Mehrangarh Fort gets ready to host another edition of Jodhpur RIFF

The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
| Photo Credit: Courtesy: RIFF

As the moon shines bright on Sharad Purnima, the five-century-old magnificent Mehrangarh fort gets ready to host musicians from across the globe. During the five-day Jodhpur RIFF festival (October 16 to 20), the sprawling historical structure will transform into a performance arena.

Into its 17th year, the festival stands out for turning the spotlight on Rajasthan’s folk artistes. It has motivated them not only to hold to their musical traditions but also to reinvent them for a contemporary audience.

Over the years, the festival’s director Divya Bhatia has been working to create an inclusive setting, where unsung artistes from remote desert villages get to share the stage with well-known international musicians.

Divya Bhatia has made RIFF celebrate music beyond divides
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

As always, this year’s line up too reflects RIFF’s aim to bring together diverse genres and facilitate creative collaborations.

Some of the highlights of the 2024 edition includes performances by electronic musician Eric Mouquet; Guru-sishya ghatam gharana by Sukanya Ramgopal, Giridhar Udupa and Shreeharsha; master of Sindhi sarangi Meherdeen Khan Langa, singer Sona Mohapatra; Gabba: Tales from a yoiker (one of Europe’s oldest song traditions); Barnali Chattopadhyay’s ode to Amir Khusrau; five women folk artistes; Kapila Venu’s Shaiva Koothu and Manganiyars of Marwar.

Dawn concerts at Jaswant Thada
| Photo Credit:
Courtesy: RIFF

RIFF celebrates not just the musical heritage but also the architectural splendour. The concert venues have been designed to showcase the historical structure and the tales of valour associated with it. From Zenana’s courtyard and Chakelao Bagh to Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park and the Jaswant Thada, every performance space lets you experience the magic of Marwar.