Jodhpur RIFF Festival | Rajasthan Travel Diaries

It felt unreal to haggle with an auto-rickshaw-guy at 530 in the morning, for a ride to the venue for the dawn music concert. I am normally used to being chauffeured in a car. This was my first girls’ trip to Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival). Sans family, I was revelling in the freedom of being unplanned, living in a guest house in the walled city, eating spicy food in local joints at a random schedule and attending the festival till late night.

This was the last day of the Jodhpur RIFF festival and I was keen to experience the dawn concert. One of my friends was still in bed, another had left for Delhi having prior commitments and I was waiting for the fourth-in-the-party to join me. Short on time, I agreed to whatever price that was quoted for the rickshaw ride.

If you are travelling to India for the first time, spend at-least a month or two to experience the best things to do in India. Which you’ll realise, is very less, as India is vast, and you need plenty of time to explore Incredible India. Having said that, we have curated a doable India Trip Plan for one month, covering some of the best things to do in India, and you can very well include, the Jodhpur RIFF experience with this One Month India Tour Itinerary.

PS – Useful Travel Resources that will help you plan better for your Trip to Rajasthan to experience the Jodhpur RIFF 

• • Book the best Jodhpur Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
    
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  • Book your flights at the cheapest rates on Kiwi.com
  • Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
  • Sign up for a Priority Pass to enjoy premium Airport Lounge access before flying to Rajasthan
  • Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in Rajasthan

Dawn concert at RIFF

We reached Jaswant Thada – mausoleum for Marwar royals and one of the venues – just as dawn was breaking out. We found our way in the dim light to the raised platform where artists were tuning their instruments and settled down for the feast to unravel before us. And what a feast it turned out to be! 

After 3 days of listening to international artists from diverse countries and local Rajasthani artists, I didn’t think there was much that could top those experiences. But if you are a morning person like me, this enchanting performance, with sunrise unfolding, a slight nip in the air and silence across the blue city, will take your breath away!

I had heard the Grammy-winning flautist Wouter Kellerman the night before, yet his dawn performance with Carnatic vocalist Mahesh Vinayakram sounded different and magical.

Don’t miss the beautiful dawn concert at Jaswant Thada

Blend of international and local artists

When I had seen the full program of Jodhpur RIFF before booking my flight tickets, I hadn’t heard of any of the international artists. The line-up boasted of accomplished musicians from different parts of the world; including 2 Grammy-winning instrumentalists – flautist and composer Wouter Kellerman and bassist Yossi Fine. In an attempt to recognise and celebrate local talent, there were performances by Indian vocalists Bhanwari Devi, the Manganiyar troupe, thumri singer Suchismita Das, maand singer Parveen Sabrina Khan and more. My lack of artists’ knowledge did not matter eventually.

I vividly remember the evening performance by Celtic fusion band Shooglenifty, with moonlight bathing the zenana courtyard of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort. When Gaelic singer Kaela Rowan – part of the band – came on stage and sang in her hauntingly lyrical voice, I got goosebumps.

And in the end, as the Rajasthani dhol players joined the Celtic band on stage, it was fusion at its liveliest and had the audience rocking on their feet. The zenana courtyard was large enough to hold the gathering of about 5000 people and then some.

The festival promotes local artists well: Manganiyar musicians performing at the Mehrangarh Fort.

Jodhpur RIFF Festival venues in and around the city

The festival has shows not just at the Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada, but also at other venues in the city, all of which are some of the top Jodhpur tourist sites. The midnight performance – Desert Lounge hosted at Rao Jodha Park is popular and so is the opening ceremony performed at the Clock Tower.

I had attended the opening ceremony – a folk dance and music show performed by local artists with the Jodhpur royal family in attendance. The market area around the Clock Tower had been swept clean, a makeshift stage was built and a few chairs were put in front of the stage. My friend and I had climbed the rooftop of a corner juice shop to enjoy this show, which I thought gave better views than sitting on the ground floor.

Unparalleled setting at the Mehrangarh Fort

The exotic setting of Mehrangarh Fort – The Top Tourist Attraction in Jodhpur, is a big part of the attraction of this festival. This was my first visit to this awe-inspiring fort, and I appreciated not just its beauty but also how well-preserved it is.

Mehrangarh Fort was built around 1460 by Rao Jodha, the founder of Jodhpur city. The massive structure stands about 410 feet above the city and is enclosed by imposing thick walls. 

Built of red sandstone, with several palaces and massive courtyards within its boundaries, it is acknowledged as one of the best preserved fort in India, and one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan. The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is well-stocked.

⬆️ The iconic Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur during the day | Photo by MAKM PHOTOGRAPHY on Unsplash

⬇️ Mehrangarh Fort beautifully lit up in the evenings

We purchased our Jodhpur RIFF tickets for the concerts directly at the Mehrangarh Fort. The food and drinks arrangements were excellent. Where else will you get hot bajra and jowar chapatis at midnight, made on request by local ladies urging you to put some ghee on the chapati? Neither the food, barbecued kebabs and curries nor the drink selection were your average festival fare. There was no mad rush or jostling around that one finds at festivals to take a coupon or get a drink.

Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) facts

The Rajasthan International Folk Festival, held in Jodhpur, is popularly referred to as Jodhpur RIFF, and is without a doubt, one of the best musical festivals in India. This is an annual festival to promote traditional folk music and arts held at Jodhpur. It is usually held in the month of October and is timed to coincide with ‘Sharad Poornima’ and features both international and local artists at concerts in and around the Mehrangarh Fort. It enjoys the patronage of royalty, Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur, and the rock legend, Sir Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones. While music is the key focus, there are tours of the Mehrangarh Fort Museum, film screenings, workshops exploring the history and culture of instruments as well.

Attend the Jodhpur RIFF – One of the Best Musical Festivals in India

For more information on the latest info on the festival, dates and bookings, visit Jodhpur RIFF to get your Jodhpur RIFF tickets.

Book the Best Jodhpur Tours and Activities on Viator

Book the Best Jodhpur Tours and Activities on GetYourGuide

Rajasthan has a large number of festivals celebrating its art and music, but I am glad I experienced this intimate and authentic one. Similar to the Jodhpur RIFF festival, Mehrangarh Fort also hosts the famous World Sufi Spirit Festival in the month of February.

Apart from attending the Jodhpur RIFF festival, also visit other popular Jodhpur Tourist Places such as Umaid Bhawan Palace, Balsamand Lake and Mandore Garden. Also, don’t forget to tick off these other Unique Experiences in Rajasthan on your trip to Rajasthan. 

Pin this Jodhpur Travel Guide featuring the Best Musical Festival in India – Jodhpur RIFF

Author bio – Shweta has always been passionate about travel and immersing in new experiences. Having been to over 45 countries, she blogs at Zest In A Tote to bring family-friendly itineraries and tips, destinations, and luxury stays to her readers. Her belief in family travel needn’t be boring and one can do a mix of local culture & food, adventure activities and relaxation, all with family. 

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