Jodhpur RIFF returns to Mehrangarh fort with 280 musicians from across the world

Under the radiant full moon of Sharad Purnima, Jodhpur RIFF is returning to the Mehrangarh Fort, bringing together over 280 extraordinary musicians from across India and the world.

- MURTAZA ALI KHAN

This annual celebration of roots music, now in its 17th year, promises to be a truly magical experience for attendees from October 16-20, 2024.

The festival will feature a stellar lineup of artists, with performances by international and Indian masters, ranging from French electronica artist Éric Mouquet, co-founder of Grammy-winning group Deep Forest, to the renowned Manganiyar vocalists of Marwar. Jodhpur RIFF continues to be a vital space for celebrating Rajasthan's rich musical heritage, while also providing a platform for international collaborations.

In a conversation with The Sunday Guardian, Divya Bhatia, the festival director, shared his deep connection to the curation process and the overarching vision behind the event. "Jodhpur RIFF has always been about breaking down silosamongst musicians, between music/dance/theatre, and showcasing the breadth of our collective musical heritage. My personal involvement is about building an ecosystem for artists where they feel valued and can express themselves freely. It's about curating an experience, not just for audiences but also for the performers themselves," he explained.