The Kartaal Project is a vibrant celebration of Rajasthan’s living folk traditions, led by Firoz Khan, a young artist from Barmer who has been playing the kartaal for five years. The Kartaal, an instrument of rhythm and storytelling, was invented by his grandfather- Ustad Sadik Khan Manganiyar, inspired by an image of Meera playing a similar form; and its legacy further developed by Ustad Nihal Khan Manganiyar. Firoz learnt from his father, Ustad Gaffur Khan Manganiyar, a National Award-winning musician, and represents the next generation of a family deeply rooted in the Manganiyar folk tradition.

Having trained at the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur, Firoz has performed with artists such as Mame Khan, Amit Trivedi and international musicians at the Magnetic Fields Festival.

In this performance, Firoz presents his first original composition, a youthful symphony blending the energy of four drummers, intricate jugalbandis and folk songs set to 10, 14, and 16-beat cycles. It bridges the raw soul of desert music with contemporary soundscapes, keeping rhythm at its heart.

Through The Kartaal Project, Firoz pays tribute to his grandfather’s invention while carving his own artistic identity. He hopes the audience feels the pulse of Rajasthan, learns the story behind the kartaal and leaves with a deeper appreciation for the timeless legacy of folk music.