Feed Your Musical & Arty Soul At Ranthambore Festival 2018

Ever wondered what life would be like in some other state than the one you’re currently living in? What if we told you that a grand festival is waiting in an old palace somewhere in the deserts of Rajasthan for you to truly witness what living in Rajasthan feels like? It’s not just a bunch of turbans or camels we’re talking about. It’s about everything that makes Rajasthan the colourful and celebrated desert it is.

Ranthambhore Festival in the Nahargarh palace of Ranthambhore has for you a three day carnival to get into the spirit of Rajasthan and admire the beauty of the state while closely experiencing the quintessence it is made of.

Imagine yourself in a palace, listening to the rustic, full-throated and soulful voice of a Rajasthani folk singers, playing indigenous instruments – the dholak, dhol, ektara, khartal, morchang and sarangi, attending music concerts and watching documentaries, eating lavishly some regal supper, learning new art, talking to people from different countries,  sitting under the stars and venturing into the forest nearby. Can’t get any better, right?

Indulge in the collaboration of art, music, dance, food, cinematography, adventure and intellectual activities and shopping at the Ranthambhore Festival on the 19th, 20th and 21st of January.

The festival has activities enough for you to remain in awe of the exquisiteness of the humble state.

A festival for you to experience, learn and take back with you the art of the state with activities like drum circle, folk instrument classes and performances, meditation and yoga, hot air ballooning, open mic, culinary venture, musical performances from around the globe, documentary screening, music and nature conservation, bicycle tour of Ranthambore’s environs,  souk, mid-night star gazing session, traditional block printing workshop,  pottery workshop and the most esteemed  Royal Secret Supper.

If this doesn’t make you pack your bags right away, we don’t know what will.

 

Date-19, 20 and 21 January

Venue– Nahargarh palace, Ranthambhore, Rajasthan.

Getting there- By Air

If you are travelling from Jaipur, the airport is 160 kms from Nahargarh Palace, Ranthambore. Jaipur is well connected to all metros with daily flights operated by Indigo, Go Air, Jet Airways, and Indian Airlines. Once you land, you can take a prepaid airport taxi or a private taxi to Ranthambore. This will cost you approximately Rs 2500.

By Train (Recommended)

Sawai Madhopur station is only three kilometers (ten minutes drive) from Ranthambore and is well connected to almost every city in India by superfast trains, being the most important railway junction in Rajasthan.

By Road

Ranthambore is well connected with all major highways and if you’re planning a road trip, here’s what you need to know. Jaipur to Ranthambore 180 Km (Approx. 3h via Rajasthan State Hwy 24) Delhi to Ranthambore- 381 Km(Approx. 6 Hours via NH8 and NH 11A) Mumbai to Ranthambore – 1031 Km (Approx. 16 h 51 min via NH 3) Udaipur to Ranthambore- 388 Km (Approx. 6h 10 min via NH 76 and RJ SH 29) Agra to Ranthambore- 239 Km (Approx. 4h 23 min via via RJ SH 1) Ahmedabad to Ranthambore – 640 Km (Approx. 9h 47 min via NH8 and NH 76)

Ranakpur Festival : A Colourful Blend Of Rich Indian Culture

If you think you are prepared to walk out of your mundane life and free-fall into a whirlwind of colors music and lush green surroundings then Ranakpur festival has to be there on your priority list. The temple town of Rajasthan, Ranakpur is nestled in a remote valley of the Aravalli ranges that promises to offer a plethora of picturesque scenic sites, wilderness and tranquility. The marble Jain temple and much older Sun Temple reside here in the lush green settings, adding a touch divinity to the place.

A view of these ancient temples becomes more breathtaking and magnificent when this sleepy town of Ranakpur turns into a lively spot for vivacious celebrations, during the Ranakpur festival that hosts exciting activities & competitions like Mustache, Turban tying and tug of war to fill the surroundings with laughter and joy.

The alluring two day journey of the Ranakpur festival began this year against a mesmerizing backdrop of bright sky and a gorgeous sunset where the open air stage awaited the festivity and joyous celebrations to begin.

The melodious traditional tunes of Shehnai recital welcomed the visitors at the majestic Sun Temple for the grand colorful cultural evening.

The open air auditorium overlooking the sun temple witnessed a blend of vibrant colors, lively music escorted by a scintillating Odissi dance performance by Purna Shree Raut and party.

Infusing an old charm to the cultural evening, Kalbeliya dancers performed free-spirited movements in their colourful costumes and glittering ornaments leaving the crowd mesmerized. The spectacular Mayur dance depicting the love of Radha Krishna with perfect rhythmic beats added a spiritual touch to the evening.

The excitement to experience the Run for nature and adventurous activities organized by the forest department was clearly seen on the students’ faces on the morning of Day 2 at the Ranakpur Festival.

Jeep Safari through the Aravalli Mountains, Ranakpur Valley and the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary gave a mixed experience of nature, history and wildlife around Ranakpur. The Spectators easily felt the rhythmic vibe and energy as they witnessed the eccentric dance and music performance during the cultural evening on the day two of the festival.

A Vibrant extravaganza of Kathak dance performance by Anita Ordia and party on the tunes ‘Chaap Tilak Sab’ reflected the true emotions of this Sufi song.

Vocal artist Vandana Mishra brought back the essence of Awadhi folk music from the state of Uttar Pradesh to the mystical Sun Temple of Ranakpur.

A stupendous moment performed during Rajasthani folk dance by the ‘Kalbeliya’ dancer

The performances by renowned classical dancers, carnatic musician and folk artists revived the richness, depth and pageantry of our rich Indian culture and traditions to give a momentous end to enthralling journey that will last forever in our memories.