Courtesy of Mehrangarh Museum Trust
The Sacred Spirit Festival in Jodhpur brought together musicians from around the world for two days of performances at Mehrangarh Fort and Jaswant Thada. From Indian classical music to African rhythms, Flamenco, and Sufi chants, the festival created a space where different traditions met and blended.
It opened at Jaswant Thada with Ranjini and Gayatri, well-known Carnatic vocalists. Their set mixed music with conversation, making the audience feel part of the experience. As the sun set behind the fort, their voices filled the space, setting the tone for the festival.
At Mehrangarh Fort, the Osei Kwame Korankye Ensemble from Ghana brought energy with their rhythmic performance, joined by a Rajasthani folk artist. The fusion of sounds created an engaging atmosphere. This was followed by Gypsy Beats, a mix of Flamenco and Kathak, where dancers and musicians combined sharp footwork, rhythmic beats, and fluid movements.
The next morning at Jaswant Thada, a Khayal Mehfil set a slow and meditative tone. Some in the audience sat still, listening intently, while others swayed gently, carried by the music.
At Chokhlao Garden, Guru CS Anuroop performed with his young student, Paravathy Dileep, showcasing the passing of tradition. This was followed by two French flutists with a tabla player, blending Western and Indian sounds in a seamless fusion.
As the evening set in, Naissam Jalal performed a flute recital at Jaswant Thada, her melodies flowing effortlessly. Back at Mehrangarh Fort, the Dudukner Ensemble introduced Aerian music, followed by the Sufi Women Deba Tradition of Mayotte. Dressed in white and gold, their powerful chants filled the fort, holding the audience’s attention in complete silence.
The final performances included the Teratali Tradition, where three women combined rhythm and movement in a striking display. Then, Anwar Khan and Talb Khan performed as a family, bringing three generations on stage, blending tradition and storytelling through music.
The festival closed with Davide Ambrogio, whose performance slowly built in intensity, shifting between delicate sounds and deep rhythms. His set ended the festival on a reflective, almost hypnotic note.
Over two days, the Sacred Spirit Festival brought together artists from different traditions, showing how music can connect people beyond borders and languages.
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