Rajasthan International Folk Festival 2009 started at Jodhpur

The third edition of the five-day Rajasthan International Folk Festival 2009 started here today at the Mehrangarh Fort. Featuring more than 150 local and international folk, classical and fusion artistes, the festival is presented by two of the country?s leading heritage trusts - Mehrangarh Museum Trust (MMT) of Jodhpur and Jaipur Virasat Foundation (JVF). Festival director Divya Bhatia said, "We have aimed at creating a music festival with a specific folk ethos, where various genres of music can celebrate their essential vitality together." "One can catch a glimpse of renowned artists like Sivamani and Rekha Bhardwaj sharing the stage with folk artistes at Jodhpur RIFF. The 2009 edition will also see the launch of India?s first online database of Rajasthani folk musicians," adds Bhatia.
The festival will also feature live performances by crossover band 'Dharohar', Spanish guitarist Antonio Ray and Sarangi player Ustad Sultan Khan and Lakha Khan Manganiyaar. The second edition of the Rajasthan International Folk Festival was called off as a mark of respect to those killed and injured in a stampede at Jodhpur's Chamunda Devi temple in September 2008. Endorsed as a "peoples platform for creativity and sustainable development" by UNESCO, the third edition of the festival concludes on 5th October