The Sufi festival at Nagaur has to be one of the most lovely festivals in the world; it’s small, it’s intimate- you get a chance to meet not only the people attending the festival, but also to sit down and chat with the artists, the food is amazing, the music is awesome and the Nagaur fort- lit up by over 5000 oil lamps, provides a magical setting. Plus of course you have Royalty! Mr. Gaj Singh II of Jodhpur is a charming person and he’s very accessible during the festival.

The performances at the 2019 edition were a treat, and we're all eagerly awaiting this year’s lineup. The World Sacred Spirit Festival in Rajasthan will take place at Nagaur from 10th -12th Feb 2020 and in Jodhpur on 14th & 15th Feb. The Nagaur event is very exclusive and tends to sell out quickly, so if you’d like to be there, we recommend that you book now. Use the form at the bottom of the page to get in touch.

Nagaur was founded in the 4th century BC and its historical significance is closely linked to its geography, as it lay along ancient trade and invasion routes at the edge of the Thar desert. Nagaur was also an ancient site of Sufism and the festival here carries forward that heritage in the gorgeous Ahhichatragarh Fort. Initially constructed in the early 1100s, it's a beautiful example of Rajput-Mughal architecture, besides being an unbeatable setting for the spiritual experience that the festival offers.

Click here to see the 2020 festival programme.

Day 1: Jodhpur - 09 Feb

Arrive into Jodhpur, where you will be met by our car and driver. Right in the heart of Rajasthan, Jodhpur was the capital of the former Marwar kingdom and is a city with a rich and colourful history. Check in to your hotel, freshen up and head out to explore the massive Mehrangarh Fort that looms over the town. This is one of India's largest and best-maintained forts and is full of curious artifacts, opulent royal costumes and antique weaponry. Adjacent to the fort is another monument, the Jaswant Thada, a royal cenotaph constructed entirely in white marble. Jodhpur’s also a great place for shopping! Tell us what you're in the mood for and we'll make some recommendations. Return to your hotel for the night.

You also have another option - a trip to Salawas village to see traditional weavers making some excellent cotton durries (rugs and mats). They’re very pretty, machine washable and wear very well. Round off the trip with a visit to the village potter to see him at work. This is a fun way to spend half the day. (You could also do this the next morning, before you head out to Nagaur).

Day 2: Jodhpur - Nagaur - 10 Feb

Have breakfast at your hotel and check out. Your driver will meet you at your hotel. You have the chance to see some more of the city this morning- you could go into the old city and explore the area around the clock tower. You could have lunch at the Gypsy Restaurant if you want to try a really good Rajasthani thali, or check out On the Rocks or Darikhana which offer great Indian and International cuisine. After lunch, drive 2 & 1/2 hours southwest to Nagaur. You will be staying within the fort here, either at the Ranvas- beautifully restored havelis, built as a residence for the maharajah's queens or in the elegant Royal Tents (with bathrooms attached). Relax and take in the tranquility of your surroundings. The festival kicks off at 7:00 pm, with performances running late into the night.

Days 3 & 4: Nagaur - 11 & 12 Feb

Enjoy breakfast at the fort. The festival programme starts at 9:00 am with music, poetry, dance, art, lectures and historical walks. There will also be tours of the town, museum and bazaars. All meals are provided, with cocktails every night and the celebrations go on into the wee hours.

Day 5: Nagaur - Jodhpur & onward - 13 Feb

The festival ends. After breakfast, check out of Nagaur and continue to Jodhpur airport to catch your flight out. Or if you're not quite ready to end this journey just yet, well, Rajasthan is something of a specialty of ours and we have a number of fabulous places for you to explore across the state. Options nearby include the desert town of Jaisalmer and the picturesque Khimsar Fort, an oasis of luxury in the desert. Both are great places to savour the experiences of the last few days. You could also go tracking leopards at Jawai or head to some of the other lesser known places like Chanoudgarh, Sardargarh or Castle Bijaipur… Rajasthan has much to offer!

Note: The Nagaur leg of the Sufi festival is a pretty exclusive affair, open only to the guests staying within the fort. Accommodation is limited and increasingly sought-after, so do be sure to book as early as you can.