India’s longest travelling folk music festival, the Rajasthan Kabir Yatra, is back for its 8th edition, promising five days of immersive music, mysticism, and community celebration. From October 1 to 5, 2025, the festival will journey through five villages in Rajasthan, bringing together ov...
India’s longest travelling folk music festival, the Rajasthan Kabir Yatra, is back for its 8th edition, promising five days of immersive music, mysticism, and community celebration. From October 1 to 5, 2025, the festival will journey through five villages in Rajasthan, bringing together over 250 yatris, folk musicians, Sufi singers, storytellers, and seekers from across the globe. Hosted by local communities and curated by the Malang Folk Foundation, this year’s yatra blends spiritual poetry, rural hospitality, and cultural revival in a way that few festivals can match.
Key highlights
- Festival dates: October 1–5, 2025
- Locations: Bikaner, Kelan, Chhattargarh, Kalu, Katariasar
- Artists include Kavita Seth, Kabir Café, Mooralala Marwada, Vasu Dixit, and Padma Shri Kaluram Bamaniya
- Celebrates mystic poets like Kabir, Mira Bai, Bulleh Shah, Shah Latif, and Amir Khusrau
- Community-led format with village hosting, local cuisine, and open-air performances
Festival overview and ethos
The Rajasthan Kabir Yatra is not just a music festival—it is a spiritual journey through the heart of rural Rajasthan. Rooted in the Bhakti and Sufi traditions, the yatra honors the timeless wisdom of mystic poets who spoke of unity, love, and transcendence. Unlike conventional festivals, this one moves from village to village, with each community playing host and shaping the experience.
1. The yatra begins in Bikaner with Santa Ra Awarna, a tribute to saints and poets by young Kabir folk singers
2. Each evening features satsang, storytelling, and live performances under the desert sky
3. Attendees travel together, forming a caravan of shared purpose and cultural exchange
4. Local villagers provide meals and accommodation, fostering deep connections between artists and audiences
Daily schedule and performances
The 2025 edition features a rich lineup of artists and ensembles, blending traditional folk with contemporary interpretations of mystic poetry.
October 1 – Bikaner
- Santa Ra Awarna by young Kabir folk singers
- Kavita Seth live concert
- Whirling Dervishes by Louise Rose
October 2 – Kelan
- Performances by Arun Goyal, Raitila Rajasthan, Mir Razak Ali, Abdul Jabar, Vasu Dixit
- Mehfil-e-Sama: Kabir in Qawwali
October 3 – Chhattargarh
- Dayaram Sarolia, Rama Kumari, Vasu Dixit
- Mira Bai of the Saansi community
October 4 – Kalu
- Vedanth Bhardwaj, Kelam and Dariya, Rama Kumari
- Padma Shri Kaluram Bamaniya, Kabir Café, Mooralala Marwada from Kutch
October 5 – Katariasar
- Final performances by Padma Shri Kaluram Bamaniya, Waqar Ali, Mooralala Marwada, Vedanth Bharadwaj, Kabir Café
- Tribute to Jasnath Ji, whose birthplace hosts the closing ceremony
Cultural immersion and travel logistics
The yatra offers a rare opportunity to experience folk music in its natural habitat. Attendees not only witness performances but also engage with local traditions, cuisine, and crafts. The route traverses both urban and rural landscapes, allowing for a complete cultural immersion.
1. Bikaner is the starting point, well-connected by rail and road
2. Nearest airport is Jaipur, with shuttle options to Bikaner
3. Accommodation includes hotels in Bikaner and guesthouses in villages
4. Registration is open online via the official Rajasthan Kabir Yatra website, with limited slots available
Impact and legacy
Since its inception, the Rajasthan Kabir Yatra has covered over 100 villages across 14 districts, reviving fading traditions and spotlighting grassroots artists. It has become a platform for cultural dialogue, interfaith harmony, and artistic innovation. The 2025 edition continues this legacy, inviting participants to lose themselves in music and rediscover the essence of community.
Sources: NDTV, MSN News, Rajasthan Kabir Yatra Official Website, Indulgexpress
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