Jodhpur, October 23
The second day of the five-day Jodhpur RIFF 2026 brought together Indian and international folk musicians, dancers and performers at Mehrangarh Fort and other heritage venues across Jodhpur on Friday. From devotional songs at Jaswant Thada at dawn to late-night performances at Salim Kot, the festival offered audiences a vibrant celebration of musical traditions and cultural diversity.
The day began at 5.30 am at Jaswant Thada, where Bhallu Ram, Mala Ram, Dariya and Kelam, folk singers from the Meghwal community of Marwar, presented devotional songs of Mirabai, creating a serene start to the festival.
At Mehrangarh Fort, Rajasthani folk artists showcased traditional forms, including Bhagoria and Chari dances, Bhapang music, Barahmasiya songs and performances by young Langa musicians. Renowned Kathak dancer Tarini Tripathi captivated audiences during the RIFF Dance Boot Camp at Chokelao Mahal.
The festival’s In Residence programme featured a workshop by Vinay Kumar of Adishakti Theatre on human nature, emotions and the nine rasas. The theatre group also presented its play Brihannala, which drew considerable audience interest.
Evening performances included a musical collaboration titled Moves and Grooves, featuring Inayat, Sajid Khan, Aseen Khan and Zakir Khan Langa alongside Tarini Tripathi. At Dhana Bhaiya’s Chhatri, the fire dance of the Jasnathi Siddhas thrilled spectators. The Janana Courtyard hosted traditional Rajwadi Maand singing by Ganga and Sunder, along with Mohini Devi.
The programme also featured acclaimed vocalist Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande, performances by international artists and groups, a Sufi qawwali presentation by Ilham and Smita Bellur, and music by Sajid and Bundu Khan Langa. At Rao Jodha Desert Rock Park, the open-air Desert Lounge concert drew enthusiastic applause for performances by Rajasthani folk artists Idu Khan Langa, Meer Basu Khan and others. The day concluded with Afro-Oriental sounds by Isam Elias at Club Mehran in Salim Kot.
Saturday’s Programme
According to Mehrangarh Museum Trust Administrative Officer Colonel Ajay Singh Shekhawat, the festival’s third day on Saturday will begin with Manipuri devotional music at Jaswant Thada from 5.30 am to 7.30 am. Young performers Mangka Mayanglambam, Marjin Mayanglambam, M. Mangangsana and Elangbam Jayant will present Vaishnav devotional compositions featuring the traditional pena instrument.
The morning programme will also include Ghoomar and Chari dances by folk artist Durga Devi at Chokelao Mahal. The In Residence session at Chokelao Garden will explore Marathi language, life and heritage through Majhi Boli Sajiri, featuring Dr Megha Vishwas, Sanjeev Duri, Varun Devre, Shashank Padwal and Anurag Garge.
In the evening, Living Legends will showcase Rajasthani folk artists Tagaram Bhil and Tunginath Neemla. The Janana Courtyard programme, Strings and Beats: Folk Futures, will feature the magic of the kamaycha alongside performances by traditional and contemporary musicians, including Ghewar Khan, Firoz Khan and Dare Khan, as well as international artists and the Martha Redbone Roots Project and Butter Funk Family. The day will conclude at Club Mehran with a musical collaboration between beatmaker Dobi Kilab and Rajasthani musicians.
