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Early Life and Education

Rakesh Upadhyay is an eminent artist specializing in Bhojpuri folk music and bhajans. He was born on June 1, 1973, in the village of Karaundi, PO Bhaluani, Dist. Deoria in the State of Uttar Pradesh to the late K.P. Upadhyay and the late Bacchi Devi. He completed his Master of Arts in Ancient History from Deen Dayal Upadhyay University Gorakhpur (DDU), in 1994.

Career and Performances

Rakesh Upadhyay's career spans several decades, during which he has made significant contributions to the promotion and preservation of Bhojpuri folk music. His performances have taken him across the globe, showcasing Indian cultural heritage through his music.

Abroad Performances:

South Africa (November 23 – December 05, 2005): Performed at the 80th Anniversary of the Arya Samaj in Durban, South Africa. The performance, held at City Hall, Durban, was attended by the Vice President of South Africa and various Cabinet Ministers. The series of performances was sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

Bangkok, Thailand (October 11 – October 23, 2007): Performed during Shardiya Navratri at Vishnu Mandir, Bangkok. The event lasted nine days and was sponsored by Hindu Dharm Sabha Vishnu Mandir Bangkok.

Muscat, Oman (March 28 – April 02, 2011): Performed at a Holi Milan event, where his Bhojpuri folk and Phagua music was well-received among delegates and the Honourable Ambassador Mr. Anil Wadhwa. This program was also sponsored by ICCR.

Netherlands (July 29 – August 01, 2011): Represented Indian cultural heritage at the Milan Summer Festival in Zuiderpark, showcasing Bhojpuri folk and traditional songs. This performance was sponsored by ICCR.

Singapore (September 29 – October 03, 2022): Performed during the Navratri Festival at Shiv Durga Temple, Singapore, in the presence of Indian High Commission officials. The event was sponsored by Shiv Durga Mandir Community.

Bangkok, Thailand (October 03 – October 11, 2022): Performed at several temples including Shiv Mandir Nong Chok, Brasten Group Of Companies, and others. He was honored to represent the Indian National Anthem before a diverse audience.

Other Notable Performances:

Spring Festival in Jaipur (August 14, 2009), sponsored by the Director General of All India Radio, Delhi.

Shri Krishna Janmashtami at the Governor House, Lucknow (August 14, 2009), sponsored by NCZCC Allahabad.

Various performances at Taj Mahotsav, Agra; and events like Durga Puja Festival in Shillong, Deepotsav in Ayodhya, and more.

Programs at All India Radio concerts across multiple cities and at Doordarshan Kendra.

Notable performances include the Foundation Stone laying Ceremony of Ayush University Gorakhpur and the inauguration of Kushinagar Airport.

Honors and Achievements

Rakesh Upadhyay has been recognized for his contributions to music and cultural preservation with several honors:

Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy Award (2016) by Hon’ble Governor Smt. Anandiben Patel.

Vidyavachaspati Samman (Doctorate) from Vikramsheela Hindi Vidyapeeth, Bhagalpur, Bihar (November 5, 2023).

Saryu Ratna Samman (2023) in Barhalganj, Gorakhpur.

Vidya Bharati Samman (2020).

Felicitation by the District Magistrate of Gorakhpur on Republic Day.

Global Youth of the Year Award (2005).

Various albums released by T-Series and recognition as a category empanelled artist by ICCR.

Winner of the Folk Jalwa Prominent Talent Hunt Program via ETV.

Awarded for the upliftment of disappearing Bhojpuri folk songs by Akhil Bhartiya Bhojpuri Parishad.

A+ grade artist by All India Radio Directorate, New Delhi.

World Book of Records London recognition for providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic through online performances.