The Rajasthan International Folk Festival, commonly referred to as the Jodhpur Folk Festival, occurs yearly in October. Jodhpur RIFF festival serves as a platform for renowned instrumentalists from all parts of the planet to join together and celebrate unique musical legacies and explore new sounds through talented groups. Since its debut in 2007, the event has earned recognition worldwide, attracting music aficionados from all around the world over five days. It is an ideal chance to immerse oneself in traditional music and art, as well as create something new.
About Jodhpur RIFF Festival
RIFF Jodhpur will showcase outstanding performances from renowned local Rajasthani musicians in the evening, as well as energetic dance beats. The festivities will last until midnight at Club Mehran. During the day, engaging activities for students, travellers, and families will be held in front of the picturesque fort.
The Fort is renowned for its remarkable warriors and is a tribute to the regal life and their martyrs as well as a reflection of Rajasthani culture. At this much-awaited time, when the Mehrangarh Fort prepares to host the annual Rajasthani International folk festivals, the grounds, courtyards, and chambers are adorned with twinkling lights and blooms in honour of the music.
At the celebration of the Jodhpur RIFF Festival 2023, each component will have its special feel, ranging from cosy to dramatic, tranquil to spiritual. Visitors can wander through the lush gardens of the Chokeslam, taking in the breathtaking scenes of Jodhpur. The fort can also be explored to see the Maharaja’s inventory of weapons, books, manuscripts, petite paintings and vibrant art pieces.
History Of Jodhpur RIFF Festival
Mehrangarh Fort is an iconic reminder of the Rajput rulers’ legacy; a powerful testament to their strength and heritage. It was constructed with a blend of Mughal and Rajputana architecture, towering 400 feet above the ground. This majestic structure is a living relic of the past, a breathtaking example of the impressive ingenuity of its creators.
For 16 years, the Jodhpur RIFF festival has become renowned as India’s top festival for roots music. Managed by Bhatia and overseen by Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Jodhpur, it is a non-profit, independent event.
HH Maharaja Gaj Singh, the Maharaja of Marwar, is the primary backer of the festival, and Mick Jagger, the lead singer of the Rolling Stones, is its international patron. Bhatia and his team of volunteers travel around the nation to promote the talents that will be presented at the festival. UNESCO has recognized the event as a means of promoting sustainable growth and ingenuity.
These musical styles are an integral part of India’s culture, preserving the rich traditional heritage of Rajasthan. The festival intends to keep the art of folk music and the spirit of Rajasthan alive. During this celebration, known traditional performers, including Dare Kahn Manganiyar, Chiranji Kanji, Anwar Khan, Shamsuddin, and Pampa Khan Manganiyar, will be celebrating.
Highlights of Jodhpur RIFF Festival Oct 2023
Rajasthani culture will be in the spotlight with the arrival of four renowned folk artists: Chiranji Kanji, Shamsuddin (Maand), Kamaycha Ghewar and Dare Khan Maganiyar, along with a stellar vocalist, Anwar Manganiyar. The “Living Myths” series will s four other myths: Lakhs Khan Manganiyar Kadae Khan Lang (Sindhi Sarangi and Vocals), Pampa Khan Manganiyar (Shehnai and Murli) and Sawn Khan Manganiyar (Sufi). They will be putting on an amazing show for the audience at the Jodhpur RIFF Festival 2023.
Here are some highlights of the Jodhpur RIFF festival
1. Rajasthani artist:
It has been invited to put on an amazing show, including Chiranji Kanji, Shamsuddin (Maand), Kamaycha Ghewar, Dare Khan Maganiyar, Anwar Manganiyar, Lakhs Khan Manganiyar Kadae Khan Lang, Pampa Khan Manganiyar, and Sawn Khan Manganiyar. This special event called the “Living Legends” series, will feature the musicians’ expertise with instruments like Sarangi and Vocals, Shehnai and Murli, and Sufi.
2. Jayateerth Mevundi:
The Kirana Gharana has produced some of the finest singers. He is the main attention at the Jodhpur RIFF festival and is a professional in his Santvaani (words of saints) and Daasavani (words of devotees) classical music from Karnataka and Maharashtra.
3. Sondorgo:
It’s a Hungarian band. The band performs lesser-known Serb-Croatian music that is performed by the local populations along the Danube River’s banks. Balkan and Gipsy music from all over the world, as well as the Danube. They use 17 instruments to perform a range of musical genres.
4. Davy Sicard:
The Island of La Reunion is where Davy Sicard was born. renowned as “the Maloya mastermind” at times.
5. Robust:
Ben Walsh will be joined by other accomplished percussionists. He is an accomplished Australian percussionist.
6. Maru Tarang:
Jeff Lang and Bobby Singh are members of the Australian Rajasthani music group Maru Tarang, together with Rajasthani musicians Sin Lang and Bhungar Manganiyar.
7. Bixiga 70:
Bixiga 70 is one of Brazil’s most beloved contemporary instrumental music ensembles. Their music, which incorporates jazz, samba, reggae, electronic ethnic carimbo, and other genres, is heavily influenced by both Brazil and Africa.
Interesting Facts about Jodhpur RIFF Festival
It is a collaborative philanthropic non-profit effort by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and Jaipur Virast Foundation, India’s two largest heritage trusts. The brightest full moon night in India, Sharad Poornima falls on the same day as this one. Each year, the Mehrangarh Fort and the Jodhpur RIFF host a variety of magnificent concerts as well as other events. This time also the event would be organised by Jodhpur RIFF Festival 2023 association members.
The performances start after dusk, and the soulful and uplifting music fills the Mehrangarh Fort’s alleyways. The audience is in awe of the Rajasthani music and culture.
This traditional musical event has classical dancers from all around the nation as well as musicians of every variety, including the sitar, table, violin, and mridangam.
Conclusion
Immerse yourself in the Jodhpur RIFF festival Oct 2023, a magnificent celebration that honours the cultural legacy of Rajasthan and showcases the incredible unifying force of music. This extraordinary event is a must-have experience for every traveller’s bucket list.
Prepare to be enthralled by awe-inspiring performances that will leave you breathless.
From mesmerizing musical renditions to captivating dance spectacles, the festival offers a diverse array of artistic expressions to captivate your senses. Lose yourself in the enchanting melodies and rhythms that have been cherished for generations, as both local talents and international artists showcase their extraordinary skills.
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