Introduction
A heady five-day affair embracing the rich musical roots of Rajasthan. The Rajasthan International Folk Festival, aka Jodhpur RIFF, is one of India’s most innovative and intriguing festivals. It was first held in 2007 and continues to hold a crowd at the majestic 17th-century Mehrangarh Fort in the Blue City of Jodhpur. In Which Rudyard Kipling referred to as “the work of angels, fairies and giants”, Jodhpur RIFF 2022. The Jodhpur Riff Festival Oct 2022 will bring a huge number of performers and musicians from all corners of the globe in one place. International artists join hands with local musicians to create new sounds through innovative collaborations.
Speaking on the significance of Jodhpur RIFF, HH Gaj Singh II said,
“The Rajasthani folk musicians are at the core of Jodhpur RIFF. It is important that they feel a sense of pride and dignity. A sense of home and can present what their peers and elders consider authentic. At the same time, they realize that there are opportunities for them as artists in their own right. That is to create and to collaborate with exemplary musicians from across Rajasthan and around the world. And Jodhpur RIFF gives them both; this is why festivals like Jodhpur RIFF are important.”
Timed to coincide with Sharad Purnima, the brightest full moon of the year in north India. The dates of the Jodhpur RIFF are slightly different each year. Though they always fall in October (which is, conveniently, one of the best times to visit Rajasthan). This year Jodhpur RIFF Festival starts on Thursday, 6 October 2022, and ends on Monday, 10 October 2022.
About Jodhpur RIFF Festival 2022
Jodhpur RIFF will feature shows by some of the most renowned musicians from the local Rajasthan communities. Who are able to perform headline acts every evening on the stage master as well as sharp dance rhythms. The event will surely keep the party going until midnight at the Club Mehran. Daytime-long interactive sessions for school children, tourists, and families are set in front of the stunning background in the Fort.
The Fort is home to many legendary warriors, is a representation of the royal life. And their martyrs as well as a fascinating historical significance of Rajasthani culture. At this highly anticipated moment, when the Mehrangarh Fort gets dressed to celebrate each year’s Rajasthani International folk festivals. The gardens, yards, and rooms are decorated with lights and flowers to celebrate music.
Every part of the festival has a distinct theme such as intimate, dramatic, serene, or spiritual. People can take a stroll through the lush gardens of a chokeslam. Exploring these walls and reveling in the gorgeous cities of Jodhpur. The visitors also visit the fort to view the Maharaja’s collection of guns. Including books and manuscripts, tiny paintings, and vibrant artworks.
History Of Jodhpur RIFF Festival
It is important to note the historical significance of the site. Mehrangarh Fort is the symbol of pride and glory of Rajput rulers. It still is a stronghold for their heritage and their legends. The fort was built to perfection, with a hint of Mughal and Rajputana architecture on a hill that is 400 feet above the ground. Mehrangarh Fort is an example of a bold and impressive structure that dates back to the past.
In its 16th year of existence, Jodhpur RIFF has transformed into India’s most prestigious roots music festival. It’s an independent, non-profit event run by Bhatia under the direction of Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Jodhpur.
The Maharaja of Marwar HH Maharaja Gaj Singh is the main sponsor of this festival. And Sir Mick Jagger the frontman of the rock group, known as the Rolling Stones, is its international patron. Every year Bhatia as well as his crew of volunteers tour the country to showcase the talent that could be displayed at the festival. The UNESCO recognized this five-day-long festival as People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development.
Moreover, Pabuji Phach, Maand, and Panihari are three different forms of folk music. This folk music tell the stories of the past period in the most melodious surs and ragas. These styles of music define the rich history of the Rajasthani folk tradition. Making it a significant part of India’s culture. The festival aims to keep the art of folk and the music that is Rajasthan alive and well. In this festival, experience famous folk artists such as Dare Kahn Manganiyar, Chiranji Kanji, Anwar Khan, Shamsuddin, and Pampa Khan Manganiyar.
Legends
Apart from the legends, one will also get to listen to young artists like singer Jayateerth Mevundi. And banks such as Asia Manga, Sondorgo a Hungarian Band, and Bixiga 70 which is a Brazilian music group. Additionally, Rajasthan is regarded as the heart of folk festivals in India.
Rajasthani folk dances like Ghoomar, Kalbeliya, Bhavai have received world-class recognition. The professional dancers who live in Rajasthan have preserved and developed these traditional dance forms.
Highlights of Jodhpur RIFF Festival Oct 2022
Rajasthani artists:- There are a lot of Rajasthani folk artists such as Chiranji Kanji, Shamsuddin (Maand) and musicians. Kamaycha Ghewar and Dare Khan Maganiyar and the singer Anwar Manganiyar have invited to perform a spectacular performance.
The “Living Legends” series will also feature four legends. They are Lakhs Khan Manganiyar Kadae Khan Lang (Sindhi Sarangi and Vocals), Pampa Khan Manganiyar (Shehnai and Murli) and Sawn Khan Manganiyar (Sufi).
Jayateerth Mevundi: – One of the best vocalists to emerge from the Kirana Gharana. He is an expert in his Santvaani (words of saints) and Daasavani (words of devotees). These are traditional music from Karnataka and Maharashtra is a major attraction at Jodhpur RIFF.
Sondorgo:- It’s a band from Hungry. The group plays lesser-known serb-croatian music. The communities who live on the banks of the Danube river plays this type of music. Danube and the Gypsy and Balkan tracks from all over the world. They perform a variety of styles of music using 17 instruments.
Davy Sicard:- Davy Sicard is from the island of La Reunion. Sometimes called the”Maloya” mastermind”.
Robust:- It will include master percussionists along with Ben Walsh. He is an expert percussionist from Australia.
Maru Tarang:- It’s an Australian Rajasthani music group that includes Jeff Lang and Bobby Singh from Australia as well as sin Lang and Bhungar Manganiyar from Rajasthan.
Bixiga 70:- It is among the most adored modern instrumental music groups in Brazil. Their music is heavily influenced from Africa as well as Brazil and consists of Samba and Reggae as well as electronic ethnic carimbo and jazz.
Interesting Facts About Jodhpur RIFF FESTIVAL
It is a charitable non-profit partnership initiative of India’s two largest heritage trusts, the Mehrangarh Museum Trust as well as Jaipur Virast Foundation. It is in conjunction with Sharad Poornima which is the brightest full moon night in India. Jodhpur RIFF is home to a number of breathtaking concerts as well as other events each year within and around the Mehrangarh Fort.
Jodhpur Riff promises the most captivating performances by performers from both the local and international scenes. The performances begin after sunset, and the heartwarming and soulful tunes begin to echo through all corners in the Mehrangarh Fort. The crowd is amazed by the spirit of Rajasthan music and culture.
Every kind of musical instrument such as sitar, table, violin, and mridangam. along with classical dancers from across the country participate in this traditional musical event.
Conclusion
Set against the backdrop of the Mehrangarh Fort, the Rajasthan International Folk Festival in Jodhpur comprises impressive performances by some of the greatest musical maestros from local Rajasthan communities and across the world. The festivities showcase sensational star acts each night. Therefore, the festival will also feature events like a Rajasthani night. Then a jazz night, traditional and gypsy dance forms, early morning ragas, etc. Interactive daytime sessions for visitors, school children and families are also organized. It’s an event fully packed with lots of soulful folk music, dance and excitement.
Let us know if you are going to be a part of this amazing festive set in the beautiful royal fort as background!
