Latest news with #Manganiyar
Hindustan Times
14-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
International roots musicians to share stage with Rajasthani folk artistes at Jodhpur RIFF
New Delhi, In its 18th year, Jodhpur RIFF music festival will host a bouquet of global roots musicians at the iconic Mehrangarh Fort, featuring artistes from 12 countries, including India, Bhutan, Uzbekistan, Poland, Colombia, and Portugal. International roots musicians to share stage with Rajasthani folk artistes at Jodhpur RIFF Starting from October 2, the music festival will put the spotlight on centuries-old folk traditions and instruments from across the world, with music of Rajasthan's Langa, Manganiyar, Damami, and Meghwal artistes at its centre. Jodhpur RIFF will host Manganiyar legends like Lakha Khan on the 27-stringed Sindhi sarangi and vocalist Sawan Khan, along with Bhutanese artiste Sonam Dorji, Syrian-origin saxophonist Basel Rajoub, Finnish folk artiste Emilia Lajunen, and Chennai-based jazz fusion group Jatayu. Speaking about the upcoming festival, director Divya Bhatia said that Jodhpur RIFF has championed roots music by "respecting heritage, facilitating the drive to innovate and working with unwavering conviction that music is a live conversation across time and space". "The festival fosters connections; our approach brings people together through the charm and magic of music in a remarkable setting, irrespective of language, region or genre. 2025 lifts this very spirit even higher, inviting audiences to listen more carefully, to open up to legacy and to hear the freshness that each performance contains, experiencing how living traditions can remain timeless while speaking vividly to us about today," he said. The festival's popular dawn concerts will host a variety of artistes from the mellifluous 'Meghwals of Marwar', featuring Mahesaram Meghwal, Bhutanese composer-vocalist Sonam Dorji, Kobyz player from Kazakhstan Layla Tazhibayeva, and Uzbekistan's 'Shashmaqam' musician Gulzoda Khudoynazarova. The dawn concerts will introduce to the audience some of the traditional instruments used in different parts of the world. From tandura, jhanjh, and manjira accompanying Mahesaram to Tazhibayeva's bowed stringed instrument kobyz, and stringed lute dutar, spike fiddle gijjak, and percussion instrument doyra to be used by Khudoynazarova's troupe of musicians. Other Rajasthani artistes at Jodhpur RIFF will be Manganiyar brothers Ghewar Khan, Darre Khan, and Feroze Khan, presenting the soulful sound of string instrument kamaycha, sisters Anita and Prem Dangi from the Damami community, who are trained in Rajwadi maand, and the trio SAZ - Sadiq Khan Langa on dholak, Asin Khan Langa on Sindhi sarangi and Zakir Khan Langa on khartal and vocals. The SAZ trio will create separate collaborations with Kathak dancer Tarini Tripathi for 'Inayat: A Duet for Four' and Mumbai-based saxophonist Rhys Sebastian for 'The Cool Desert Project'. "The extraordinary range and skill of Rajasthan's folk artists places them among the finest roots musicians in the world. Their music is a reflection of a lineage going back generations, but also a living, evolving art form, one that some are boldly reinterpreting for today's generation,' Maharaja Gaj Singh II of Marwar-Jodhpur, Patron of Jodhpur RIFF, said in a statement. The festival will also feature four-member band Jatayu from Chennai, known for creating a fusion of Carnatic ragas, jazz improvisation, and rock's raw energy with electric guitar riffs, intricate percussion on kanjira and mridangam. While Basel Rajoub, a Syrian-origin Switzerland-based artiste, will present a showcase of the rich modal traditions of his homeland and the fluid improvisations of contemporary jazz, musician Helder Moutinho will present traditional Portuguese fado music with new compositions. DJ and producer Killabeatmaker will bring to the festival a fusion of Afro-Latin beats, deep bass, and electronic texture in his collaboration with Colombian and Rajasthani percussionists, while Emilia Lajunen will channel the trance-like spirit of Finnish folk through her fiddle playing. Other artistes to perform during the five-day festival will be santoor exponent Satish Vyas, tabla player Aditya Kalyanpur, multi-instrumentalist Karolina Cicha from Poland, Davy Sicard from Reunion Islands, music band Ars Noval Napoli from Naples, Napolitan musical trio Suonno D'ajere, and Canadian singer-songwriter Luke Wallace. The festival will also be host to 'fort festivities', day-long cultural activities featuring different traditional dance and music forms of Rajasthan, including teraah taali, Kalbeliya dance, Khari dance, and the captivating vocals of young Langa musicians. Jodhpur RIFF 2025 will come to an end on October 6. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
The Print
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Stranded in the desert of pop culture
The rise of science and technology has transformed the way we live and the way we engage with culture. Entertainment is now just a click away. From curated Spotify playlists and YouTube shorts to Netflix recommendations, we are constantly surrounded by algorithm-driven choices that fit neatly into our fast-paced lives. We've taken convenience for granted, and in doing so, culture — once rooted in tradition, lived experiences, and community memory — has been reduced to surface-level aesthetics. Your Turn is a unique section from ThePrint featuring points of view from its subscribers. If you are a subscriber, have a point of view, please send it to us. If not, do subscribe here: Tradition today is increasingly absent from daily life. Songs at weddings, once filled with meaning and memory, have become just another background track. The dhol and algoza have been replaced by speakers and DJs blaring Bollywood remixes. Even the role of music has shifted; no longer a medium of storytelling or shared emotion, it is now about volume, beats, and engagement. Loud, fast, westernised rhythms dominate. Entertainment is customisable, quick, and disposable — a reflection of the broader consumerist culture we inhabit. The Manganiyar community of western Rajasthan stands as a poignant example of this shift. A Muslim folk group known for their innate talent for music, the Manganiyars once held a place of honour in Rajput courts. Their songs echoed through grand events, royal gatherings, and crowning ceremonies. Their music was not entertainment; it was legacy, memory, emotion, and devotion. But today, that legacy stands diluted and is struggling to survive. Once royal performers, the Manganiyars are now mostly reduced to singing for tourists in desert camps and hotels. While a handful of Rajput families still call upon them for special occasions such as childbirths, weddings, and religious festivals, the regular patronage that sustained their dignity and livelihood has shrunk drastically. The transformation is stark and painful. Worse than the loss of income is the loss of dignity. Some Manganiyar families now survive by working under MGNREGA as daily wage labourers. For a community whose identity was once steeped in art, being forced to dig roads to make ends meet is not just an economic blow but a deep cultural wound. Yet, despite this erasure, the community remains determined. Children are still taught the ragas, rhythms, and instruments of their ancestors. They sit with their elders, learning not from apps but through oral tradition. Their art is a gift, one they want to pass on, regardless of how the market values it. They refuse to 'sell out' or remix their music to suit the tastes of modern audiences. They resist commercialization, even when it costs them everything. And it does cost them. There are almost no buyers for pure, authentic Manganiyar music anymore. The generation that grew up on Bollywood dance numbers, EDM beats, and viral remixes no longer connects with the slow, emotive storytelling of folk. The little space that remains for folk performances is in tourist camps, where even there, the Manganiyars are now asked to perform filmy songs, sometimes molding their music to include item numbers just to hold the crowd's attention. This is not just the story of a community. It reflects a broader cultural shift. Rising pop culture and Western influence, along with fast, urban lifestyles, have altered our tastes. We are a generation of quick fixes — fast food, short videos, 30-second songs. Traditional art and cultural engagements are now confined to occasional stage shows, often repackaged as 'experiences' for tourists. Art is no longer about connection or emotion; it's about clicks, likes, and views. People have not only lost touch with their roots — they no longer desire to reconnect with them. The authenticity of cultural expression is dying quietly, replaced by hyper-produced imitations that are easier to digest. If this trend continues, future generations will inherit a remix of culture — a distorted version, passed off as heritage, stripped of context, ritual, and depth. They will call it folk, but it will be far from it. The price of convenience is not just economic. It is existential. When a culture is reduced to aesthetics and tradition becomes a performative act, we lose more than music or memory. We lose identity. The Manganiyars still sing, in fading corners of Rajasthan, in quiet ceremonies, and in their homes. They sing not for fame or fortune, but because their art is their inheritance. But for how long can they hold on? And when they are gone, what will remain — a remix? Bio: Mahima Duggal is a researcher and pursuing her PhD at the Department of Political Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh. She focuses on tourism and sustainable tourism practices through field-based studies in Jaisalmer. These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.
NDTV
02-06-2025
- NDTV
Why A Night At Rajasthan's Thar Desert Hits Different
There is something about travel that makes us chase moments that stand out. We search for ways to shake off the usual, change the scene, and feel more connected to life. Often, those unforgettable experiences do not happen in cities or by the mountains but in places where everything slows down. One such spot? The Thar Desert in Rajasthan. Sure, it might look like just sand at first glance but spend a night here and it feels like you are in on a secret. This massive stretch has its own rhythm, its own surprises, stuff the city will never offer. If you have been thinking of trying something different, a night at the Thar Desert could be exactly what you need. Still unsure? Let us break it down for you. 1. The Stars Look Unreal. Trust us, this one hits different. The first thing that hits you during your Thar Desert night stay? The sky. With zero light pollution, the desert sky turns wild. Lie back on a cool dune and you will spot constellations you did not even know were real. On moonless nights, the Milky Way might just show up in full glory. A lot of camps offer telescopes and even star-studded storytelling sessions. There is something truly grounding about just sitting in silence, staring at the sky. 2. You Can Hear Yourself Think We live in constant background noise - traffic, phones, and the general chaos of everyday life. Spending a night in the Thar hits reset. The silence here is not just quiet - it is rich. You will hear the sand shift beneath your feet, the breeze float past your face, maybe even a camel in the distance. The stillness feels like a luxury you never knew you were missing. 3. The Culture Comes Alive At Night Thar desert is not just about sand; it is about soul. The cultural nights at most desert camps are packed with live folk music, traditional Rajasthani dances, and puppet shows that take you back in time. Imagine this: sitting on a mat under the stars, sipping hot chai, while a Manganiyar singer pours their heart out. It feels real, it feels warm, and it stays with you. 4. The Food Is Worth The Trip Alone Rajasthani food in the middle of nowhere? Unmatched. Most Thar Desert camps serve food that is local, rustic, and full of flavour. Think laal maas cooked on open flames, ker sangri done right, and hot dal baati churma that hits the spot. Add in a breeze, some firelight, and that smoky desert flavour - it becomes a proper memory. 5. The Desert Changes Colours The Thar might look like one giant sandpit but hang around and you will notice how it keeps changing. As the sun sets, the dunes glow gold. By dawn, everything softens into shades of pink and blue. Even a short camel ride or a walk across the sand feels dramatic, depending on the hour. The desert may be still, but it never stays the same. Now that you are tempted to book that stay, here are a few things worth knowing. 1. What Is The Best Time To Visit Thar Desert? If you are even thinking of doing a night stay in the Thar Desert, do it between October and March. The days are not unbearably hot, the nights are cool enough to enjoy, and winter skies are clearer for stargazing. Avoid peak summer unless roasting like a papad is on your bucket list. 2. What Should You Pack For A Desert Night Stay? Pack light but pack right. Carry: 3. Are Thar Desert Camps Safe For Solo Travellers Or Couples? Yes, most desert camps around Jaisalmer are quite safe and well-staffed. Whether you are solo or with a partner, the vibe is usually chill and respectful. Look for camps with good reviews and clear info on hygiene and security. Some even have women-only tents or luxury glamping options. 4. Is One Night In The Thar Desert Enough? One night is just enough to experience the essentials-sunset, camel rides, stargazing, cultural shows, local food, and the kind of silence your brain did not know it needed. If you want more slow travel time, stretch it to two. But even one night is deeply satisfying. What Kind Of Food Will You Get At A Desert Camp? Think: proper Rajasthani home-style thalis. Expect dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, ker sangri, laal maas (if it's non-veg friendly), and loads of rotis straight off the fire. Most camps keep it vegetarian by default, but non-veg menus can be pre-arranged. And yes, the chai never stops flowing. Can You Get Good Photos In The Desert? Absolutely. The lighting is chef's kiss - sunsets are dramatic, golden hour is magical, and mornings are all soft pastels. Just avoid using flash (it ruins the vibe), and clean your lens often because sand will get everywhere. Any Desert Etiquette You Should Know? Do not litter. The dunes do not need your chips packet. Respect the performers - avoid clapping or talking during folk songs. Tipping your camel handler or camp staff is appreciated. If you are unsure, ask. Most locals are warm and happy to help. If you are craving something different, something that strips things back to the basics and still feels larger than life, then the Thar Desert in Rajasthan is where you need to be. A night here might just be the reset your soul has been waiting for.
