The Rajasthani folk song and dance group visited Tunisia from 9 to 18 August 2025, under the Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP), jointly sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Ministry of Culture, Tunisia. This marked the first visit by an Indian cultural group to Tunisia in the last two years under the CEP programme. The previous visit was by the Supriya Dance Academy in August
2023.
The troupe, representing the vibrant traditions of the state of Rajasthan, is renowned for its lively music, colourful costumes, and dynamic performances. Their art captures the essence of India’s folk traditions, combining rhythm, storytelling, and movement to convey the cultural wealth of Rajasthan.
The programme commenced with a captivating performance on 11 August as part of the prestigious Carthage International Festival which was appreciated by around 6000 audience making it one of the most well attended events of the tour. It was attended by representatives from Ministry of Culture, Mrs. Karima Drissi and Mrs. Imen Abi Dhiafi, Deputy Directors of Media & Communication department at the
Government Presidency and Mrs Insaf Yahyaoui, Advisor of the Speaker of the Parliament in charge of Media. The group then travelled to El Kef on 12 August, where they enthralled audiences at the Sidi Boumakhlouf International Festival.
The event was honoured by the presence of Mr. Mohsen Jebali, Representative of the Governor of El Kef, who warmly welcomed the artists and praised their role in enhancing cultural exchange between both the countries. The event was attended by around 450 spectators.
Ambassador, Devyani Khobragade, hosted a Hi-Tea reception in honour of the Rajasthani Folk Song and Dance Troupe at hotel Golden Carthage, Gammarth, attended by Mr. Seif Eddine Flis, Deputy Director of Asia at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as Representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Mrs Lilia
Ouerfelli, Director of Music and Dance Department, journalists, and members of the TIFA Association.
A particularly significant event took place on 15 August in Kalaat al Andalous, coinciding with India’s Independence Day, adding symbolic significance to the event.
The performance was attended by MP Mr. Faycel Sghaier, Delegate of the Governorate of Ariana Mr. Oussema Arfaoui, Municipal Council Member Mr. Adel Hsairi, and the Representative of the Ministry of Culture for Ariana, Mrs. Awatefr Abdellawi. The performance attracted an audience of approximately 3000. On 16 August, the group performed at the Sidi Bourouis Festival in Siliana, where their presentation was met with great enthusiasm and appreciation. The event was attended by the Regional Representative of the Ministry of Culture of Siliana, Mr. Maher Nasri, and the Festival Director, Mr. Abderrazak Hechmi.
The participation of the Rajasthani folk troupe was warmly welcomed across Tunisia, with enthusiastic audiences at every venue. Their performances not only highlighted the diversity and richness of India’s cultural traditions but also served as a vibrant example of cultural diplomacy in action. This cultural exchange will further enhance mutual understanding and add a new dimension to the longstanding friendship between India and Tunisia.
TunisianMonitorOnline (Douha Saafi)
