For music lovers in India, travel and rhythm often go hand in hand. From Goa's beachside gigs to Shillong's rock festivals, India offers diverse destinations where melodies meet landscapes. Among them, Jodhpur RIFF stands out, not just as a festival, but as a soulful journey that brings folk traditions and global sounds together under the starry Rajasthan sky. India's biggest roots music festival, Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival), is back this year, scheduled from October 2nd to 6th in Jodhpur.
This is the 18th year of the festival, and artists from South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe, the UK, and beyond will transform Mehrangarh Fort into a vibrant stage for rare and dazzling musicians, performers, and experiences.
The festival not only showcases international talents but also promotes Rajasthan's finest folk traditions. Audiences will be taken on a tour of unique and compelling musical soundscapes from Rajasthan, India, Bhutan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Syria, Switzerland, Portugal, the UK, Poland, Finland, Spain, Canada, and Colombia.
Also Read: 5 Days, 5 Villages, Endless Music: Rajasthan Kabir Yatra 2025 Is Back - Here's What You Should Know
Each year, the Mehrangarh Fort becomes a place where the unscripted happens: a midnight jam that melts borders, a voice you've never heard that remains with you for years, a rhythm that pulls strangers to their feet in unison.
Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival 2025: Highlights
Jatayu: Carnatic Strings and Guitar Riffs
From Chennai, Jatayu dissolves the boundaries between Carnatic ragas, jazz improvisation, and rock's raw energy. Electric guitar riffs entwine with intricate percussion on kanjira and mridangam, while bass and drums create grooves that carry both tradition and surprise. Their set promises a thrilling ride where a centuries-old form speaks fluently with global genres.
Padma Shri Lakha Khan: Keeper of the 27 Strings
One of the last living masters of the 27-string Sindhi sarangi, Lakha Khan's playing is a rare convergence of technical mastery and emotional depth. His repertoire, passed entirely through oral tradition, spans Sufi kalaams, devotional bhajans, and epic ballads in Marwari, Sindhi, Punjabi, and Hindi.
Sawan Khan: The Desert's Sufi Voice
Hailing from Dablgarh village near the border, from the Manganiyar community of Jaisalmer, Sawan Khan has been singing since the age of four. His command over his unique Sufi renditions, coupled with a voice that carries the earthy, the meditative, and the ecstatic in equal measure, makes his performances deeply immersive as well as spiritual.
The Cool Desert Project: Folk Meets Brass
The Rajasthani trio SAZ - dholak maestro Sadiq Khan, Sindhi sarangi player and vocalist Asin Khan, and khartal innovator Zakir Khan - join forces with Mumbai-based saxophonist Rhys 'Saxontoast' Sebastian. Together, they create a bold fusion where folk rhythms intertwine with bluesy brass, pushing the desert's musical traditions into new textures in very groovy territory.
En Route: Walking the Fort in Sound and Story
This immersive, audio-guided journey turns the streets and steps of Mehrangarh into a living stage. Blending ambient sound, local narratives, and reflective storytelling, it invites festival-goers to experience the fort as both a physical and emotional landscape.
How To Attend The Jodhpur RIFF 2025
Click here for further programme details and to book your tickets for the Jodhpur RIFF 2025.
How To Reach Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur
Mehrangarh Fort, perched on a rocky hill overlooking the Blue City, is around 6 km from Jodhpur city centre.
- From Jodhpur Airport (about 8 km away), taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available.
- Visitors arriving by train can hire cabs or tuk-tuks from Jodhpur Junction railway station, just 5 km from the fort.
- For a scenic approach, you can also hire a guided tour or walk part of the way through the winding old city lanes for breathtaking views of the fort's imposing walls.
Also Read: Jodhpur Travel Guide: Where To Go, Stay, Eat, And Shop In The Blue City
Other Activities to Do in Jodhpur
Beyond Jodhpur RIFF, the city offers plenty to explore:
- Wander through the vibrant Sardar Market near the Clock Tower for handicrafts and spices or take a culinary tour to sample iconic dishes like mirchi vada and mawa kachori.
- Visit Jaswant Thada, a beautiful marble cenotaph, or ride to Umaid Bhawan Palace, part royal residence and part heritage hotel.
- For adventure seekers, try ziplining at Mehrangarh or head to Mandore Gardens for a quieter, historical escape.
- Sunset views from Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park are another must for nature lovers.
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