Ranthambore Festival to be Held in Rajasthan, and it’s Free!

Mumbai-based classical singer Zila Khan will perform at the Ranthambore Festival. Photo: Courtesy of Ranthambore Festival

Playing host to a variety of cultural events around the year — Taalbelia, Rajasthan International Folk Festival and Magnetic Fields, among others — Rajasthan has arguably become India’s festival capital. Joining in on the action is the first edition of the Ranthambore Festival, held at the Nahargarh Palace in Ranthambore, Rajasthan from January 27th-29th. The setting is enchanting and on the menu for the three-day festival is a varied fare of folk, sufi and jazz music. The organizers, The Puqaar Foundation, an NGO supported by BookASmile and First Stone, are aiming to celebrate and renew the conservation around nature and preservation of indigenous and traditional music of India.

The acts slated to perform include Ahmedabad-based activist and Indian classical dancer Mallika Sarabhai, Mumbai-based classical singer Zila Khan, Indo-jazz flautist Rajeev Raja, London pianist Karl Lutchmayer, Belgian saxophonist Fabrizio Cassol, Hindustani classical-folk duo Maati Baani and others.

The daytime festival activities boast of a food festival, a pop-up souk, heritage walks, drum circles, yoga and meditation workshops, hot air ballooning, cookouts and more. In addition, an open-air wildlife film festival featuring works from all over the world will ensure a full experience.

Farzana Cama Balpande, head of BookASmile says, “Ranthambore Festival is a unique platform bringing together a community of enthusiasts who believe that art, music, culture, wildlife and heritage are of critical importance.”

Although the festival remains free of cost to all, to indulge in the full festival experience, an all-access pass is highly recommended. The passes start at Rs. 12,000 for a stay of three days and guarantees reserved seating, access to the inner palace and exclusive concerts.

Buy all-access passes here. For more details click here.