RIFF 2026
The Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is a music festival at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur that features both traditional Rajasthani artists and artists from around the world. The 2026 celebration is planned to take place from October 22 to October 26, which is the same time as Sharad Purnima.
RIFF is known for its concerts at sunrise and performances at full moon. It combines heritage, live folk music, and cross-cultural collaborations in a historic setting.
What is the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF)?
The Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) began in 2007, thanks to Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur and UNESCO’s support. It aims to celebrate and promote Rajasthan’s folk music, dance, and art while connecting local artists with global talents.
The Rajasthan International Folk Festival, or Jodhpur RIFF, is one of India’s most famous cultural music festivals. It focuses on keeping traditional folk music alive while also letting international artists work together.
When is the Rajasthan International Folk Festival held?
Rajasthan International Folk Festival is held annually in October during Sharad Purnima, usually lasting 4–5 days in Jodhpur.
- Dates: 22 October – 26 October 2026
- Venue: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
- Festival Times: Events start early in the morning with concerts at sunrise and go late into the night with performances by moonlight.
The festival is culturally and visually important because it happens on Sharad Purnima. Dates change a little from year to year, but they usually happen in October.
What are the timings of Rajasthan International Folk Festival?
RIFF events take place from early morning concerts to late-night shows, and the times vary from one venue to another inside Mehrangarh Fort.
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM (sunrise sessions)
- Evening: 6:00 PM onwards
- Night: Full moon special performances
What happens at the Rajasthan International Folk Festival?
RIFF has sunrise concerts, full moon performances, workshops, and collaborations between musicians from Rajasthan and other countries.
Key experiences include the following:
- Dawn concerts at scenic viewpoints
- Night performances during Sharad Purnima
- Fusion collaborations between global and local artists
- Interactive workshops on folk instruments and traditions
How many artists perform at RIFF each year?
Every year, more than 250 musicians and performers from Rajasthan and other countries around the world take part in RIFF.
How to Reach Jodhpur for RIFF
Getting to Jodhpur is convenient by air, train, and road:
- By Air: Jodhpur Airport (JDH) has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
- By Train: Jodhpur Junction is well connected with major cities in India: Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur.
- By Road: Regular buses and taxis operate from Jaipur, Jaisalmer, and Udaipur.
After getting to Jodhpur, auto rickshaws and cabs are readily available to take you to Mehrangarh Fort.
Where to Stay in Jodhpur During RIFF
Jodhpur’s hotels fill up quickly during RIFF, so be sure to book ahead of time. There are a lot of choices, from cheap guesthouses to fancy hotels:
- Luxury Stays: Umaid Bhawan Palace, RAAS Jodhpur, Taj Hari Mahal
- Mid-Range Hotels: Ajit Bhawan, Ratan Vilas, Devi Bhawan
- Budget Options: Guesthouses and hostels near the Clock Tower and old city
For the best experience, stay close to the old city so you can enjoy both the festival and the blue streets.
Food & Experiences Around Jodhpur
People know Jodhpur for its music and food. During the festival, people can try local foods like Mirchi Vada, Dal Baati Churma, Pyaaz Kachori, and Makhania Lassi. For spices and handmade goods, you should definitely go to the Sardar Market and Clock Tower.
For sightseeing, combine your trip with nearby attractions such as Jaswant Thada, Mandore Gardens, Osian temples, and Bishnoi village tours. Many tourists also pair RIFF with a visit to Jaisalmer or Udaipur.
Why RIFF is Special
What sets RIFF apart is how real it is. RIFF is different from commercial music festivals because it proudly honors Rajasthan’s traditions while also looking at the world. UNESCO has recognized it as a place to promote cultural heritage.
You won’t find a location like this anywhere else in the world, like Mehrangarh Fort on a full moon night. The festival also encourages meaningful collaborations, like when musicians from other countries play with Rajasthani folk artists, which makes for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Final Thoughts
Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) is an annual music festival in Jodhpur showcasing folk and world artists at Mehrangarh Fort.
If you want to go to Rajasthan, make sure to mark October 22-28, 2026, on your calendar. Book your stay early, get your tickets, and get ready for the best cultural trip of your life at the Jodhpur RIFF in 2026.
FAQs
Jodhpur RIFF is known for bringing together more than 250 folk and global artists to celebrate Rajasthan’s culture and history through music and other performances.
India’s biggest international folk festival is the Jodhpur RIFF (Rajasthan International Folk Festival), which takes place every October in Rajasthan. It is the only event that brings people from all over the world together, happens on Sharad Purnima, and takes place in the beautiful Mehrangarh Fort.
The Jodhpur Music Festival, also called the Rajasthan International Folk Festival, will be held at Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur from October 22 to 26, 2026. RIFF has concerts at sunrise and full moon, workshops, and Rajasthani musicians work with musicians from other countries.
RIFF stands out for combining heritage venues, folk traditions, and global music collaborations in a curated, non-commercial festival format.
The Rajasthan International Folk Festival is known around the world and is supported by cultural groups for its work to promote folk music around the world.
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