Review: Those Who Haven’t Been to The Sacred Spirit Festival Are Missing Out

The Sacred Spirit Festival has long been revered as a special gathering that celebrates the conjunction of spirituality, music, and culture. This year, this esteemed event once again mesmerized attendees with its captivating ambiance from February 23 to 25 at Jodhpur’s iconic Mehrangarh fort.

Nestled amid the grandeur of the centuries-old fort, the festival venue radiated an atmosphere of mystique and tranquility. The festivities commenced on day one with a morning session at Jaswant Thada Lake featuring the Shankar Brothers. Meanwhile, at Chokelao Gardens, Madan Gopal Singh and the Chaar Yaar Ensemble showcased their exceptional talent, solidifying their status as perennial favorites at the Sacred Spirit Festival, having been invited back repeatedly over its long existence.

The festival program boasted a diverse lineup of performances, ranging from cultural traditions to soul-stirring music. Attendees were treated to a nomadic lute performance by Eleman Kanybekov and Kamuz Aibek from Kyrgyzstan, alongside a touching session with Ilyas Arabov from Uzbekistan. The celebration continued with renditions of sacred epic stories through the Bhat and Kalakar traditions, as well as the enchanting melodies of the Langa musical traditions.

As evening descended, attendees gathered once more at Jaswant Thada Lake to witness a mesmerizing performance by Pandit Rajendra Prasanna, Rajesh Prasanna, Rishab Prasanna, and Abhishek Mishra. The night progressed with eager anticipation for Mukhtiar Ali’s highly anticipated set, accompanied by Senegal’s Cherif Mbaw. Shubha Mudgal’s captivating performance followed, leading into a finale of Sufi Langa songs that left a lasting impression on all who attended.

On day two, everyone’s morning commenced with a heartwarming performance by Tibet’s Lobsang Chozor, whose music echoed deeply with attendees, accompanied by gratitude-filled messages. The morning continued to be captivated by a remarkable performance by Parvathy Baul at the Chokelao Garden, showcasing her unique genius and spiritual expression. The ambiance then shifted to a soulful presentation of the Sufi Manganiyal Tradition by Pape Khan and Delawar Khan, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the festival.

Amid all the performances, perhaps the most profound aspect of the Sacred Spirit Festival was the sense of community and interconnectedness that pervaded the gathering. Strangers became friends, and barriers dissolved as individuals from diverse backgrounds came together in celebration of unity, music, and love.

As the evening performances on day two unfolded, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt graced the stage at Jaswant Thada Lake with a standing ovation-worthy performance, marking the celebration of his 30th anniversary since winning the Grammy award for his acclaimed album A Meeting By The River. Joined by Salil Bhatt, Ankit Bhatt, and Himanshu Mahant, the celebrated instrumentalist treated the audience to captivating renditions from his award-winning album. The performance was made even more special by the presence of Maharaja Gaj Singh II, adding a touch of regal splendor to the memorable occasion.

Following Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt’s remarkable performance, attendees made their way to the Mehrangarh fort to witness the Sarod Masters Aman Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash take the stage. The duo, accompanied by guitarist Pedro Javier Gonzalez, delivered a spellbinding set that mesmerized the audience with their virtuosity and musical prowess.

The grand finale commenced with a captivating performance by the Divana Ensemble, featuring Anwar Khan Manganiyar, who was joined by Uzbekistan’s Ilyas Arabov. In a harmonious collaboration, both parties united their talents, delivering a mesmerizing performance that enchanted the audience and provided a fitting conclusion to the extraordinary journey of the Sacred Spirit Festival.

The stage was then illuminated by a stellar lineup including Parvathy Baul, Lobsang Chonzor, Cherif Mbaw, the Shankar Brothers, Eleman Kanybekov and Kamuz Aibek, and Ilyas Khan, whose unexpected beatboxing talent left everyone in awe. Each performer brought their unique energy, creating a dynamic and unforgettable experience that reverberated with the audience long after the final note had faded into the night. However, the finale obviously didn’t stop there. The night also consisted of the Sufi whirling dance of the Nile, the Gair dance from Jasol, and Kalbeliya, adding to the richness and diversity of the cultural showcase.

As the night drew to a close, and the echoes of music and dance lingered in the air, there was a palpable sense of fulfillment and joy among the attendees. The Sacred Spirit Festival of Jodhpur has once again surpassed expectations, leaving indelible memories in the hearts of all who had the privilege to experience its magic.

And so, as the lights dimmed and the last notes faded away, the Sacred Spirit Festival of Jodhpur became more than just an event—it became a cherished memory, a transformative experience, and a monument to the enduring power of music, culture, and community.

Until next year, when the festival will once again beckon, promising new adventures, new connections, and new moments of magic under the desert sky.