An Arts And Music Festival Pops Up On The Dunes

Kanoi Dunes, Jaisalmer.

Of the slew of music fests lined up from now until the year end, the inaugural edition of Ragasthan from Friday, November 16 to Sunday, November 18, 30 kms outside Jaisalmer on the sand dunes near Kanoi village, gets props for catering to a wide variety of tastes. Glamping fans, for instance, can opt for one of the luxury “Royal Swiss” tents (that come with a shower and bedding to boot); those looking for more than just music-centric acts can watch open air “midnight cinema” curated by director Dev Benegal or enjoy one of the visual art and installation shows. Lastly, if you’d rather not leave the kids or pets at home, you won’t have to. Music journalist and co-founder Supriya Sobti (the other three are former MTV producer Anshuman Jeswal and The Little Door owners Keith Menon and Smriti Ahuja) says they’ve made provisions for both kinds of companions.

On the ticket music-wise are acts like Dualist Inquiry, Spud in the Box, Sky Rabbit, Peter Cat Recording Co., Swarathma, Bombay Bassment, Reggae Rajahs as well as local Rajasthani and classical musicians (performing morning ragas at 5am) and electronica acts from Berlin and the UK like Mother Perera and Shiva Sound System. A flea market, barbeque and other food stalls (free chai included!) are also part of the festivities. “Plus Louis [Savy], director of the London Sci-Fi film festival will showcase Luminous Matters, Ghosts with Shit Jobs, Stingray Sam,” says Sobti.

The organisers are giving Mumbai Boss readers two free general admission tickets priced at Rs3,000 each. All you have to do is write in to editors@mumbaiboss.com with your name and contact number, and “Ragasthan” as the subject line. The last day to enter is Wednesday, October 17. The winners will be chosen via raffle and notified directly. Winners will have to make their own travel and accommodation arrangements. Visit Ragasthan.com or Facebook.com/Ragasthan for more information.

Ticket prices vary from Rs3,000 for a general admission pass for three days; Rs7,000 for a three-day pass if you bring your own tent; and Rs24,000 per tent (double occupancy) for three days, with festival ticket included. To buy a ticket, visit Bookmyshow.com.