There’s just something about sitting in the silence of the desert, a chill breeze in the air, listening to the gentle sound of the sitar, or a beautiful voice echoing through the sand dunes. Trust us, there’s no place like Rajasthan to witness a music festival. Whether it’s the heart racing beats of EDM that makes you groove or it’s the piercing emotion of classical music that makes your heart leap, there’s something for everyone here.
Here are five musical events in Rajasthan that you can’t miss:
- Jodhpur RIFF
When: 24 – 28 October
Where: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Jodhpur RIFF celebrates the unique culture of Rajasthan by showcasing some of Rajasthan’s most beautiful music and dance forms. Legendary folk singers and maestros will take centre stage and blow you away with each raga and every beat. At Jodhpur RIFF, local storytellers, fortune tellers and circus performers tell magical stories of Rajasthani culture that only leave you wanting more.
- Magnetic Fields
When: 14 – 16 December
Where: Alsisar Mahal, Rajasthan
This one is definitely where the cool kids go. Three days of music and contemporary art that takes place within a 17th century palace. Live like the Bedouins in tents under the stars or choose the more royal treatment and go with a palace room. With performances from dynamites in the indie and international music space, this one is not to be missed! Website.
- World Sacred Spirit Festival
When: 18– 23 Feb 2019
Where: Jodhpur
The World Sacred Spirit Festival is a celebration of culture, music and dance from around the world. From the riveting beats of Sufi music to sacred poetry from Andalusia, the festival encompasses not one but multiple genres of art into one celebration. Website.
- Udaipur World Music Festival
When: Feb 2019
Where: Udaipur
The Udaipur World Music Festival is another winter festival in Rajasthan to head to. This unique celebration brings together artists and craftsmen from around the world in a brilliant showcase of sounds from different corners of the globe. Artists from Philippines, China, India, Israel, Brazil, USA and a host of other countries put on spectacular shows from morning to night. This one is a must for the music lovers!
- Music In the Park
When: Every second Saturday
Where: Central Park, Jaipur
Central Park is one of Jaipur’s largest parks and is a popular jogging and bird watching site in the city. On every second Saturday evening from 7 PM onwards, the park comes alive with the sound of music. World-renowned artists come to perform here for an audience of locals and tourists alike.
(All information has been compiled by Conde Nast Traveller India)