Bhapang Maestro Ghaffaruddin Mewati Jogi Honored with Padma Shri

• Renowned Bhapang player Ghaffaruddin Mewati Jogi from Alwar receives Padma Shri, sparking joy in his community.
• He has been playing the Bhapang, an instrument inspired by Lord Shiva's Damru, since age 4, preserving over 2,800 folk songs.
• Ghaffaruddin is the sole living artist who sings the Mahabharata ('Pandun Ka Kada') in the Mewati language.
• His art has gained international recognition, with performances in over 60 countries and at Queen Elizabeth's birthday.
• He hopes the government will provide land for a folk arts school to preserve traditional arts for future generations.

Why It Matters: Bhapang artist Ghaffaruddin Mewati Jogi receives Padma Shri for his lifelong dedication to preserving folk arts.