Back after a pandemic-induced two-year pause, Jodhpur RIFF is ready to kick off its 13th edition this year. Picture a sparkling lineup of musical artists and a bouquet of performances to keep you hooked over the five-day period. By Sannidhyaa Basu Mallik
Dubbed as one of the best musical fests in India and acknowledged by UNESCO as a ‘Peoples’ Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development’, Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival) is back after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus. Led by festival director Divya Bhatia under the support of the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, Jodhpur, the 13th edition of the not-for-profit, genre-independent festival will kickstart on October 6 at Mehrangarh Fort.
Lineup for Jodhpur Riff 2022
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When Sir Mick Jagger, frontman of legendary rock band The Rolling Stones, serves as the international patron of a musical festival, you can be assured of amazing musical numbers. At Jodhpur RIFF, this celebration comes paired with an inherent dose of luxury, courtesy of HH Maharaja Gaj Singh II, the chief patron of the gala. No wonder, then, the five-day festival will come packed with a lineup of over 250 performers, including Rajasthani folk musicians and the festival’s maiden dance bootcamp.
Day one: October 6, 2022
Jodhpur RIFF will begin with a children’s folk morning. Reserved only for invited schools, the celebrations will include a puppet show with wooden dolls; traditional dance performances like ghoomer, kachchi ghodi, and teraah taali. Rajasthani circus and a Sindhi sarangi performance by young Langa musicians will complete the first half of the day. The latter half, the opening night, will throw the doors open for all. The evening’s concert will begin with the vocals of Sumitra Devi, followed by Mauritius’ Emlyn. Rajasthani Brass, an ensemble set, will culminate day one. PS: Be ready for a fire-eating performance, too!
Day two: October 7, 2022
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The second day of Jodhpur RIFF will start with poetry. Expect to be enthralled by the words of Bhallu Ram, Teja Ram, and Mahesha Ram Chhatagarh. Continue the day with a free guided walk through Rao Jodha Desert Park, and sit for an interactive session by Dr. Mebanlamphang Lyngdoh from Martin Luther King University in Shillong, Meghalaya. The talk will revolve around Khasi music traditions, with scholars and musicians Amabel Susngi, Risingbor Kurkalang, Banshailnag Mukhim to accompany. The dusk hours will see legends such as Padma Shri Lakha Khan and Pempa Khan Manganiyar ready to serenade audiences. As the sun sets, women singers will celebrate the state’s traditions. What’s more — Gareth Bonello will collaborate with several Rajasthani and Khasi musicians for a special performance. Day two of Jodhpur RIFF will end with the traditional telling of two tales: one, of star-crossed lovers Dhola-Maru; and two, of hero Durgadas Rathore.
Day three: October 8, 2022
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Charming tunes and songs of Khasi people by Meban Lyngdoh, Amabel Susngi, Risingbor Kurkalang, and Banshailnag Mukhim will bring in day three of Jodhpur RIFF. Post a melodious morning, get ready to dance! The next session will have the festival’s maiden international dance collaboration with Asha Sapera and her dancers, facilitated by Mexico’s Jaciel Neri. Post lunch, prepare to be enthralled by the screening of Heading West, a film by Dan Coutts on Scotland’s famous acid croft band Shooglenifty, their late frontman Angus Grant and the band’s sojourn to Rajasthan. Next up will be an Indie Afternoon where young, independent singers and songwriters will get a chance to share their work with audiences and artists alike. Post seven in the evening, performances by Roff Cohen (an emerging singer-songwriter who sings in Hebrew, Arabic, and French), Rang-e-Thar (traditional musicians from western Rajasthan’s Langa group), Manganiyar of Marwar – Vocal Magic (a traditional performance dedicated to late Sakhar Khan Manganiyar), and Bombay Brass (a homegrown, contemporary Indian instrumental band led by a saxophonist Rhys Sebastian) will take centre-stage. Brazil’s Maga Bo will draw the curtains on day three with a set exploring the contours of Afro-Brazilian culture.
Day four: October 9, 2022
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Day four of Jodhpur RIFF will start with a performance by Jasleen Kaur Monga, followed by a bootcamp dance session by a Kalbeliya dancer. An interactive session with Thar Sufi masters will follow suit. At the moonrise session, enjoy a performance by Dilshad Khan, followed by performances by Anita and Prem Dangi, a solo concert by Yurdan Tokcan, and kamaicha tunes by brother Ghewar and Darra Manganiyar.
Day five: October 10, 2022
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The final day of Jodhpur RIFF will end against the backdrop of Jaswant Thada. This year will see renowned Madhya Pradesh’s Prahlad Tipaniya recite works of saint Kabir Das. After all, isn’t the best way to end a five-day celebration of music with an ode to India’s spearhead of Bhakti movement?
Beyond Music
Along with being a sensational musical festival, Jodhpur RIFF also works towards uplifting the cultural heritage of traditional Rajasthani artists. During the pandemic years, the festival led a relief effort, backed by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, to provide medical aid, food, and financial support.
For more details on the festival and the exciting lineup, click here.
Related: Here’s How You Can Make The Most Of Your Next Jodhpur Trip
Sannidhyaa Basu Mallik
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