Rajasthan International Folk Festival, popularly known as Jodhpur RIFF, is a non-profit 5-day festival that is organized by Jaipur Virasat Foundation and Mehrangarh Museum Trust. It is celebrated at Mehrangarh Fort, which is crowned Asia’s Best Fortress by Time Magazine.  An interesting fact about the festival is that it has garnered appreciation even by UNESCO as a People's Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development. The festival is held around Sharad Purnima when the moon is full, bright, and clear up in the sky, and you can connect with the cosmos and the divine energy through music. 

Jodhpur, the quintessential Blue City, beckons music lovers and artists from all over the world to participate in this 5-day annual festival. This festival aims to take music lovers back to their roots and keep them connected with the soulful music of their land. When more than 250 artists from India and abroad perform against the majestic backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort, the audience is left spellbound by the sheer beauty and power of music. Innovative collaborations between musicians are always successful in creating something new, more melodious, and soul-stirring. With Maharaja Gaj Singh II and Mick Jagger as patrons, this festival is gaining more prominence year on year. 

Date, Time, & Venue of Jodhpur Riff

The festival is celebrated on Sharad Poornima, the full moon day, which usually falls in the month of October. This is a 5-day festival where established and unheard-of folk musicians come together to enthrall audiences with their soul-stirring renditions. The festival is held at the imposing Mehrangarh Fort. 

History Of Jodhpur RIFF

Talking about the historical significance of the venue, Mehrangarh Fort has been the symbol and pride of Rajput rulers, and it still stands tall guarding their culture and legends. The fort was chiseled to perfection with a tinge of the Mughal and the Rajputana architecture on a hill that’s 400 ft above the ground. Mehrangarh fort is exactly a manifestation of a bold and beautiful structure from history.
Pabuji ki Phad, Maand, and Panihari are a few different folk music styles that sing the tales of the bygone era in the most melodious ragas and surs. These music styles define the rich heritage of Rajasthan’s folk music and make it an incredible part of India’s cultural history. This festival is an attempt to keep the folk art and music of Rajasthan alive and kicking. This year the festival is expected to witness renowned folk artists such as Dare Khan Manganiyar, Chiranji Kanji, Shamsuddin, Anwar Khan, and Pampa Khan Manganiyar.

Apart from the legends, one will also get to listen to young musicians like vocalist Jayateerth Mevundi and bands like Asia Manga, Sondorgo, a Hungarian Band, and Bixiga 70, which is a Brazilian Music band. Also, Rajasthan is considered to be the center of folk festivals in India. Rajasthani folk dance such as ghoomar, kalbeliya, and Bhavai has got world-class recognition. They are old-age dance forms that have been saved and flourished by the local professional dancers in Rajasthan.

The Jodhpur Riff festival is a platform that connects classical music lovers to master musicians. This 5-day festival accommodates concerts under the moonlight, events, exhibitions, interactive sessions, and more. The festival was initiated in 2007, and since then, it has been a regular affair at the Mehrangarh Fort.

Interesting Facts About Jodhpur RIFF 

Jodhpur is known as Blue city and sun city, and here is why! The geographical location of the city is such that the sun shines bright in the sky for all 365 days, which is why it’s called Sun City. The inhabitants found the solution to beat the heat in wall paints as they painted their homes with blue color to stay cool in the scorching heat, which gave the city the name Blue City.  

Major Attractions Of Jodhpur RIFF 2021

Jodhpur enjoys a vibrant cultural scene, and the same is replicated and amplified in Jodhpur Riff Festival. It brings musicians from across the world together. New sounds and melodies are created by collaborating their talents, knowledge of music, and skills. The festival is gaining a lot of popularity among music aficionados. Have a look at some of the major attractions of the Jodhpur Riff Festival and soak in the sweet melodies gently enveloping you in a warm embrace.

1. Local Rajasthani Artists

This year in Jodhpur RIFF 2021, several Rajasthani artists are aligned to deliver their sparkling performances. The list includes some popular names in the land of Rajasthan such as Shamsuddin(Maand), Kamaycha Ghewar, Khan Manganiyar, Vocalist Anwar Khan, The Living Legend will give a smashing performance. 

2. Jayateerth Mevundi

Pandit Jayateerth Mevundi is an Indian classical vocalist of the Kirana Gharana. It can be expected that the festival will be graced by the soulful music from the blessed voice of this classical singer. some of the famous albums of Jayateerth Mevundi are Bolava Vitthal, Theertha Vittala, Jayateerth Mevundi, etc. 

3. Sondorgo

It is a tamburitza band. A band of five members, including Aron Eredics, David Eredics, Attila Buzas, Salamon Eredics, and Benjamin Eredics.The tambura is a musical instrument that looks like a mandolin.

4. Davy Sicard

He is a french musician who has been entertaining music lovers for ages. He is best known for his album Ker Maron in 2006 and Kabar in 2008. His last album came out in the year 2016, named Mon Zanfan.

5. Maru Tarang

A great Rajasthani musical group has emerged as one of the significant names in the Rajasthani Folk Singing zone. The band members are guitarist Jeff Lang, tabla maestro Bobby Singh, sarangi master Asin Kahn Langa and famous Rajasthani instrumental music khartal player Bhungar Manganiyar.

6. Ancient Temples

Apart from the memorable musical treat, one can also explore the temples in the Mehrangarh fort premises. The Chamunda Mata temple and the Nagnechi Ji temple will soothe your spiritual nerves, while the heroic tales of the idols will leave you spellbound. Mingle with the locals for the exclusive Rajasthani food and interesting stories. 

7. Mesmerizing Palaces

The Mehrangarh fort premises accommodate multiple mesmerizing palaces or mahals. For instance, there is Sheesh Mahal, which has been adorned with intricate mirrorwork. Moti Mahal, where the king would reside on his throne and would address the serious matters, and Phool Mahal, which used to be the king’s private place to relax.       

8. The Garden

Chokelao Garden is another popular tourist attraction in the fort. This bagh or garden is believed to be 200 years old, and certainly, it carries the scents and fragrances of history. But there is a catch, the best time to visit the garden is not in the daylight but in the evening, as the garden gets lit up by the soft moonlight. The upper terrace of the garden has a restaurant where one can wrap the beautiful day with the moon and the flowers in full bloom in the backdrop.  

9. Food

Festivals are incomplete without food and especially when you are in Jodhpur! Raab, Lapsi, Bajre ka Sogra, Badam Halwa, and Chandaliya Sabji are some traditional dishes from the Jodhpuri Cuisine. The street food of Jodhpur is equally popular and leaves you craving for more. Mirchi Badaa, Ghewar, pyaaz ki kachori are some popular street foods that you can savor during your stay.  

10. Safari

Desert safari is another activity that you can plan if you wish to see the sunset in the desert or wander in the never-ending landscapes. Who knows, you may encounter the never-seen-before species of flora or fauna!   

How To Reach Jodhpur to Attend Jodhpur Riff Festival

Jodhpur is a city that holds a certain historical flair to it. It is to explore this magnetic charm of the city that tourists flock here in hundreds and thousands annually. Since it is one of the major tourist Destinations in India and the second-largest city in Rajasthan, it is well-connected with different parts of the country. Have a look at diverse modes of transportation that will help you reach Jodhpur to attend this magnificent festival. 

  • Nearest Major City. Jodhpur
  • Nearest Airport. Jodhpur Airport
  • Nearest Railway Station. Jodhpur Junction 
  • Distance from Jodhpur. 350.5 km

Air. Jodhpur has its own airport, which is approximately 8 kilometers away from Mehrangarh Fort, where the Musical Festival is organized. The airport is well-connected to other major cities of India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru. Once you reach the airport, you can take a bus, auto, or taxi to reach the fort. 

  • Distance from Jodhpur Airport. 8 km

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Rail. Jodhpur Junction is well-connected to other major cities of India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. The railway station is approximately 6 kilometers away from Mehrangarh Fort. 

  • Distance from Jodhpur Junction. 6 km

Road. Jodhpur has got great road connectivity with nearby regions as well as major cities of India. If you are heading from Delhi to Jodhpur, several buses run frequently. You can get public buses, Volvo Buses and many more. 

  • Distance From Pipar. 61.3 km
  • Distance From Pali. 67.5 km
  • Distance From Samadari. 74.8 km
  • Distance From Bilara. 80.8 km
  • Distance From Ajmer. 162 km
  • Distance From Bhilwara. 188 km
  • Distance From Delhi. 622 km
  • Distance From Mumbai. 970 km
  • Distance From Kolkata. 1888 km
  • Distance From Bengaluru. 1939 km

Frequently Asked Questions About Jodhpur Riff Festival

Ques 1. What is unique about the Jodhpur Riff Festival? 

Ans 1. Jodhpur, the quintessential Blue City, beckons music lovers and artists from all over the world to participate in this 5-day annual festival. This festival aims to take music lovers back to their roots and keep them connected with the soulful music of their land.

Ques 2. When is Jodhpur Riff Festival organized?

Ans 2. The festival is celebrated on Sharad Poornima, the full moon day, which usually falls in the month of October. This is a 5-day festival where established and unheard-of folk musicians come together to enthrall audiences with their soul-stirring renditions. 

Ques 3. Which is the closest airport to use to attend Jodhpur Riff Festival?

Ans 3. The nearest airport to reach Jodhpur to attend Jodhpur Riff Festival is Jodhpur Festival. 

Ques 4. What are the major attractions of the Jodhpur Riff Festival?

Ans 4. Jodhpur enjoys a vibrant cultural scene, and the same is replicated and amplified in Jodhpur Riff Festival. It brings musicians from across the world together. New sounds and melodies are created by collaborating their talents, knowledge of music, and skills. The festival is gaining a lot of popularity among music aficionados.

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PLEASE NOTE : Dates can vary due to cancellation or last-minute changes.

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