BAL MELA – SCHOOL CHILDREN’S FOLK MORNING
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.
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 vocalists and musicians. Trained by their ustad, the budding young masters will share their music, while 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 a variety of art forms – acting, singing, dancing, etc., Behrupiya brings to life characters from Indian mythology, such as Ravan and Shiva. The artists, known as Nakal or Nakalchi, are masters of disguise and impersonation.
Garasia dance – A celebratory folk dance of the Garasia tribe, one of Rajasthan’s oldest indigenous communities. Usually performed during festivals and celebrations that mark the beginning of seasons, Garasia dance stands out for its vibrant traditional attires, and repeated circular formations supported by tribal musical instruments like madal, dhol, thali, kundi, etc
Chari Dance – A graceful dance form from the Kishangarh region of Rajasthan, performed by women balancing brass or earthen pots – chari – on their heads, containing a small flame. Originally performed to welcome the arrival of monsoon in the desert, it is a breathtaking display of poise and balance.
Dandiya Gair – A popular form of dance, performed in the Marwar and Mewar regions of Rajasthan at the time of holi. Men dressed in white and red, brandishing long sticks move in and out of a circle, supported by instruments like dhol and thaali.
OPENING NIGHT – CITY CONCERT
7:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Moon parking area, on the way up to Mehrangarh Fort
Entry Free and open to all
Heralding the beginning of Jodhpur RIFF, our opening night concert features a wondrous 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 funk to male dancers and women’s voices, this is an opportunity for anyone and everyone to experience the spirit of the festival in miniature, without having to purchase a ticket!
Be ready for a splendorous start to Jodhpur RIFF 2026!
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.

