that such events play a pivotal role in immortalizing the art of Vaani singing.  Ruma Devi remarked on the immense significance of the 'Vani Utsav' (Festival of Voice) amidst the velvety expanse of the Bakhasar Rann. She noted that this festival serves not only as a vital medium for preserving our folk arts but also emphasizes the potential of regions like Bakhasar from a tourism perspective. Dignitaries present at the event included Anantram Bishnoi (BJP District President), Than Singh Doli (Representative, Rashtriya Loktantrik Party), Yogesh Yadav, Jetha Ram Jaipal (Deputy Superintendent of Police, Chohtan), Ratan Singh Bakhasar, Babu Lal (District Pracharak, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Jalore), Tejdan Charan (Sarpanch, Sata), Moti Ram (Seema Jan Manch), Sadula Ram Siyol, Police Inspectors Mohanlal and Raju Ram, Indra Purohit, Taja Ram Siyag (Farmer Leader), Joga Ram Dudi (Representative), and Chuna Ram Godara (Farmer Leader).

Additionally, local philanthropists (Bhamashahs) were felicitated during the event; those honored included Bhikh Singh Sata, Mohanlal Hooda, Goma Ram Kakad, Hari Singh Bakhasar, Narpat Soni, Kana Ram Jakhar, Vishnu Chaudhary Dhanau, Pukhraj Kakad, Banka Ram Dewasi, and Dungra Ram Vagela, alongside various volunteers.
The proceedings of the program were anchored by Ummed Singh Chaudhary, Ramesh Mirdha, Deep Singh Bhati Randha, and Jaswant Singh Dudi.

Main Event on March 29th and 30th

The principal celebrations of the 'Vani Utsav' and the presentation of the 'Dan Singh Bhajani Awards' are scheduled to take place on March 29th and 30th at the Jasder Pond in Barmer, where cash prizes worth lakhs of rupees and Veena musical instruments will be awarded.