Rajasthan International Folk Festival (Jodhpur RIFF)

About Jodhpur RIFF

Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival) was conceptualised and initiated in 2007 by the current Maharaja of Jodhpur, HH Gaj Singh II. The festival aimed to provide a platform to the Rajasthan's unheard talented artists and also to bring life and vigour to the Mehrangarh Fort. Since then, every year the Mehrangarh Fort (Asia's best Fort) sees the confluence of about 250 artists and musicians.

The artists come from Rajasthan and also from all over the globe to be a part of this celebration. Maharaja of Jodhpur is the festival's chief patron, and Sir Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones is the international patron of Jodhpur RIFF. The festival along with having performances also conducts interactive day-time sessions which are thoroughly intriguing and enriching.

Highlights of RIFF 2023

• Rajasthani Artists

A large number of well known Rajasthani folk artists like Chiranji kanji, Shamsuddin (Maand), musicians Kamaycha Ghewar and dare Khan Manganiyar and vocalist Anwar Khan manganiyar are expected to put up a spectacular show. The 'Living Legends' series will also be showcased by four legends-lakhs Khan Manganiyar, Kadae Khan Lang (Sindhi sarangi and vocals), Pampa Khan Manganiyar(Shehnai and Murli) and Sawan Khan Manganiyar (Sufi).
RIFF 2019 will also witness some young talents like Dhun Dhun Group and Asia manga along with Butter Manganiyar.

• Jayateerth Mevund

An exceptional vocalist who has emerged from the Kirana Gharana and is the master of Santvaani (words of saints)  and Daasavani (words of a devotee) musical tradition of Karnataka and Maharashtra will be a significant attraction of RIFF 2019.

• Sondorgo

Sondorgo, a band from Hungry is another highlight of RIFF 2019. The band plays lesser-known music of the Serb-Croatian communities that live along the river Danube along with the gipsy and Balkan tracks of the world. They play different styles of music with 17 instruments. 

• Davy Sicard

Davy Sicard is from the island of La Reunion. Often referred to as the master of modern 'Maloya', he is well known for his unique music which is a blend of African Slave Chants and rhythms, contemporary European instruments and traditional instruments.  

• Robust

Robust will be one of the most special highlights of Jodhpur RIFF 2019 and will include master percussions with Ben Walsh. He is a master percussionist from Australia and will meet Rajasthani percussionists for the first time at the festival.

• Maru Tarang

Maru Tarang is an Australian Rajasthani music association of Jeff Lang and Bobby Singh from Australia and sin Lang and Bhungar Manganiyar from Rajasthan. They will present their first album 'Blue City' and will also give insight into their upcoming ventures.

• Bixiga 70

It is one of the most loved contemporary instrumental music band of Brazil. Their music is influenced by Africa and Brazil and hence include Samba and Reggae with electronica, ethnic jazz and carimbo. 

Some Useful Tips

• The festival passes are non-refundable and non-returnable.

• The ticket of the festival does not include entry to the Fort or any food and beverage item.

• Food and beverages have to be purchased separately.

• Photography and videography are strictly prohibited in the festival.

• No alcohol inside the venue.

Thus, Jodhpur RIFF flaunts the cultural lifestyle of India and the rest of the world and provides an impetus to the music artists to showcase their unique creations. It is an excellent fusion of Indian and International music which binds together more than 250 artists from all over the world. It has the most sizzling performances which attract people from all walks of life.