Jaipur: The Gulabo Padma Shri Festival-2026, featuring the Lok Kala Ratna Samman Season-3, will be organised on October 1 at the Rajasthan International Centre. The event is being organised by the Gulabo Sapera Dance and Music Institute on the initiative of Padma Shri Gulabo Sapera, in association with Gangaur Television.
As part of the ceremony, 51 folk artists will be presented with the Lok Kala Ratna Samman, while seven eminent artists who have made significant contributions to folk art and culture over the years will receive Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Padma Shri Gulabo Sapera said that after receiving the Padma Shri, she wanted to share the joy with fellow folk artists and provide talented performers with opportunities, recognition and a platform. The event aims to encourage artists who have contributed to taking Indian folk culture and traditions to audiences across India and abroad but have not received adequate opportunities and recognition.
Kalbelia Dance and Cultural Performances to be Highlights
Gulabo Sapera and her troupe will present a special Kalbelia folk dance and cultural performance at the festival. Artists TT Robin and Deenu Banjara, along with their group from Paris, France, will also perform. Traditional Been instrumental music will be another major attraction.
The festival will also feature a Kalbelia fashion show and a special cultural fashion presentation showcasing Indian folk culture, traditional costumes and cultural heritage. The initiative aims to connect folk traditions with the younger generation and promote them at national and international levels.
The Lok Kala Ratna Samman is being positioned not merely as an award ceremony but as an initiative to provide folk artists with encouragement, recognition and opportunities. Through the festival, the organisers aim to contribute to the preservation and promotion of folk arts and pass the country's cultural heritage on to the next generation.
The Rajasthan International Centre is the venue partner for the event. Supporting organisations and partners include Kamla Poddar Group’s Kamla Poddar, Trans Events’ Komal Chauhan, Radio City FM, Anshu Harsh of Simply Jaipur Magazine, Rolika Singh of Arena Animation, Gaurav Gaur of Elite Miss Rajasthan, Dr Pooja Agrawal of Arya Group of Colleges, Anshul Jain of Golden Divine Creation, J.D. Maheshwari of SGM Outdoor, Deenu Banjara, and Lucky Rajnath Rawat, brand owner of Ladesar.
Key members associated with the programme include Nikhat Ansari of RIC and Komal Chauhan of Trans Events.