Meet Vinod

Over the last two decades, Vinod Joshi has extensively documented indigenous traditions and culture of Rajasthan, the north-western state of India and one of the most vibrant and culturally rich regions in the world.

He has devoted his life to passionate investigation of music, art and crafts of diverse local communities of − what he has mapped into − "seven cultural zones" of Rajasthan. Vinod has played a pivotal role in creating a series of pioneering heritage-based development initiatives. He has worked as Community Director of Jaipur Virasat Foundation (JVF) and Regional Festival Director of Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF), Jodhpur.

As the CEO of Jajam Foundation, a not-for-profit organization committed to preserving and promoting Rajasthan's heritage, he is dedicated to enriching the cultural landscape.

Additionally, he has co-founded Dancing Peacock, a company focused on creating immersive cultural experiences. He has also directed Singing Sands, a unique annual heritage festival, and co-founded Soul Connect, a devotional morning music revival series held at historical temples in the walled city of Jaipur.

Vinod has played a key role in conceiving and shaping over 40 festivals, giving a platform to more than 10000+ folk artists.

Man behind
Leading Folk Festivals

Vinod Joshi curates folk festivals that are deeply immersive, experience-led, and rooted in authenticity. His work brings together living traditions, forgotten stories, and rural landscapes to create meaningful moments for audience — while also supporting the culture bearers and communities that keep these traditions alive.

Singing Sands Heritage Festival(2024 onwards)

Singing Sands is a quiet, immersive heritage festival set in the charming town of Shekhawati. Held across centuries old forts and courtyards, this annual retreat brings together music, stories, and traditions — not just as performances, but as live experiences.

Momasar Utsav (2002-2023)

Momasar Utsav one of India's largest rural folk festivals, was a unique and barrier-free festival, everything absolutely authentic and unalloyed.

Hawa Mahal Festival (2023)

Hawa Mahal Festival is the first-ever street festival with vibrant music, dance, shopping, food, and cultural displays at Jaipur’s iconic Hawa Mahal Street.

musical collaborations

He has managed numerous cross-genre musical collaborations of native folk artists with the likes of Jason Singh (UK), Marc Sinan (Germany), Pete Lockett (UK) and Thomas Eder (Switzerland).

Musical Collaborations

And
Much More...

Vinod has written numerous research papers and articles, and has been interviewed by publications and TV channels of international repute.

Vinod’s street documentation of built heritage and crafts & performing arts of the world renowned Pink City paved way for the city’s first heritage walk. Over the years, eminent people from across the world including Prince Charles, Minja Yang, William Dalrymple, Maharaja Gaj Singh and Mark Tully have walked with him.

For his contribution to community arts, Vinod has been felicitated with Raja Kakil Dev Award by Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum Trust, Jaipur in 2014.

He completed his Masters degree in Anthropology from University of Rajasthan, during which he undertook a research on Customs, Lifestyle and Culture of Kalbelia, the snake charmer community of Rajasthan.

Vinod Joshi was born in 1966 in the Momasar Village in Bikaner district of Rajasthan where he spent the initial years of his life.

BBC Documentary

The Lost Music of Rajasthan

Shot in 2012, this BBC documentary follows Late John Da (Mr. John Singh, Heritage Conservationist, Founder of Anokhi) on a journey across Rajasthan, accompanied by a young Vinod Joshi—then a community director deeply connected to these artists—they visited remote villages of western Rajasthan, meeting Bhopa bards, Kalbeliya dancers, and other traditional performers.

The documentary offers a rare look at communities where music is still a way of life, not performance. Through quiet conversations and immersive moments, the film captures the glimpse of Rajasthan’s living musical heritage, now under the shadow of change.

Words of Praise

I had the pleasure of working with Vinod Joshi on a documentary I wasdirecting for the BBC, about the traditional music of Rajasthan. He is immensely knowledgeable about the musical traditions of the area... deep knowledge of the history... and extremely well-liked and respected by local musicians.
JILL NICHOLLS
Producer and Director / UK
He has spent over the last two decades, by furthering the endangered music of Rajasthan, developing valuable networks and friendships based on trust with artists throughout the region. I myself value Mr. Joshi as a man of great honor, excellent taste, deep knowledge and endless dedication.
MARC SINAN
Composer, Guitarist, Producer / Berlin
Vinod Joshi and myself have met several times over the past 15 years or so. For articles I have been doing in Songlines, I have sometimes needed photos or expertise and Vinod. The work Vinod is doing now at Momasar Utsav is important in showcasing Rajasthani music and keeping it sustainable within the region.
SIMON BROUGHTON
Writer, Film-maker, Editor-in-Chief, Songlines / UK
At a time when fame is built at lightning speed ...and when the powerof money still corrupts the art world, it is good to know that there are people like Vinod Joshi who, away from these highways of glory, restore their dignity to the cultural treasures which we inherit from our fathers and mothers.
TITI ROBIN
Music Composer / France
I particularly appreciate his vision and commitment to safeguard performing arts in local community by supporting cultural diversity and empowering artists. I wholeheartedly wish him the best of luck on his future endeavors and it will be my honor to collaborate with him if the opportunity arises.
YOSHITAKA TERADA
Faculty /National Museum of Ethnology / Japan
Vinod Joshi has established a wonderful rapport with artists from around the state of Rajasthan over the years. His list of contacts is unprecedented. His care in working with artists from all walks of life has built a level of trust that connects rural and urban, artist and patron with great awareness of social dynamics.
DAVID ROCHE
Ethnomusicologist / United Kingdom

Words of Praise