If there is anything more than food and movie that can excite us Indians, is badass music and festivals. There is nothing in life that a good soundtrack can’t solve. And what’s better than a music festival that has everything in one place? From live music, lip-smacking food to electric vibe and a lifetime experience, music fests are a one-stop shop. If music is your bae, then pick out one or more of these festivals for an off-beat and heady holiday experiences.
1. SulaFest
© SulaFest
With 100 artists from over 30 countries, this year’s SulaFest brings in Bollywood sensation Amit Trivedi, electro-swing front-runners Parov Stellar and the five-piece vocal groove collective, Bauchklang. What started off as a celebratory harvest festival Nashik has now grown to a full-fledged 2-day extravaganza with delectable wines and foot-tapping music against the resplendent vineyards. Well, we bet is there no one who would mind a glass of fine wine and some kickass music.
2. VH1 Supersonic
© VH1Supersonic
With Major Lazer, Incubus and Marshmello joining in the eclectic mix of artists performing at Laxmi Lawns in Pune, VH1 Supersonic just got bigger and better by leaps and bounds! Be it a flee market, or a beer garden, you have it all here. If music is your life, be ready for an enticing experience!
3. Bacardi NH7 Weekender
© Bacardi NH7 Weekender
One of the most famous festivals, the Bacardi NH7 Weekender is notorious for its glorious mix of Indian and international artists all under one roof! It’s not unusual to see the goth-lovin’ crowd mixed up with the Bollywood throng and topped off with the snazzy EDM swarm. But Bacardi makes the impossible, possible! And it’s not just the music, the organisers also bring in cuisines ranging from local to international. Plunge into a journey of musical discovery at either of the festival’s favourite destinations.
4. Woods Talk
The unique incorporation of music and adventure at the Woods Talk festival, set against the gushing waters of Rishikesh will definitely unleash the thrill-seeker within you. It is the ultimate escape with extreme sports such as rafting, kayaking, rappelling, rock climbing, canyoning and cliff jumping. This exhilarating getaway amalgamates live music with exhilarating adventures against the immaculate gorges and stunning white waters. A heavenly experience that you just can’t miss!
5. Sunburn
© Sunburn
Well, this one doesn’t need an introduction. Sunburn pioneered the electronic dance music festival in India and is now one of Asia’s biggest music festivals. For its first 9 years, the festival was held against the picturesque beaches of Goa before moving to Pune. A party of mammoth proportions, Sunburn is a cultural diaspora of music and people. Set on the sprawling Oxford lawns, the 4-day festival has over 75 artists performing on multiple stages.
6. Magnetic Fields Festival
© Magnetic Fields Festival
This kitschy carnival has taken the music scene by storm, with a troop of contemporary acts against the magnificent backdrop of Alsisar Mahal in Shekhawati, Rajasthan. In the heart of the Rajasthan desert, this festival spins its magic with the modern and ancient India nestling side by side for the throbbing and pulsating music festival. This 3-day extravaganza offers you the chance to party like a king, quite literally. Who’s in for this one?
7. Ziro Music Festival
North-eastern India has always been considered a hotbed of alternative music. And there is no one who loves and understands music like they do. What better than an experience in their land? This independent music festival in the Ziro valley of Arunachal Pradesh lets you enjoy life to the fullest. Traverse through pristine mountains enveloped by fluffy clouds and winding rivers as you partake in mouth-watering local food and brews.