If the biophilia hypothesis is your life’s stronghold (one suggesting that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life) and you love indie music and century old palaces, the Ranthambore Festival is where you want to be. This is a not for profit festival that aims at bringing together international and Indian musicians, wildlife conservationists, business leaders, and social influencers under the same sky to activate an appreciation for music and wildlife while encouraging collective action. The festival is being organised by Puqaar, an NGO working to promote inclusiveness in nature and music conservation with a strong focus on Rajasthan. It is also supposed by Book a Smile. HG spoke to one of the organisers, Ashutosh Pande, for the complete lowdown on what to expect at this magnificent venue.
The festival’s genesis occurred after a long two day closed door conference on nature conservation. Ashu tells us, “I always found it hard to get access to raw data and information about conservation, or even just trying to get in touch with conservationists was a feat. The process was always opaque. I just wanted to find a way to make conservation more inclusive.” When Ashutosh spoke to Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhra Raje about his idea, she encouraged him to find a way to make it fun - that was key to inclusivity. And what better way than music? He spoke to Abhimanyu Alsisar, known largely for his contribution to the Magnetic Fields festival, and he got on board almost immediately. The two of them and sufi singer Zila Khan who is also known for her stance on gender and education equality have united forces to make this festival come to life.
Taking over the Nahargarh Palace for two days, the festival has made a small line up announcement which includes Maati Baani, Zila Khan, Mallika Sarabhai, Rajeev Raja, and 25 Rajasthani Folk Artists from their upcoming documentary “The unforgotten folk music of Rajasthan” which will be screened during the festival. There will also be a wildlife documentary film festival, panel discussions on music and conservation, hot air balloon rides, yoga workshops, Drum Circles, Cookouts, Nature Safaris, unamplified pre-dawn concerts, street theatre, pop up souks and a food festival. Best of all? The festival is completely free! If you want to stay in the palace and get a more intimate experience, you can choose their residential packages that come at a price. But for someone who wants to do this for a day or stay outside of the palace, walk right in.
For complete lineup information, check out their Facebook page here
Where: Ranthambore, Rajasthan
When: 27th - 29th January 2017
Cost: Free