THE RAJASTHANI International Folk Festival (RIFF) kickstarted on a spectacular note with an evening of vocals, traditional Rajasthani music in Maand style and Polish dances at Jodhpur on Thursday. With Mehrangarh fort set as the backdrop for all the performances, the five-day-long festival will see over 250 artists from various states across the country and world perform at RIFF.
Divya Bhatia, festival coordinator, believes that RIFF goes beyond the traditional pattern of a music festival and is a strong platform to showcase the talent in its purest form and bring a continuity to it.
“Tremendous amount of research and preparation goes into this festival and it’s something that goes on through the year. It is about bringing the best of the talent and presenting in the most beautiful manner,” says Bhatia. Pandit Chiranji Lal, along with Ali Mohammed, Moinuddin Khan and Zaffar Khan, presented a recital of vocals, sarangi and tabla in the Maand syle of music.
Ashwini Bhide, well-known vocalist in the Hindustani classical style, delivered unique thumris and traditional abhangs. She performed at RIFF for the first time.
“Initially I was apprehensive about people taking to this style at a festival like this. But when Bhatia explained me the set-up of this festival I was much keen to come and perform here. The setting is so grand and majestic and takes you to another level as a musician,” says Ms Bhide.
Pete Lockett, world-famous multi percussionist, is collaborating with several Rajasthani artistes for the first time and is excited about it. “I have worked with many Indian artists and extremely excited about this one. Music is a way of life for people like us who share the same passion and it was interesting to know the music of local artistes here and we went to several villages to rehearse and present at their local artists,” says Lockett.