RIFF Jodhpur 2022
Jodhpur’s RIFF showcases the incredible musical heritage of Rajasthan’s rural musician communities
The Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is an annual 5-day music festival recognised by UNESCO as a “People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development”. First held in 2007, it is now firmly established as a must-attend annual festival on the world music calendar. It celebrates the musical legacy of Rajasthan while also providing a platform for creative collaborations between seasoned folk musicians and international acts, giving rise to new sounds.
Celebrating Rajasthani art and culture at the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort
Mehrangarh Fort is representative of the glory of Rajput rulers of years past. Home to many legendary warriors, it is a symbol of pride and carries huge historical significance of Rajasthani culture. It naturally stands to reason that this serves as the venue for what is easily India’s most prestigious nonprofit, folk music festival.
Jodhpur RIFF Festival Dates
Larger-than-life and just as exciting, RIFF kicks off on Thursday, 6 October 2022, and ends on Monday, 10 October 2022.
Artists’ Line Up 2022
You can look forward to foot-tapping, captivating performances from both local and international bigwigs. This year, the festival also coincides with Sharad Poornima, the brightest full moon night of the year. Set against the unreal backdrop of the Mehrangarh Fort, this is a sight and sounds that are not to be missed.
Here are just a few of the acts you’re likely to experience at the RIFF 2022
Padma Shri Lakha Khan: Lakha Khan, the undisputed master of the Sindhi sarangi, is a living legend. The 74-year-old Padma Shri awardee continues to entertain the world with his secular performances in the classical and folk genres. His music transcends barriers and invokes spiritual oneness in the listener.
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Padma Shri Anwar Khan Baiya: One of Rajasthan’s top vocalists, Anwar Khan Baiya, is a highly gifted musician with extensive experience, deep knowledge of traditional music, and a soulful voice.
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Womanly Voices of Rajasthan: Womanly Voices aims to highlight the voices of female vocalists from Rajasthan’s folk traditions and includes artists like Sumitra Devi, Mohini Devi, mother-daughter duo Ganga and Sunder, and more.
Emlyn: An innovative and emerging Mauritanian musician, singer, and songwriter breathing fresh life into the worlds of Sega, Creole and world music with her passionate vocals and songs that celebrate nature.
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Bawari Basanti: A contemporary Indian artist known for composing unique and authentic music with modern interpretations of traditional tunes and vocal styles.
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Harpreet Singh: Harpreet Singh is a raw, rare talent who expresses himself freely and soulfully. He performs timeless songs by poets like Bulleh Shah and Kabir, bringing alive their message — all the more relevant and urgent in today’s day and age.
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Soulful folk music, jazz, traditional dance forms, sensational acts — all this and more awaits you in Jodhpur in October.
And if you’re looking for a place to stay, it doesn’t get better than RAAS Jodhpur. Strategically located in the Old City and right under the Mehrangarh Fort, this is as close as it gets to all the action.
