MUMBAI:  To promote exchanges between root musicians of Rajasthan and the Celtic regions of Britain, Scotland’s roots music and arts festival ‘The Celtic Connection’ supported by the government Scottish Arts Council has inked an agreement with the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF).

The two-year agreement was signed by RIFF director Divya Bhatia and the artistic director of Celtic Connections, Donald Shaw at the Umaid Bhavan Palace in Jodhpur in the presence of former ruler of Jodhpur Gaj Singh and Scottish cabinet secretary for culture Fiona Hyslop, who is in India for the Delhi International Arts Festival and RIFF.

The agreement will lay the groundwork for folk artists from the two countries to foster people-to-people understandings of cultures with performances and workshops.  The exchange will be capped by a cultural gala during the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, a RIFF statement said.

Speaking about the agreement Hyslop said, “I am delighted to announce this unique partnership between the two annual festivals, both of which celebrate the distinctive and contemporary music of their countries while at the same time embracing the music of other cultures. We want to learn from your cultures.”

The culture secretary of Scotland stated, “Scotland has been discussing with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations for wider opportunities of cultural dialogue with India.”

Celtic Connections artistic director Donald Shaw further added, “In 2014, the Celtic Connections will begin in January and continue throughout the year to celebrate the Commonwealth Games. The year has been designated as the year of homecoming .We will try to bring the friends of Scotland home. India and Rajasthan are key to the cultural project.”

The Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is a three-day event showcasing Indian and world musical roots, and is held every year in late October at the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur. The fest emphasizes to keep alive the dying traditions of Rajasthan’s indigenous folk music and create new world fusion. Voted as one of the best 25 festivals by Songlines, it has been endorsed by UNESCO as a ‘People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development’.

While, The Celtic Connection in Glasgow celebrates Celtic roots cultures and music for 18 days beginning January 17, with more than 200 concerts and 2,000 performers. The 20 year old fest features folk performers from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany and Isle of Man regions amongst other.  The Scottish Dance Theatre, leading community dance repertory will also perform an act at the Delhi International Arts Festival.