Mesmerised by the Mehrangarh Fort, Rudyard Kipling in 1899 wrote : “A palace that might have been built by titans and coloured by the morning sun.” The Mehrangarh Fort is truly an epitome of grandeur and resplendence. Rao Jodha, of Rathore dynasty started the construction of this fort in 1459 and most of the other developments that ensued were done during the reign of Jaswant Singh in 1638 -1678. Since then it defines the skyline of Jodhpur, perched aloft a rocky lone hill, statuesque and impregnable.
With a stellar architectural design, Mehrangarh is an awe-inspiring and splendid fort enclosed by high ramparts. Since the materials required to build it were chiselled from the same rock on which the fort stands, the structure merges with its base, a cliff called Bhakur-cheeria which means the ‘Mountain of Birds’.The ownership still lies with the descendants of the erstwhile royals who efficiently manage the property.
From these intimidating battlements, the vistas of the city far below are breathtaking.Tiny houses painted in blue dot Jodhpur, justifying it the sobriquet, “The Blue City”. Far away, the enchanting Umaid Bhavan Palace overlooks the desert capital.The momentous history, incredible artistic works, cultural heritage and imposing architecture make Mehrangarh a landmark in Jodhpur that beckons visitors from India and abroad. It houses priceless and exotic heirlooms of the bygone era. Burnished red sand stone, imposing, invincible and yet with a strange haunting beauty that beckons, the fort is most impressive.
The ideal time to visit this royal grandeur is during the winters when the sun rays are less harsh and the cool winds blow through the dessert. From October to March, Jodhpur reverberates with the sound of folk music and songs. The fort hosts amazing music festivals which must not be missed. These cultural extravaganzas are popular and on the list of every music aficionado and art lover.
RAJASTHAN INTERNATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL (26-30th OCTOBER, 2023)
Rajasthan International Folk Festival or Jodhpur RIFF as it is popularly known, is a not-for-profit partnership project including two of India’s principal heritage trusts – Mehrangarh Museum Trust and Jaipur Virasat Foundation. The superlative festival has encouraged many local artistes thereby gaining an endorsement from UNESCO as a “Peoples” Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development.” The Jodhpur RIFF enjoys the international patronage of Sir Mick Jagger, the founder member of the Rolling Stones and the chief patronage of the 36th custodian of Marwar, HH Maharaja Gaj Singh II.
Jodhpur RIFF places the Rajasthani folk musicians at its heart, ensuring their pride, dignity, and a sense of belonging. Their ability to showcase authenticity, as recognized by their peers and elders, is of utmost significance. Simultaneously, these musicians are aware of the artistic opportunities that await them, enabling them to create and collaborate with exceptional artists hailing from Rajasthan and beyond. Jodhpur RIFF serves as a platform that fulfills both these aspects for them, illustrating the importance of festivals like it.
The dates vary every year, coinciding with “Sharad Purnima” – the brightest full moon night in north India. It is during this time that Jodhpur RIFF showcases a number of mesmerising concerts and events, both in the Mehrangarh Fort and its vicinity. For five days, the fort reverberates with the mellifluous music and witnesses rustic dance forms from around the globe. About 250 musicians and artists come together from all over to revel in festivity and fervour. This year the Rajasthan International Folk Festival will take place from the26-30th October.
For more details visit their website – www.jodhpurriff.org
WORLD SACRED SPIRIT FESTIVAL (10-11 FEBRUARY 2024 )
Lose your sense of time and space, and embark on an extraordinary historical and sacred musical journey at the World Sacred Spirit Festival in Mehrangarh. Held every year in February and organized by the Mehrangarh Museum Trust, a cultural institution that helms international exchange programs, the festival mesmerizes music lovers with an impressive line-up of artists in an exquisite royal setting.
The Sacred Spirit Festival unites global talent to celebrate the profound spiritual essence of music, transcending barriers of communities, cultures, and faiths. This festival aims to emphasize the transformative power of soul-stirring melodies that inspire and awaken the divine within us. Within the awe-inspiring Mehrangarh Fort, the festival creates a resounding ambiance filled with euphoria, joy, and ecstatic musical strains.
Illustrious singers like Rabbi Shergil, Kavita Seth, Kailash Kher, Sabri brothers, Ustad Shujat Khan, Rock Veda Band, Mati Bani, Char Yaar, and Thagni group have enthralled audiences throughout the years. This extraordinary festival has also been graced by renowned artists from Egypt, Turkey, France, Paris, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Africa, China, and more, who have blended their unique styles with the mesmerizing Rajasthani folk musicians, creating an unforgettable experience for all.The 15th edition of the World Sacred Spirit Festival will take place in February 2024.
For more details visit their website – www.worldsacredspiritfestival.org
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Zariya Healings.
I visited the fort in 2010, it really is magnificent. But I haven’t been to any of the music festivals. Would surely like to go for both–RIFF and World Sacred Music Fest. And I haven’t explored Jodhpur also well, it would be fun to do that as well.
I would love to attend one of the music festivals in Rajasthan. I have them on my bucket list, but not ticked off yet. Thanks for sharing the Mehrangarh festival. it has made me resolve to go for one this year.
Oh my my… I had no idea that the fort comes alive in this way. It surely must be a treat to music lovers. And what a lovely way to pen your thoughts Dipali… you have an impressive style… your choice of words, the flow of thoughts… brilliant!
What is better than a grand and majestic fort – A grand and majestic fort that still keeps its cultural heritage alive and thriving? I can only imagine how mesmerizing it must be to witness the cultural fiesta of RIFF during Sharad Purnima at Mehrangarh fort.
You have beautifully penned your thoughts, dear… Having personally visited this remarkable place during my parents’ tenure in Rajasthan, I am absolutely enthralled by the exquisite Mehrangarh Fort and its mesmerizing musical festivals.
The fort definitely sounds a worth to visit however Rajasthani music from what I have heard online is dam good. The way the sing is like mind blowing and the depth in their voice is too good.
We had been planning to visit Rajasthan soon. And now we know what is the best time to visit during the Rajasthan International Folk Festival. Thank you so much for sharing about it.
Rajasthan always attracts me and that’s the reason it is one such state of India where I visited more than once to explore the cities . Its true that I am still left with Jodhpur and Jaisalmer to explore. My desire is to explore every corner of this state as I found no other state in North so much vibrant, colorful and attractive. I am the daughter of a history teacher and so heard a lot about the history of the Raputana dynasties and the forts from my mom and from that time only I wished to know this state more. Every fort of Rajasthan depicts the rich history of the rulers of this state. Rajasthani food, culture, costume and people, in short I am in love with Rajathan. The way you penned the blog I felt like witnessing every corner of the fort live. I have a strong fascination towards Rajasthani folk dance and music. Thank you so much for taking me on a tour to The Mehrangarh Fort. I will surely make a plan for a trip to Jodhpur real soon.
I visited Mehrangarh last month and even then, in all the quiet, God did it look alive! We are contemplating a trip to Jodhpur again in the festival months, and your post is going to be so useful for me then!
Rajasthan and its culture fascinates me always! It’s the most visited state of my life so far! Mehrangarh fort is one of my favourite spots here!
every time you write about a place you bring about a rich cultural heritage and also a festival. Great to know about Jodhpur.
I haven’t visited Rajasthan yet but it certainly is on my bucket list. I enjoyed reading your post and more than that I loved the pics. Thanks for sharing.
I haven’t had a chance to explore Rajasthan as much. I would love to visit Jodhpur during a music festival. Or if I can be greedy, during both the music festivals. Thanks so much for sharing the details.
I haven’t visited Mehrangarh yet but really want to. The grandeur of this place makes one wonder of the time it must’ve been built and thriving! These music festivals are such a treat for music lovers. I wish I can attend one someday to experience the magic of our folk music.
That place is magnificent! Looks like the ones you can only see in movies. Having a music festival there though is what makes it more special. Immersing yourself if this surroundings and add to that culture and music…ahhhh…such a delight for anyone who’d be able to attend! Lucky you!
Oh, I have been to Mehrangarh but it was a few years ago. I remember it being so huge and grand! However, we were in such a hurry (because we accidentally met a friend and he invited us over for dinner right then and there) that I couldn’t appreciate the fort in all its glory. That too to the extent that I do not even remember seeing the famous “blue houses” from the fort. What a shame! I would love to visit Jodhpur yet again. Thanks to your post and amazing pictures, I am going to plan for it super soon 🙂
I have recently been to Rajasthan so the experience is so fresh in my mind. I was looking for another reason to head back to the state and the music festival will be the perfect excuse. Hope to visit it 🙂
What beautiful pictures Dipali ma’am 😍. I have always been eager to visit forts but haven’t got the chance much.
My Rajasthan trip didn’t cover Jodhpur and the northern parts. Looks breathtaking. Ear marking your post for my next trip.
Your words literally made me take a trip to the Mehrangarh Fort. The 2 festivals, RIFF and World Sacred Music Fest, mentioned by you surely seem like every music lover’s dream and am sure would be mesmerizing, to say the least. Your posts has made me add Rajasthan, especially Mehrangarh Fort to my bucket list.
Rajasthan is an amazing place, We have been to many places of Rajasthan in parts in pas 5 years and loved every bit of our Every trip to Rajasthan. Your pictures here in this blog are the proof of the same. Beauty of Rajasthan.
I’ve visited the majestic fort but never been for a festival. Looks amazing!