Travellers booking holidays to India may be interested in the country’s newest music festival.
Travel journalist Sarah Phillips has said that attending India’s newest music festival – the Rajasthan International Folk Festival – allowed her to experience the region’s incredible cultural history.
Musicians from all over India descend on Jodhpur for the event, which was conceived to help preserve the musical traditions of the region.
Writing in the Guardian, she described how it is held in a unique venue, the Mehrangarh Fort.
This former royal palace changes in an astounding way, she said, especially in the evening: “After dark, the spectacular arches and courtyards are transformed into a breathtaking series of candlelit venues.”
In addition to providing a stage for local musicians, one-off collaborations form part of the event’s appeal.
Ms Phillips was particularly taken by a performance that brought beatboxer Jason Singh and Manchester-based guitarist Kirk McElhinney together to showcase previously unheard compositions developed with a group of Rajasthanis playing local instruments.
Jodhpur has plenty to offer travellers even when the music festival is not in full swing. Attractions include numerous temples, the Rai ka Bag Palace and the Umed Garden.
Written by Ruth Norris
