If the weeklong festivity drains you out completely, it’s time to head out for a mid-week rendezvous. And what better place than the Mehrangarh Fort at Jodhpur. Host to the five-day annual Rajasthan International Folk Festival, which begins on October 1 and is on till October 5, this fest boasts of old world charm and Rajathani flamboyance.
As an eclectic collection of national and international artists gather to perform rustic and contemporary folk, the audience can listen to interesting collaborations between the two. The festival also gives you a chance to witness some rare music from different parts the country as well as from Rajasthan itself.
This year’s highlights include singer Rekha Bhardawaj who will be performing with two well-known Rajasthani folk singers. Folk rock act Swarthama is another big crowd puller as is beat boxer Jason Singh’s folk-meets-club gig. The reputed classical sarangi player, Ustad Sultan Khan, will also be performing with two folk sarangi players; and then there will be master percussionist Sivamani taking the stage.
Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger has been a patron of the Jodhpur festival, and this year there will be some surprises for the audience.
From Friday onwards, the fest will host early morning concerts, interactive sessions that focus on lesser-known performing arts, and go on till sunset — and sometimes even till the wee hours of the morning.
{{/usCountry}}From Friday onwards, the fest will host early morning concerts, interactive sessions that focus on lesser-known performing arts, and go on till sunset — and sometimes even till the wee hours of the morning.
{{/usCountry}}The festival will see approximately six concerts at indoor and outdoor venues. But the highlight of the fest is spotting the bright moon on laxmi poornima with the music accompanying you throughout the night.
With over a hundred musicians performing here, this isn’t going to be your usual sort of a getaway. It’s all about enjoying the romance of the setting and the excellent music.