Take one Jodhpur trip in October to watch the chilly wind take over the barren desert landscapes. It is also one of those moments when the Blue City is at its most beautiful. The music of the desert is best represented in the Jodhpur RIFF – the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. From the collection of vintage cars at Umaid Bhawan Palace to the serene lake of Jaswant Thada; of the ravanhatta players from the Mehrangarh Fort to the bangle sellers of Mochi Bazaar, Jodhpur is an explorer’s dream path.
RIFF – Music of the desert. A feast for the soul.
The soulful symphony of the string quartet blends effortlessly with the soft tones of the flute to give you a warm welcome even as the pinch in the air tugs at your heart rhythms. You will have no choice but to be mesmerized by the songs of the sand as they beautifully merge with the world music. So you will have the ragas of a thumri blending into the harmonies of the bauls and jazz rhythms mingle with Celtic sounds.
Good to know facts about the festival
This music Festival is scheduled for October 13-17 this year. Held against the backdrop of the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, the festival is endorsed by UNESCO as a ‘People’s Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development’. It is a presentation of the two leading heritage trusts – namely Mehrangarh Museum Trust and the Jaipur Virasat Foundation. The festival sees musicians and artists from all over the world, including Brazil, Finland, Spain, Ghana and Israel. The main patron of the festival is the Maharaja of Jodhpur, and the international patron is the Sir Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones.
Stay facility
The facilities of luxurious royal tents with attached bathrooms are provided for those who wish to stay within the fort. If you are not staying within Mehrangarh Fort, you can choose from Ajit Bhawan, Raas Haveli, Bal Samand Palace Garden Retreat, Inn Season, Ratan Vilas, Devi Bhawan and Otara Luxury Guest House.
Entrance fee
Passes are available on the RIFF official website. You can get a full festival pass or look up the event list and buy the pass for a specific day. The full Donor Passes of the festival are available at INR 12,500 and for a special day you have to pay INR 5,000. In case of any query, you can send an email to the concerned authority. For a comfortable trip to Jodhpurbook train tickets online and get the best deals.
Book trains
Note:
- All festival passes are strictly non-refundable.
- Free admission for children under 12 years.
- The use of video cameras, recording equipment and flash photography is strictly prohibited at Jodhpur RIFF events and venues.
- The donor pass holder will be allowed into the Mehrangarh Museum.
An insight into the majestic Mehrangarh Fort
The hike up to Mehrangarh Fort may seem daunting, but the view from the top is worth it. Here you will learn the true meaning of the name Blue City! The fort was built in 1460 by Rao Jodha, after whom the city got its name. The Mehrangarh Fort, also known as the Citadel of the Sun, houses several palaces within its fortifications.
One of the most interesting rooms in the Mehrangarh Fort is the Phool Mahal. With stained glass windows, gold ceiling and typical diwan beds of the era define this part of the fort. Sunlight streaming through the windows dances with the mirror work, creating a kaleidoscope of colorful rays!
Winter is playing in the pony, ready to commit the murder at any moment. Times change and the sand shifts. So let go of the limiting blues and plan your plan Jodhpur trip to enjoy the magic that is this walled city!
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