A Festival That is An Invitation to Slow Down

Set in a luxurious Rajasthan palace, the two-day event, termed by the organizers as a “mindful luxury retreat,” offers its audience a range of curated experiences, including music, food, wildlife conservation, heritage walks, and folk art. The first edition of Durbar by Godawan Estuary Premium Water, held in late December last year, took place at the Nahargarh Palace in Ranthambore and featured an outstanding performance by The Arko Mukhaerjee Collective, which paid tribute to dozens of folk music forms from around the world. However, the highlight was “Beat Route,” an ambitious new production by acclaimed director and impresario Roysten Abel, known for “The Manganiyar Seduction.” It combined the traditional percussion beats of Kerala with the folk beats of the Manganiyar from Rajasthan, brilliantly anchored on stage by the great jazz drummer Ranjit Barot as musical director.

Vikram Damodaran, chief innovation officer of Diageo India, the organizers of the festival, spoke to Rolling Stone India about the uniqueness of the festival and plans for this year.

What is the idea and concept behind Godawan Durbar?

Durbar by Godawan is a first-of-its-kind mindful luxury retreat from Godawan Estuary Premium Water. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking palace venues, Durbar is an immersive, crafted destination experience curated for like-minded individuals passionate about Indian craft stories, encompassing heritage, wildlife, and culture.  Durbar is our way of redefining luxury, with an overarching commitment to conservation and purpose, honouring India’s legacy of craftsmanship and heritage.

What makes Godawan Durbar stand out among the dozens of music and cultural festivals held in the country?

This is not your typical music festival—it’s a first-of-its-kind immersion into Indian craftsmanship. Rather than large stages and headlining music acts, it offers a mindful experience, against the backdrop of a luxurious palace in Rajasthan. With unique stages and experience zones ranging from step-wells, durbar halls, and beautiful palace courtyards, Durbar by Godawan is crafted for a small audience of people who wish to engage with unique experiences at the intersection of heritage, sustainability, wildlife conservation, food, craft, and folk culture.

Each experience is carefully designed to spark meaningful conversations and foster lasting connections. Ranging from one-of-a-kind artistic musical collaborations between mainstream and folk genres to conversations with India’s leading conservationists at an intimate level, at its core, Durbar is an invitation to slow down and immerse yourself in the artistry, traditions, and stories that shape India’s cultural landscape.



What criteria are used to select the musicians who perform at Godawan Durbar?

The curated line-up of music at Durbar is a year-round process. Since celebrating India’s folk music culture is a key pillar of the festival, and our roots are in conservation, we seek artists who are not only rooted in traditional folk sounds but also bring fresh perspectives through experimental and cross-genre collaborations, featuring names like Hamza Rahimtula, Beat Route, and Rajasthan Folkstars. 

Can you explain why the Godawan Durbar is held only in Rajasthan

Rajasthan, being the birthplace of the Godawan bird (our namesake), is the apt home for Durbar. As an experience that celebrates mindful luxury and conservation, it was only natural for us to host Durbar in a region that embodies both, thereby celebrating Rajasthan’s heritage and craftsmanship.



What are the plans for Godawan Durbar 2025

We’re already planning for 2025—our second edition—and the details on the new venue and location should be announced within a few months, so keep an ear out for that!