The ninth edition of the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) opened with foot-tapping musical performances by the Bhapang and Algoza parties celebrating the spirit of Rajasthan’s musical heritage. By Devi Singh
The Jodhpur RIFF 2015 evening opened with euphoric music by the Bhapang party, with male dancers gyrating to the beats of the tambourine. A one-and-a-half hour vibrant extravaganza of Rajasthani traditional music and dance that included Algoza party with three male dancers, and fire dance concluded with Papa Julius’ rendition.
The Algoza members performed what they call as grameen bhawai where the men dress up as women and dance to the tunes of Algoza flute. With five men singing in the background in a high pitched voice, the dynamic performance is combined with various balancing acts. “Women are not allowed to perform in public as per customs so we dress up like them and entertain the crowds,” said Ashok Pahadiya. Performing every year at RIFF, Pahadiya adds it’s an amazing platform to promote and display Rajasthani culture to a wide audience.
The five-day long roots music festival celebrates the spirit of Rajasthan’s musical heritage which encourages the traditional musicians and also gives way to new sounds through innovative collaborations. With the majestic Mehrangarh Fort in the backdrop and varied rhythms emanating from the fusion of music from different parts of the globe mesmerise those present.
Having started in 2007, the idea behind RIFF was to promote the talent of indigenous Rajasthani musicians and vocalists while providing them the stature and confidence to collaborate and share a common platform with international artistes par excellence.
Mehrangarh Fort like every year turns into a centre for cultural dialogue. This year’s edition runs from October 23 to 27 through music, narrations, dance forms and talks with musicians and performers converging from across Rajasthan, Brazil, Finland, Ghana, Israel, Scotland, South Africa, Spain and India. The number of artistes performing this year goes up to 300.
Performing for 40 years and keeping the family profession of fire dance alive Bal Chand says, “I used to perform in jagrans as a small-time performer but then my talent got discovered which took me across the world. The kind of appreciation I got from the foreign audience made me realise the value of my art.” His son Munshi, who also performs with him, adds it is not only the fame which motivates them to keep the art intact but the fact that it is a rare performance and not many people can do it. But playing with fire comes with its own repercussions. Although they claim they have never met with an accident, they do take medication to undo the effects of kerosene on their liver.
Over the years, the festival has gained the prominence of a world music event attracting music aficionados from all over the world. Jodhpur RIFF has been included among the 25 Best Music Festivals in the World by Songlines magazine for the sixth year straight .
Mehrangarh Museum Trust is the primary partner, contributing financially, providing the location and giving information and other in-kind support. Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur, chairperson of MMT, is the chief patron of Jodhpur RIFF.
Announcing the 2015 edition of Jodhpur RIFF, Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur-Marwar and patron of the Festival said, “As we step into our ninth year, we are happy to note that Jodhpur RIFF continues to be recognised as the best place to experience a heady mix of rustic Rajasthani riffs, contemporary arrangements and global rhythms. Our Rajasthani artists are also increasingly being visible in India and abroad, in both niche and mainstream music forums which has a direct bearing on their livelihood. Jodhpur RIFF's pioneering effort is beginning to show results.”
The festival has been endorsed by UNESCO as a “Peoples’ Platform for Creativity and Sustainable Development.”
Festival director, Jodhpur RIFF, Divya Bhatia adds, “Thanks to the profile of the festival and the caliber of the musicians, we increasingly receive invitations to present Rajasthani musicians here and abroad. We are beginning to tour India as well, with gigs in Kolkata and Bangalore scheduled for later this year.”