Fête de la Musique ~ World Music Day ~ event was held with great pomp and show at the Alliance Francaise de Delhi on 21 June, marking the summer solstice, longest day of the year. Students as well as musical enthusiasts performed in large numbers, age-group no bar.

The concept of an all day musical celebration originated in 1981 and was dreamt up by French Minister of Culture Jack Lang.

Ever since, the festival has become an international phenomenon, first spread over Europe and now in more than 700 cities in 120 countries, including India, UK, US, Germany, Italy, Greece, Russia, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Canada and Japan. Taking part in the worldwide festivities, Alliance Française de Delhi (AF) celebrated #FDLM2017 at its premises, though in the previous years it was held in Hauz Khas Village.

All forms of music be it hip-hop, jazz or ghazal got played in this extravaganza for young and old, visitors and locals. According to Alliance Francaise de Delhi Deputy Director and Academic Director Pierre Meunier, the purpose of this event is to take music to the streets. Jack Lang wanted to remove the elitism associated with music and make it democratic. So on this day everyone can go to streets, parks and alleys and play music. Also it has to be free, irrespective of whether you are professional or non-professional. The events take place in rain or shine. Speaking of his experience, Meunier says it was “cool, lively and fun.”

The 36th open-to-all singing concourse in New Delhi was open to everyone. Participants, mostly amateurs, could sing in the language of their choice ~ French, Punjabi, Hindi, Assamese. Students of Alliance Francaise dominated this segment, which went on for two hours.

The performances were solo, group or band. No rules, no restrictions. At 7 p.m., there was a concert by 12- member band Vocal Rasta or the 'road of the voices' which attracted an overcrowded auditorium.

The grand finale was a dance party curated by DJ Roli, who successfully made his audiences sway to a blend of Afro, Latino and oriental beats. Pulkit Duggal, a student of Alliance Francaise who is a beatboxer and played the guitar at the concert, says that the event is garnering more and more popularity as people worldwide are getting attracted to French and want to learn the language and literature.

A fashion designer by profession, he always felt passionate about French culture and is learning French with other enthusiasts. Stephen from the Vocal Rasta band feels proud to be a part of this event as it serves the purpose of making music freely available to one and all.

"It is more than an extraordinary evening party, it is the symbol of an ambition that goes beyond June 21 and which drives us every day of the year," says French tourist Laurent.

Manasi, another student who always participates in the event, says that musicians from all genres and all ages, amateurs and experienced performers, gather and perform. Another objective is to revive traditional music, which is dying these days.

Clearly, for youngsters who love partying, this gathering was as good as it gets. Everywhere, this celebration brings music out on street without commercial trappings.

Diplomatic Editor Ashok Tuteja (ashoktuteja@statesmangroup.com)