Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF)

Venue

Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur

Duration

Five days

Month

Usually October (around Sharad Purnima)

Organisers

Mehrangarh Museum Trust and Jaipur Virasat Foundation

When it happens

RIFF is usually held in October, timed around Sharad Purnima, the brightest full moon of the year. Exact dates change annually, so check the official festival website before booking travel. Passes are sold for single days or the full festival, and the popular late-night and sunrise concerts can sell out, so buy early if you have fixed dates. October evenings in Jodhpur are pleasant, though days can still be warm.

How it is celebrated

Performances take place in several spaces within the fort, from intimate early-morning sessions to large evening concerts with the lit-up ramparts behind the stage. The programme mixes traditional Rajasthani music, such as songs of the Langa and Manganiyar musicians, with folk and roots artists from other countries, and there are often collaborations between them. Workshops, talks and local food add to the experience.

The festival is run jointly by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust and the Jaipur Virasat Foundation, with a focus on supporting folk artists and their traditions.

Where to see it

Mehrangarh Fort stands on a rocky hill above Jodhpur, the Blue City, and is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan. Its palaces, courtyards and viewpoints over the blue-painted old town give the concerts a striking setting. Outside festival hours, spend time in the fort museum and walk down through the old city to the clock tower market.

Tips for your visit

We can plan a Jodhpur stay around the festival dates, combined with Jaisalmer or Udaipur.

• Book hotels early, as Jodhpur fills up during the festival
• Wear comfortable shoes; the fort has steep ramps and many steps
• Carry a light shawl for cool late-night and dawn sessions
• Bring a camera, but respect any photography rules at performances

Where to experience it