2nd Rajasthan International Folk Festival

Note: The RIFF festival was canceled due to recent events in Jodhpur. (October 6, 2008)

A full moon night, an old, old fort in the middle of an undulating desert and melodious music — who can resist this potent combination? Not me. Come October 10 and I’ll be in Jodhpur to be a part of the second 4-day Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF). The annual event at the grand Mehrangarh Fort, brings together some of the most talented folk musicians from across India and the world.

I managed to take a sneak peek at this year’s programme and it is totally drool-worthy. The festival begins with a celebration of the rare Maand tradition of Rajasthan by its best known exponents, the sisters Parveen and Rehana Mirza, followed by the inimitable Shubha Mudgal: she’s singing Maand, too!

The following night will belong to Ajmer’s famous quwaals Zakir and Zaki Ali. And if you are into gypsy music and jazz like me, don’t miss the concert the night after, which gets together renowned French guitarist Titi Robinson, European jazz group Yuri Honing Trio and an eclectic mix of Rajasthani folk artists. Hungary’s best known Roma gypsy band, Parno Graszt, will be on right at the end.

But it’s not just about stage performances. I’m going try cramming in the nightly jam sessions at Club Mehran, which offer an interesting twist on ‘folk blues’, with American Phoebe Legre, British guitarist Jackson Scott and Guru Rueben Mashangwa from Manipur.

And the icing on the cake? The special dawn devotional concert on the last day which will feature folk music maestro Prahlad Tipaniya and his ensemble.

Oh and did I forget to mention, the irresistible Mick Jagger has just agreed to become a patron of the festival. Who knows, we may just get a ‘darshan’.

The 2nd Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur. Oct 10-14. For full programme details, visit: www.jodhpurfolkfestival.org.