World Sacred Spirit Festival, Nagaur, Jodhpur

Each February, the World Sacred Spirit Festival brings together eminent musicians from all over the world to explore the sacred through different forms of art from music and chant to dance and poetry. A festival of Sufi-inspired devotional music set in the magical and prestigious sites of Ahhichatragarh in Nagaur and Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.

Nagaur sufi festival
Ahhichatragarh Fort of Nagaur ready for festival

It takes place first at Nagaur Fort or Ahhichatragarh, a gem of Rajput-Moghul architecture whose walls enclose numerous palaces and pleasure gardens that provide an idyllic setting for a Sufi festival.

The Nagaur festival is open only to those staying within the fort, in the camps or at the Ranvas hotel, and targets a fairly well-off audience. You’ll have to book at least six months in advance.

Nagaur sufi festival
One of the palaces of Nagaur fort

The World Sacred Spirit Festival then opens in the imposing Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur.

Mehrangarh Fort is undeniably one of the loveliest forts in Rajasthan and is often, and rightly, described as “magnificent”.

Nagaur sufi festival
Famous Sufi singer Madan Gopal Singh during Nagaur festival

The programme is practically identical for both festivals. The line-up in 2015 included Li Daiguo (a talentuous chinese artist), Pt. Kushal Das (sitar), Françoise Atlan and Sukhdev Prasad Mishra (carnatic violon and Andalusia songs), Nour Ensemble (persian tradition and polyphony), Cherifa (the voice of Atlas mountains), Mandingo Ensemble with Ballaké Sissoko (cora), The “Shye Ben Tzur Rajasthan Express” with guest star Jonny Greenwood.

Nagaur sufi festival
The royal tents inside Nagaur Fort

The World Sacred Spirit Festival is a mandatory cultural stop for visitors to Rajasthan, for its dream setting as well as its top-notch programme.

Jodhpur sufi festival
Concert in Jodhpur Mehrangarh Fort

“Over the years, World Sacred Spirit Festival has become one of the awaited music festivals that stages artists from across the globe and that satiate the sacred music desire of the music enthusiasts.” (Sting, festival patron)

Jodhpur sufi festival
Recitation of poems to music in one of the royal courtyards of Jodhpur Fort


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2 Comments on “World Sacred Spirit Festival, Nagaur, Jodhpur”

  1. Life is a festival only to the wise. India is a land of different culture and people who belongs to different community but love to celebrate all festival together.

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