Some evenings entertain, while others truly transport you. At ARE YOU LIT 2026, one such night unfolded beneath the open skies of Club Patio, South City 1, as the timeless voices of Rajasthan’s Manganiyars brought Gurgaon to a soulful halt.
With nearly 250 guests and a full house, the space transformed into an intimate Baithak, where music wasn’t performed; it was felt. Anchored by the ethnographer, Yuvragi Rathore, the evening was not just about sound, but about context, stories, lineage, and the living legacy behind every note.
Keepers of a Living Tradition
Taking centre stage were the celebrated Bhesir Khan Kanoi Brothers from Jaisalmer, torchbearers of the Manganiyar community, an extraordinary lineage of hereditary musicians from Rajasthan. For centuries, the Manganiyars have been more than performers. They have been oral historians, genealogists, and spiritual storytellers, preserving the cultural memory of the desert through song. Traditionally supported by royal patronage and local communities, their music marks life’s milestones: births, weddings, seasons, and sacred rituals. What makes their art profound is its continuity, passed down through generations, unbroken, unfiltered, and deeply rooted in devotion and riyaaz.
A Night That Moved Like Music Itself
The repertoire flowed effortlessly, from Sufi poetry to traditional Rajasthani compositions, with occasional Bollywood Sufi interludes; each note layered with emotion and mastery.
A defining highlight of the evening was Bismillah Khan, one of the Kanoi brothers and a recognised voice from Coke Studio, whose soulful renditions elevated the atmosphere into something almost transcendental.
The electrifying kartal jugalbandi drew spontaneous applause, while the graceful presence of Kalbelia dancers added a visual poetry: fluid, hypnotic, and deeply connected to the rhythm of the land. It wasn’t just a performance, it was immersion.
Sharing his thoughts, Harneet Chugh, GM, Patio Clubs, reflected on the evening: “It was a pleasure to host such an authentic and soulful cultural experience. Evenings like these truly elevate the spirit of the club and bring communities together in a meaningful way.” The audience echoed the sentiment. “It felt like Rajasthan came alive in Gurgaon. The music, the energy, the setting. It will stay for a long time to come,” shared one guest.
The natural outdoor setting, complemented by curated dining, added to the sensory richness of the evening. Supported by Radico Khaitan’s Jaisalmer brand, the experience aligned seamlessly with the roots and spirit of the performers. “There was something deeply grounding about the performance; it wasn’t just entertainment, it was culture,” added Ajay Kakkar, Assistant VP at Radico Khaitan.
What happened that night was more than just a concert. The crowd grooved to the music; some were seen dancing in time with the artists on the stage. Music sets you free, an adage that was vividly displayed. It served as a reminder of continuity in a fleeting world.
In an age of fleeting trends, the Manganiyars stand as custodians of something enduring, where every note carries memory, every rhythm carries lineage, and every song carries soul. And for a few magical hours at ARE YOU LIT 2026, Gurgaon didn’t just listen, it felt the desert breathe.
