First initiated in 2007, Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is a 5-day long festival celebrated to flaunt the cultural lifestyle of India and beyond. It has also been recognized by UNESCO as a People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development. Coinciding with Sharad Poornima, the brightest full moon night in India, the Jodhpur RIFF hosts a series of spectacular concerts and other events, annually, in and around the Mehrangarh Fort. Every year more than 250 artists from different corners of the world come to perform at the festival. It always witnessed a huge turnout, and hence it is recommended that you book your tickets way in advance. The nights of music, dance, and other folk arts in the desert will surely thrill you!
Rajasthan International Folk Festival 2019 dates
10 October – 14 October
The venue
The festival is held at the Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
Highlights of this year’s festival
Rajasthani Artists: A large number of well known Rajasthani folk artists like Chiranji kanji, Shamsuddin (Maand), musicians Kamaycha Ghewar and Darra Khan Manganiyar and vocalist Anwar Khan Manganiyar are expected to put up a spectacular show. Of the various artists participating in the festival, the four legends who will be presented under the “Living Legends” series are- Lakha Khan Manganiyar, Kadar Khan Langa (Sindhi Sarangi and vocals), Pampa Khan Manganiyar (Shehnai and Murli) and Sawan Khan Manganiyar (Sufi). They will be presenting their best works.
Jayateerth Mevund: An exceptional vocalist who has emerged from the Kirana Gharana and is the master of Santvaani (words of saints) and Daasavani (words of a devotee) musical tradition of Karnataka and Maharashtra will be a significant attraction this year.
Sondorgo: Another highlight at the festival, the Sondorgo is a band from Hungary that plays the lesser-known music of the Serb-Croatian communities that live along the Danube in addition to the gypsy and Balkan tracks from other parts of the world. They play 17 instruments and styles of music.
Davy Sicard: Davy Sicard is from the island of La Reunion. Often referred to as the master of modern ‘Maloya’, he is well known for his unique music which is a blend of African Slave Chants and rhythms, contemporary European instruments and traditional instruments.
Robust: Robust will be one of the most special highlights of Jodhpur RIFF 2019 and will include master percussions with Ben Walsh. He is a master percussionist from Australia and will meet Rajasthani percussionists for the first time at the festival.
Maru Tarang: Maru Tarang is an Australian Rajasthani music association of Jeff Lang and Bobby Singh from Australia. At the festival, the group will present the work from their first album” Blue City” and will also provide a peek into their upcoming work.
Bixiga 70: It is one of the most loved contemporary instrumental music bands of Brazil. Their music is influenced by Africa and Brazil and hence includes Samba and Reggae with electronica, ethnic jazz and carimbo.
Things to keep in mind before attending the festival
- Alcohol is strictly prohibited inside the venue.
- The festival passes are non-refundable.
- Videography inside the venue is not allowed.
- Food and beverages are not covered by the festival passes and have to be purchased separately.
- Littering inside the venue is not appreciated.
- An entry ticket to the fort has to be purchased separately if you wish to explore the Mehrangarh Fort.
How to Reach?
Every year the Rajasthan International Folk Festival is held in Mehrangarh Fort. Book taxi in Udaipur for a hassle-free commute. The distance between Udaipur and Mehrangarh Fort is approximately 266 km and can be easily covered in 6 hours. You can also use this trip to explore places en route and take home a wholesome road trip experience.
Last Updated on April 3, 2022 by aditya
