8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Venue: Veer Durga Das Memorial Park
Entry Free (note: this event is only for schools)

Kathputli – String puppetry using wooden dolls or marionettes, the kathputli is performed on a miniature stage with highly dramatic narration and music, retelling stories that reflect pertinent social concerns or the valour of erstwhile kings. Even though there are few accomplished practitioners left today, it continues to hold an iconic status in Rajasthan’s performing arts culture.
Ghoomer – in Ghoomer women in their traditional ghagra (long swirling skirt) and choli (blouse) pirouette while moving in and out of a wide circle, to the tune of traditional songs and the rhythm of hands clapping. The word ‘ghoomna ’describes the twirling movement of the dancers and is the basis of the word ‘ghoomer’.
Kachchi Ghodi – A novel dance form performed on colourful dummy-horses. Men in elaborate and embellished costumes dance rhythmically to beating drums, under a large umbrella chhatarkotla- while a singer narrates the exploits of the Bhavaria bandits of Shekhawati.
Young Rajasthani musicians –For our young audiences we present young Rajasthani traditional musicians, who sing and play their instruments. Trained by their ustad, the budding young masters will share their music and hopefully, inspire school children as they continue to uphold the legacy of their forefathers.
Rajasthani Circus – India’s earliest circuses featured numerous traditional performing art forms from Rajasthan- acrobats, magicians, musicians, dancers and a variety of Bhawai artists performing daring feats. While it is rare to see such acts today, the Kawa circus and Jodhpur RIFF assemble some of the best artists still performing these forms, to re-create a traditional circus for our young audiences.
Bhapang – an unusual, single-stringed ‘talking drum’ is a classic folk instrument, particular to the Mewat region of Rajasthan. Coupled with equal parts music and hilarity, a group of talented bhapang artists will perform in unison for our young audiences.
Behrupiya – Blending around 52 different art forms—acting, singing, dancing, imitation, Behrupiya brings to life epic tales from mythology, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The artists, known as Nakal or Nakalchi, are masters of disguise and impersonation.
Khari Dance – This enchanting dance form from Mewat revolves around a heartfelt dialogue between a couple. A frustrated wife, burdened by household chores, is tenderly reassured by her husband, vowing to ease her troubles. Central to this dance is the Khari, a wooden basket crafted from Tun wood, used by women to carry their belongings during travel.
Bakri ki Mashak – A wind instrument made from goatskin, the mashak closely resembles a bagpipe and is extremely difficult to play, and even harder to construct. It is mostly played by the Jogis of Mewat to sing songs of Bhairon ji and Shiv ji.

08:00 AM to 11:00 AM/ 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Solo, guided immersive walk throughout the Mehrangarh Fort and nearby (60 – 80min)
Tickets INR. 800.00

An immersive, pedestrian-based mobile work, en route creates an experience where the personal and public, the imagined and concrete, converge. It is designed to facilitate one audience member at a time, experiencing an enduring memory-based personal connection to a place. A Jodhpur RIFF and India debut, en route is reimagined as a journey through the majestic Mehrangarh Fort – courtyards, hidden stairs, jharokas, and winding lanes transformed into living stages of reflection, memory, and surprise. Snippets of voice, music, poetic fragments, and philosophical musings interweave with onsite sounds and the trace of human presence, inviting you to see the space anew, as if for the first time. Experience an unusual relation with the place, as you move through a landscape of moments in motion, both discovered and co-created. Expect to be guided on a journey beyond space and time with this audio-based site-oriented project.

Please wear appropriate, weather relevant and comfortable clothing, and good walking shoes.

en route is presented by One Step At A Time Like This and Richard Jordan Productions in collaboration with Jodhpur RIFF

7:30 PM 10:00 PM
Jaswant Thada Parking
Entry Free and open to all

Heralding the beginning of Jodhpur RIFF, our opening night concert features a variety of riveting performances reflecting the diversity of traditional Rajasthani artists, performances by national and international artists – music, song and dance – ending in an exhilarating finale with drummers and dancers. From folk to swing to male dancers and women’s voices, this is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to experience the festival in miniature, without having to purchase a ticket!

Be ready for a splendorous start to Jodhpur RIFF 2025!

The first day of Jodhpur RIFF is free for the city. In the morning the Bal mela is free for school children and the evening concert is open to all – children, families, tourists and festival ticket holders.