MUMBAI: 'Jodhpur RIFF',the five-day traditional music fiesta of Rajasthan is back in its fifth edition to enthrall music lovers from 12-16 October at the Mehrangarh Fort. The fest ranks among the top 25 International Music Festivals.

Jodhpur RIFF 2011 will bring together over 150 musicians and performing artistes across the world to celebrate their musical heritage and create new sounds through collaborations between Indian and International performers. The festival will host interactive folk sessions providing the opportunity for music aficionados to learn different genres of music from the musicians.

Patron of the festival HH Maharaja Gaj Singh II said, Jodhpur RIFF has focused on the richest folk music of Rajasthan and on sustaining and revitalizing its musical heritage over the years. We wish to showcase our talent not just as traditional folk performers but as talented and versatile musicians, alongside the best in the world....

The event will also include new forms of Rajasthani instruments by artistes like Bheel Nritya (Udaipur), Swang Nritya and Tejaji Nritya (Hadoti), Jasnath ji ke Bhope and Dhol Thaali Nritya (Shekawati) Phoolon Ki Holi (Braj), Thaalisar and Pawri (Mewar), Jogiya Sarangi (Mewat) and the Surmandal (Marwar).

Jodhpur RIFF director Divya Bhatia said, Jodhpur RIFF has always been a celebration of music from Rajasthan and from all over the world. At core, its effort is spiritual but its outlook is holistic and has a unique attraction for ardent music lovers from here and abroad....

The fest will also feature special performances by Band of Brothers (Australia), Grigoriyan and Tawadros brothers of Slavic and Egyptian origins respectively 

The five day fest will feature artistes including:

Rajasthani vituosos Bhanwari Devi (vocals in the Bhopa/ bhopi tradition), Kadar Khan Langa (Sarangi and volacls), Shakar Khan (kamaycha), Jumma Khan Mewati (Bhapang and poetry), Sumitra (vocals), Daya Ram (vocals), Raeis Khan (morchang), Munshi Khan (vocals) and many more.

Dharohar with his eight Rajasthani musicians and beat boxer Jason Singh (Manchester, UK) will perform on Rajasthani Club night along with the Kawa Brass Band and the Dhol Players. Kavita Seth, one of India's foremost female Sufi singer will also perform on acoustic special evening.

The international artistes in the fest are - Rupa and April Fishes (San Francisco, USA) , Yuri Honing Wired Paradise (Amsterdam, Netherlands) and Maloya vocalist Davy Sicard (Reunion Island).

The festival will conclude with the renditions of Ani Choying Drolma on the ramparts of the fort.