TAGA RAM BHEEL

Taga Ram Bheel is a renowned Padma Shri awardee (2026) and maestro of the algoza (twin-flute) folk instrument from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. He founded the Algoza Folk Music Institute in Moolsagar, Jaisalmer, to support artists from backward communities and has performed in more than 35 countries, promoting traditional Rajasthani folk music.

Born into the Bhil Rajput community, he grew up in a family with limited financial resources. His father sent him to the forests (open scrublands and grasslands known as Oran in the Thar Desert) to graze sheep and goats. It was during these solitary hours in the Thar Desert that he taught himself to play by mimicking the sounds of nature. Because his father was also an algoza player, young Taga Ram would often sneak his father’s instrument into the forest to practice in secret, fearing he might be scolded for not focusing on his work.

He bought his first algoza at age 11 for just a few rupees and spent years mastering circular breathing – a difficult technique that allows him to play continuously without pausing for breath. He was inspired by the musical traditions of the Managiyar community, who performed in Rajput court, and later found in a mentor in Ustad Akbar Khan.

After nearly a decade of secret practice, he gave his first public performance at the Jaisalmer Desert Festival in 1981 at age 18, which launched his professional career. We are honoured to have him perform with his team in Mukunda in Holi, a performance that truly elevates the standards of traditional Courtyard concerts of India.