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Udaipur World Music Festival
Lakeside afternoons of strings and song, then thousands dancing under the stars
The Udaipur World Music Festival is a three-day, city-wide music festival in Udaipur, Rajasthan, usually held in the first half of February. Musicians from abroad share the programme with Rajasthani folk artists: afternoon sets by Fateh Sagar lake, evening concerts at Gandhi Ground. Entry was free at the last editions in the database. The organiser, SEHER, announces each edition with Rajasthan Tourism, usually in late January.
SEHER announces each edition with Rajasthan Tourism, usually in late January.
The legend
The World Music Festival was first held in Udaipur on 13–14 February 2016. It was conceived by Sanjeev Bhargava and staged by the cultural organisation SEHER.
Even the first edition brought musicians from more than 12 countries, among them Spain, Ghana, Venezuela, Italy and France, alongside India.
The core idea is the meeting of traditions: the French composer Mathias Duplessy, for one, shared the stage with the Rajasthani singer Mukhtiyar Ali.
Customs
Afternoons by the lake
The afternoon concerts are held in the open on the embankment of Fateh Sagar lake.
The evening stage
In the evening the main stage at Gandhi Ground draws thousands, with ensembles from abroad taking turns with Rajasthani musicians.
Where to celebrate
Udaipur
Three days of free concerts in Udaipur: afternoon sets by Fateh Sagar Lake and a main evening stage at Gandhi Ground, with musicians from abroad alongside Rajasthani folk groups.
What the festival is
The festival was first held in Udaipur in February 2016. It was conceived by Sanjeev Bhargava and is produced by SEHER, a cultural organisation, with Rajasthan Tourism. The organiser presents it as India's only festival devoted to world music and the country's largest, with over 150 artists from more than 15 countries and a footfall of over 50,000 people every year.
The idea is the meeting of traditions. Ensembles from abroad play alongside Rajasthani musicians, and some perform together: the French composer Mathias Duplessy, for one, has shared the stage with the Rajasthani singer Mukhtiyar Ali. The organiser also gives the festival a focus on preserving forgotten musical instruments and traditions of Rajasthan, holds welcome concerts of little-known Rajasthani artists at Maharana Pratap Airport and Udaipur railway station, and runs workshops for local school students.
The venues and the day's rhythm
The organiser describes three moods of the day: meditative ragas in the morning, music by the lake in the afternoon and lively evening concerts. The stages change between editions, so check the year's schedule on the festival site.
Fateh Sagar Pal, afternoons
Open-air sets on the embankment of Fateh Sagar lake, from mid-afternoon (3 or 3.30 pm in recent schedules).
Gandhi Ground, evenings
The main stage, from 6 pm on all three days. It draws thousands, so come early.
Morning stage by Lake Pichola
Manji ka Ghat (Ambrai Ghat) hosted morning sets, 8 to 10 am, at an earlier edition; it was not in the latest schedule.
Planning your visit
February is Udaipur's busiest month, and the festival weekend adds to it.
- Entry — Entry to all venues has been free; check the organiser's site for the year's rules before you go.
- Book early — Book a room about two months ahead. Indian Railways opens train bookings 60 days before departure: book trains to Udaipur City the day sales open, and flights to Udaipur early too.
- Where to stay — In the old city, within walking distance of Ambrai Ghat and Gangaur Ghat. Arrive the day before the first concert.
- In the crowd — Evening crowds at Gandhi Ground are large. Agree a meeting point and keep your phone and money in a front pocket. General advice: is India safe.
- Pair it with — The Jaipur Literature Festival in mid-January, or Kumbhalgarh on a day out from Udaipur.
FAQ
When is the Udaipur World Music Festival?
Usually over three days in the first half of February. The organiser announces the dates with Rajasthan Tourism, usually in late January.
Is the Udaipur World Music Festival free?
Entry to all venues was free at the last editions in the database. Check the festival site for the year's rules and come early for the evening stage.
Where are the concerts held?
On the embankment of Fateh Sagar lake (Fateh Sagar Pal) in the afternoons and at Gandhi Ground in the evenings; an earlier edition added a morning stage by Lake Pichola.
Who organises the festival?
SEHER, a cultural organisation, with Rajasthan Tourism. The festival was conceived by Sanjeev Bhargava and first held in 2016.
Sources (3)
Facts checked: 21 October 2026. Prices and hours are approximate; check locally.