International folk fest to delight music lovers in Jodhpur

The picturesque Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur will come alive with the strains of lilting folk music and Indo-Western collaborations at the fifth Rajasthan International Folk Festival this year.

The picturesque Mehrangarh Fortin Jodhpur will come alive with the strains of lilting folkmusic and Indo-Western collaborations at the fifth RajasthanInternational Folk Festival this year.

Beginning October 11, the festival that finds itselfamongst the top 25 music festivals in the world will featureartists from around the world including US, Holland, Myanmar,Australia and Nepal besides the host state Rajasthan.

"Rajasthan International Folk Festival is one of the fewIndian festivals that is recognised internationally. It is theonly one to be endorsed by UNESCO for its values and itscommitment to showcase the talent of artists," says festivaldirector Divya Bhatia.

Members of the Manginiyar community, who are professionalfolk artists from Jodhpur, will feature prominently in thefestival this year.

Tribal dance and music from Marwar, near Udaipur, willalso delight music aficionados. In the international line up,the eclectic performances include French, Spanish and Dutchsongs.

The five-day festival aims to give an internationalplatform to talented Rajasthani folk artists, at par withinternational artists.

"The focus is on the talent and skill of the artists. Weare not doing this to promote tourism in the state. Our aim isto provide a dedicated platform to Rajasthani folk artists toshowcase their talent alongside international artists, and notas a prop or exotica," says the director.

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