Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage is renowned worldwide for its vibrant traditions, music, and art. It is a treasure trove of stories, songs, and dances that have been passed down through generations. The Rajasthan International Folk Festival 2025 (RIFF Jodhpur) is a celebration of this rich folk culture, showcasing the state’s unique traditional identity to a global audience. With its beautiful blend of local and global flavors, RIFF Jodhpur 2025 promises to be an unforgettable experience. From dates to timings, here’s everything about this upcoming celebration in India’s biggest state.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival 2025
The Rajasthan International Folk Festival 2025 will take place from October 2nd to October 6th. It is perfectly timed with Sharad Purnima, the brightest and most auspicious full moon night of the North Indian calendar. This festival features a range of musical traditions, including folk, classical, and contemporary music, as well as dance, storytelling, and craft workshops.
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Jodhpur RIFF 2025: Timing and Venue
Held at the majestic Mehrangarh Fort, RIFF Jodhpur is a premier cultural event that brings together local and international artists to promote and preserve Rajasthan’s intangible cultural heritage.
Mehrangarh Fort, soaring over 400 feet above Jodhpur and steeped in centuries of history, transforms into a spellbinding open-air venue. Its sprawling courtyards and terraces light up with music, dance, and the joyous bustle of thousands of festival goers, all bathed in moonlight and calmed by the desert night air.
It is a sensory journey of concert runs from sunrise to past midnight, offering magical experiences as the fort glows beneath the full moon.
The opening ceremony features a free concert at 7:30 pm on October 2nd, with ticketed events following from early mornings at 5:30 am till late at night on subsequent days. It concludes at dawn on October 6th, wrapping up a vibrant celebration that flows day and night.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival Artists Lineup
This year, the RIFF music festival will feature iconic folk performers known for their soulful voices and musical virtuosity, including many renowned artists mentioned below.
- Chiranji Kanji and Shamsuddin
- Kamaycha Ghewar
- Dare Khan Manganiyar
- Anwar Manganiyar
- Lakhs Khan Manganiyar
- Kadae Khan Lang
- Pampa Khan Manganiyar
- Sawn Khan Manganiyar
- Jayateerth Mevundi
- Mahesaram Meghwal
RIFF Rustle, the famous midnight jam session, will be curated by Colombian DJ Killabeatmaker and joined by Indian saxophonist Rhys Sebastian. Killabeatmaker will also give a solo performance, blending Afro-Colombian rhythms with deep urban basslines.
Layla Tazhibayeva, an acclaimed artist from Kazakhstan, will perform using the electric kobyz. Aditi Bhagwat, celebrated as ‘Marathi mulgi,’ will lead a Lavani dance boot camp. Traditional Rajasthani group dances, such as Kalbelia and Ghoomar, will also be hosted.
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Rajasthan International Folk Festival Core Experiences
Mornings begin with tranquil dawn concerts, fostering intimate encounters with legendary folk musicians and classical artists.
Afternoons and evenings are filled with carefully curated performances, workshops, and interactive sessions offering opportunities for hands-on learning about indigenous instruments like the Kamaicha, Khartal, and Morchang.
Special stages throughout Mehrangarh Fort are dedicated to different genres:
- The Zenana Courtyard hosts traditional Rajasthani and international collaborations.
- Chokelao Bagh provides afternoon performances in lush surroundings.
- Jaswant Thada, another iconic Jodhpur site, features free and open concerts to welcome all.
Rajasthan International Folk Festival ticket price
- Full festival pass: INR 17,110
- Single-day passes start at around INR 5,900 to INR 7,080, depending on the day and event category.
- Entry fees for Mehrangarh Fort, the festival venue, are charged separately from the festival tickets.
- Indian nationals pay INR 100 for entry.
- Senior citizens, students, and paramilitary personnel pay INR 50.
- Foreign tourists pay INR 600, and foreign students pay INR 400.
Tickets for the RIFF music festival can be purchased online through the official festival website (jodhpurriff.org).
Tips for Attending RIFF Jodhpur 2025
- Festival tickets are in high demand, so advance booking is strongly recommended to ensure access to headline acts and premium seating.
- Many hotels also fill up fast, so secure accommodation early, preferably near Mehrangarh Fort.
- Comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended as multiple venues within Mehrangarh Fort require walking and some uphill climbing.
- RIFF events run from early morning to late at night, so prepare for long, immersive days.
- October weather in Jodhpur can be warm during the day and cool at night. Carry water, sunscreen, a hat, and light layers for fluctuating temperatures.
- Follow guidelines regarding restricted areas, waste disposal, and seating. Photography rules may vary by event, so check in advance.
- Children under 12 can enter for free, while certain areas (e.g., bar zones) are restricted to those over 18.
- Choose local transportation over private vehicles to avoid traffic and parking issues.
Summing Up
For anyone passionate about music, dance, culture, or travel, Rajasthan International Folk Festival 2025 promises five extraordinary days. It blends the warmth of Rajasthani hospitality, the richness of world traditions, and the awe-inspiring grandeur of Mehrangarh Fort into an experience that lingers long after the final note is played.
