Sufi Music Festival 2013

Once a year, spectators gather for an auditory adventure of Sufi culture and religion in one of the world’s most colorful locales, Rajasthan. Musicians and artists from Mongolia to Istanbul serenade captive audiences inside the medieval walls of Nagaur Fort. Otherwise known as “The Fort of the Hooded Cobra,” the building contains four palatial palaces with expertly restored frescos. Builders originally constructed Naguar Fort of mud in the 4th century, though today it boasts ancient arches and sweeping patios after centuries of renovations. Eventually gifted to the ruler of Jodhpur from the Mughals, today the stronghold provides a place to relive the royal heritage of Naguar through Sufi music. Sufi songs date back hundreds of years when Islam’s most influential saints composed poems of reverence to God. These songs are meant to promote harmony among people, regardless of their religion or beliefs. The three-day Naguar festival offers a relaxing outdoor experience where travelers can enjoy the sounds of Sufi music amidst a candlelight glow. Unlike other festivals, this intimate affair offers an authentic Indian escape for dedicated cultural enthusiasts. At night, guests retire to fairy-tale tents and sleep comfortably beneath the twilight. Attendee’s walk away feeling rejuvenated and enlightened having visited a world rarely seen. The Nagaur Sufi Music Festival will be held February 16-18, 2013.

Sufism is the mystic tradition of Islam, which teaches co-existence, harmony and divine love for all creation. This spiritual journey will illuminate this supernatural sect by taking you to some of the Sufism's holiest sites. You'll remove your shoes and step into the spiritual oasis of Nizamuddin Dargah, a mosque hidden far back in Delhi's bazaars where Sufi singers sit surrounded by a rapt audience. After visiting the Taj Mahal, you'll stop at Fatehpur Sikri, emperor Akbar's former capital. Legend has it that the emperor dedicated the town to a Sufi saint who accurately foresaw the birth of his sons. Along the way, you'll pay your respects at the tombs of Sufi saints before heading up north to Kashmir where you'll be serenaded with Traditional Sufi Music.

Once a year, audiences fill Nagaur Fort for an auditory experience featuring Sufi artists from Mongolia to Istanbul. Builders originally constructed Naguar Fort of mud in the 4th century, though today it boasts ancient arches and sweeping patios after centuries of renovations. Eventually gifted to the ruler of Jodhpur from the Mughals, today the stronghold provides a place to relive the royal heritage of Naguar through Sufi music. Songs date back hundreds of years when Islam's most influential saints composed poems of reverence to God. These songs are meant to promote harmony among people, regardless of their religion or beliefs. At night, guests retire to fairy-tale tents and sleep comfortably beneath the twilight.