Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur. Photo Credit: Courtesy: RIFF
As the moon shines on Sharad Purnima, the magnificent five-century-old Mehrangarh Fort gets ready to host musicians from all over the world. During the five-day Jodhpur RIFF festival (16 to 20 October), the huge historic structure is transformed into a performance area.
In its 17th year, the festival stands out for its focus on the folk artists of Rajasthan. For years, festival director Divya Bhatia has been working to create an inclusive setting, where anonymous artists from remote desert villages get a chance to share the stage with renowned international musicians.
Divya Bhatia forces RIFF to celebrate music beyond divides. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
This year’s series will once again celebrate musical genres and creative collaborations.
Some of the highlights of the 2024 edition include a performance by electronic musician Eric Mouquet; Guru-Shishya Ghatam Gharana by Sukanya Ramgopal, Giridhar Udupa and Sriharsha; Sindhi sarangi maestro Mehardin Khan Langa, singer Sona Mahapatra; Gabba: Tales from a Yoiker (one of Europe’s oldest song traditions); Barnali Chattopadhyay’s poem to Amir Khusro; Five women folk artists; Shaiva Koothu of Kapila Venu and Manganiyar of Marwar.
Don concert in Jaswant Thada. Photo Credit: Courtesy: RIFF
The performances held at locations in and around the fort give visitors a glimpse of the past. But RIFF’s midnight concerts at the Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, created in 2006 to restore the ecology of the rocky barren land, and the morning concerts at Jaswant Thada, a stunning monument made of marble, will give anyone a glimpse of the magic of Marwar. Let’s experience.
published – October 15, 2024 06:01 PM IST
