With the festival season just around the corner, here’s all you need to know about any event that you’re planning to visit in the coming months
SEPTEMBER
Go Madras Electronic Festival
When: September 20-21, 2014
Where: Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The festival is held on the scenic Chennai beach, and features electronica artistes from around the world. It was founded in 2009 and is best known for the impressive stage production and visuals that accompany the music.
Details: www.gomadras.in
Ziro Festival
When: September 25-28, 2014
Where: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Ziro Festival is one of the best organic festivals India has cultivated. It is set in the picturesque Ziro valley in Arunachal Pradesh – home to the Apatani community, an interesting agrarian tribe whose relationship with nature is tender and loving. In three years, the festival has been as much about indie music as it has been about the Apatani Valley and the people indigenous to it. Local dance and music go hand in hand with bigger artists, a curious and happy mix, if you will.
Details: www.zirofestival.com
Shillong Blues & Jazz Festival
When: September 27
Where: Shillong, Meghalaya
The festival is an annual tribute to not just blues and jazz but also the musical ethos of Shillong, which is home to some of the best musicians in India. This year’s edition will feature the powerhouse Lou Majaw, bluesman Rudy Wallang and his band, as well as over 30 many up-and-coming acts from across North-East India. Besides the music, attendees can also look forward to food stalls and art and craft exhibitions.
Details: www.facebook.com/SBJFestival
Shiva Squad Festival
When: September 25-27, 2014
Where: Morpheus Valley Resort, Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Emerged from the psychedelic trance label that created it – Shiva Squad Records, The Shiva Squad Festival in Himachal Pradesh is set inside a boutique resort spread over 20 acres at the Raison Kullu-Manali Highway, amidst the divine Himalayan range. This year’s edition is slated to be particularly exciting as the festival will, apart from their regular psy stage, see an alternative stage which will feature some interesting performances by artists under many genres ranging from indie and folk to metal.
Details: shivasquad-festival.com
Covelong Point Surf And Music Festival
When: September 12-14, 2014
Where: Kovalam, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu
The weekend festival is held at what organisers claim is “India’s first surfing village”. Its highlight will be the surfing competition, which will witness national and international surfers vying for the trophy. The three-day event also hosts yoga and meditation classes.
Details: www.covelongpoint.com
Bangalore Open Air
When: September 13, 2014
Where: Dyavasandra Industrial Area, ITPL Main Road, Whitefield, Bangalore
For over 24 years, German giants, Wacken Open Air have successfully tapped into the minds of thousands of heavy metal music lovers, who flock into this 3 day festival extravaganza, just to have the time of their lives. In 2012, Wacken Open Air, extended their support to make Bangalore Open Air a successful annual property catering to the huge Metal audience being the only dedicated heavy metal festival in India.
Bangalore Open Air aims to bring you the finest International and local metal bands around. The festival is primed to be India’s biggest pure metal festival and is a perfect event for all true head bangers.
Details: www.bangaloreopenair.com
OCTOBER
Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF)
When: October 8-12, 2014
Where: Jodhpur
The eighth edition of the Rajasthan International Folk Festival, Jodhpur will bring together folk music artistes from countries like Yemen, Scotland and Australia, many of who will also collaborate with indigenous talent. The festival is held in the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort and is a must-visit for anyone looking for a serene, comforting vacation.
Details: www.jodhpurriff.org
Sunburn Mumbai and Noida
When: October 11 (Mumbai); October 12 (Noida)
Where: Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai; Buddh International Circuit, Noida
In the run-up to its massive mother party that is held in Goa in December, the Mumbai leg of Sunburn will feature bigwigs such as W&W, Krewella and Cazzette. This launch party will showcase the Cubezoid stage for the first time outside of Goa; it is a 3D production that brings with itself advanced projections and a multi-sensory experience.
Details: www.sunburn.in
The Great Indian Oktoberfest
When: October 17-19
Where: Bangalore, Karnataka
This desi beer-and-music party is inspired by Germany’s Oktoberfest. Expect a bigger and better affair this year as the annual festival celebrates its 10th year. The three days will feature exciting performances, beer games, fun stalls and loads of food.
Details: www.tgiof.com
Red Bull Tour Bus (Off The Roof)
When: October 18
Where: Mumbai
The day-long stage-on-wheels festival will feature indie music icons Pentagram, The Raghu Dixit Project, Bhayanak Maut and many more at its debut edition. Joining them will be Chennai’s rising indie superstars Skrat, MadBoy/Mink from Mumbai and Ankur & Sidd, Sound Avtar and DJ Sa. It will be held at Mumbai’s defunct-mill-turned-gig-venue, Richardson & Cruddas.
Details: www.redbull.com/in
Pushkar International Balloon Festival
When: October 31-November 2
Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan
With a number of majestic forts and palaces dotting its terrain, Rajasthan provides an excellent landscape to balloon over. At this one-of-a-kind festival, you can explore the beauty of the Pushkar from high up in the sky even as you enjoy a luxurious ride. The flight will give a spectacular view of the scenic lake which is enveloped by beautiful ghats, as well as the nearby Aravalli range.
Details: www.skywaltz.com
Go Mad
When: TBA
Where: Ooty
The three-day music, art and dance festival boasts of a beautiful location – the Nilgiri hills of Ooty. The camp-out event debuted on the circuit in 2012 and has featured quite a few big names in the past two editions. The event also aims to be a launchpad for up-and-coming musicians.
Details: www.gomadfestival.com
NOVEMBER
NH7 Weekenders
When: All through November
Where: Kolkata (Nov 1-2), Bengaluru (Nov 8-9), Pune (Nov 21-23) and Delhi (Nov 29-30)
Colourful, diverse and with something for everybody, it’s no wonder why the Bacardi NH7 Weekender is one of the most popular fests in the country. After its inception in 2010, the festival has received immense appreciation for being the biggest platform for Indian independent music and artists, thus bringing together and cultivating a thriving indie culture in the country today.
Details: www.nh7.in/weekender
The New Wave Musicfest : Fresh Asian Indie & Punk
When: November 15-16
Where: Verna, Goa
This November, Goa will find itself amidst some of the best Asian independent artistes, as the aptly titled ‘New Wave’ Music Fest brings a fresh new wave of artistes to the more electronic – music inclined part of India. This debut event will be held at a scenic location situated at the top of a mini hill.
Details: www.thenewwave.asia
DECEMBER
Hornbill
When: December 1-10
Where: Kohima, Nagaland
The Hornbill Festival is Nagaland’s biggest state-sponsored cultural festival, aimed at promoting inter-tribe interaction as well as the rich cultural heritage of the state. The Government of Nagaland hosts the annual festival during the first week of December. Cultural celebrations aside, it also features a exciting bunch of contemporary activities like the Hornbill Rock Festival in Kohima, the biggest and most popular. Adventure car rallies, chilli eating contests and other interesting events are also part and parcel of this fest.
Details: www.hornbill.com
Magnetic Fields
When: December 12-14
Where: Alsisar Mahal, Rajasthan
Boutique festivals are an awesome new alternative for people disenchanted by the bigger ones, although getting a boutique festival right without exactly ‘selling out’ is undoubtedly a bit tricky. Set in a gorgeous Mahal in Rajasthan, this small (first time) & yet undeniably eclectic music festival captured the hearts of all who attended and were part of it, last year. The lineup and production were delightfully unique, attendees were literally treated like Kings and Queens and the sense of community was strong. This cozy festival has set quite the bar when it comes to executing intimate boutique festivals in India.
Details: www.magneticfields.in
Enchanted Valley Carnival
When: December 19-21, 2014
Where: Aamby Valley, Lonavala
As an excellent debut effort, The Enchanted Valley Carnival in Amby Valley last December bravely took on its already established contenders. Set on the scenic airstrip of Amby Valley and against the backdrop of a massive air balloon, the festival delivered a diverse line up from big room to deep house to indie Indian music. A special mention goes out to its well laid and well managed camping site.
Details: www.evc.co.in
Sunburn
When: December 27-29, 2014
Where: Vagator, Goa
Ever since 2007, the beach festival has built a major fan base with its latest and 7th edition racking up a whopping 1.5 lakh attendees in a mere 3 days, covering 500000 sq metres of Vagator Beach, Goa. To say the line-up for the 2013 edition was massive would be an understatement as it boasted of 120 artists including the biggest in the dance music industry today – Axwell, Markus Schulz, Afrojack, Pete Tong, Mark Knight to name a few. Over the years, Sunburn has become a well established EDM festival and has single-handedly impacted how India’s festival culture is viewed around the world.
Details: www.sunburn.in
Vh1 Supersonic
When: December 27-30, 2014
Where: Candolim, Bardez, Goa
In a time when women’s safety is an issue that cannot be ignored, it is important for festivals to take special precautions to make sure their attendees get all the care they need. VH1 Supersonic took a step in that direction last year, by making its safety policy high priority. Apart from having women specific security, the organizers also encouraged “festivalfriends” with medical backgrounds to sign up for first aid.
Details: www.gosupersonic.in
Music In the Hills
When: TBA
Where: TBA
Music In The Hills is an annual event that brings together some of the best indie acts from India every year. The festival doesn’t have a permanent venue; it rotates between the hills of North India and Rajasthan. Started by a bunch of music enthusiasts in 2007, the event takes pride in its no-frills feel and non-commercial vibe.
Details: www.facebook.com/musicinthehills
JANUARY
Jaipur Literature Fest
When: January 21-25,2015
Where: Jaipur
The premier literary festival of the country is known for its easy-going vibe and insightful discussions moderated by some of noted intellectuals. If literature is not your thing, then there’s great music and food on offer too. The upcoming edition features veteran writers such as VS Naipaul, Ahmed Rashid and Bettany Hughes as speakers.
Details: www.jaipurliteraturefestival.org
Smirnoff Experience
When: Early next year, TBA
Where: Bengaluru
With festival promoters and agencies competing with each other over lineups and production, technological innovation has become another aspect that drives the festival marketplace. Last year, Smirnoff Experience debuted in Bangalore and featured ‘The Cloud Stage’ by the world-renowned “experience generators” – Vita Motus. The team created a truly awe-inspiring visual experience with music-coordinated lighting and some spectacular 3D mapping. And to complement that, the venue was dotted with various art installations including a mirrored entrance-way that was filled with multi-directional lasers and a ‘chandelier bar’. All these experiences put together made the event a real treat for the eyes.
FEBRUARY
Sula Fest
When: February 7-8
Where: Nasik
Come february, India’s favourite gourmet music festival will be back. Sulafest is an event that warrants weekend off from by taking a little joyride to Nashik – for good music, good wine in the company of your favourite people. Last year the festival really upped its ante as
it saw nearly 10,000 festival-goers at the Sula amphitheatre. Apart from the music, the fun activities unique to the festival like wine tasting and grape stomping have been its main USP.
Details: www.sulafest.net
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
When: February 7-15
Where: Kala Ghoda, South Mumbai
As the mother of all cultural fests in India, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival has been an exciting and vibrant cultural melting pot ever since its inception in 1999. As far as cultural festivals go, its exponential growth over the years has attracted visitors, participants and sponsors from all over the world. This year the festival drew over 150000 people over 9 days and 350 events of art, music, dance, theatre, literature, street stalls, films & workshops making it the biggest and most loved cultural festival in the country.
Details: www.kalaghodaassociation.com
World Sufi Spirit Festival
When: February 9-12, 2015 (Nagaur); February 13-15 (Jodhpur)
Where: Nagaur and Jodhpur, Rajasthan
Devoted to the cause of showcasing the music talent of spiritual performers from around the globe, upcoming edition of the music event is held in two cities – Jodhpur (at the Mehrangarh Fort) in Jodhpur and Nagaur(Ahhichatragarh Fort). The upcoming edition will feature performers from Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Morocco, among other places.
Details: www.worldsufispiritfestival.org
Hill Top Music Festival
When: February 13-15, 2015
Where: Vagator, Goa
This niche festival is held in one of the best locations in Goa – a scenic hilltop that gives a panoramic view of the breathtaking shoreline. This three-day event will feature three stages, and besides psy trance, it will also offer techno music to patrons. Revellers who wish to relax can have a gala experience at the Chill Out stage, where soothing down tempo beats will rock.
Details: Click HERE.
India Bike Week
When: February 20-21, 2015
Where: Vagator, Goa
India Bike Week is the first and only festival in India, built around bikes, bikers and music. The first edition in January, 2014 saw 7,500 bikers and biking enthusiasts roar into the festival grounds at Vagator, Goa. The weekend festival hosted over 26 live bands, a number of stellar DJs, 3 concert stages, biker legends, 16 cage fighters, race tracks, stunt zones and more. The second edition, scheduled for February 2015 promises to be more engaging, adrenaline filled and will cover every aspect of the biking lifestyle.
Details: www.indiabikeweek.in
Mahindra Blues Festival
When: Febuary TBA
Where: Venue TBA, Mumbai
An Indoor festival can utilize space and production to highlight the music it offers and that’s exactly what the Mahindra Blues Festival succeeds at doing. The festival has single handedly united Blues music enthusiasts across the country, by bringing down some world class musicians to perform, along with providing a platform for upcoming Blues talent in the country. This year’s edition saw the renowned The Tedeschi Trucks Band headline the festival – something which created quite a buzz before and after the event.
Details: www.mahindrablues.com
Storm Festival
When: February, TBA
Where: Bangalore, Karnataka
If you’re looking to attend an authentic camp-out music festival, Storm’s the place for you. Set in amidst nature not too far from Bangalore, Storm is a great example of how a festival can be entertaining as well as promote and sponsor environmental sustainability within its venue. Whether, it is efficient waste management, recycling, a strict no-plastic policy or using eco-friendly products – Storm Festival means serious business.
Details: www.stormfestivalindia.com
Ragasthan
When: February, TBA
Where: Rajasthan
Invariably, picking the right landscape/location to host a festival can make or break it. In this case Ragasthan’s desert venue managed to create a truly unique experience for all who attended it. Picture this: three days music, film while camping out in dunes. Three days of having to use camels as festival transport and dancing under the moonlit desert sky, away from city life drudgery. Here’s a shoutout to the organizers for having the sheer tenacity to host a festival smack dab in the middle of a desert.
Details: www.ragasthan.com
India Surf Festival
When: TBA
Where: Sahukhanata, Odisha
India Surf Festival is a one-of-a-kind venturesome festival in India that brings to our shores the sought-after beach culture of the West. ISF has much more to offer than just surfing! In addition to the absolutely thrilling water sports activities, it hosts introductory workshop sessions that educate participants about everything they possibly need to know regarding water sports tourism. Besides music, the festival also features music and dance performances
Details: www.indiasurffestival.org
The UnBox Festival
When: February, TBA
Where: Delhi
Not dedicated to any one form of art, the Unbox Festival “ celebrates interdisciplinary processes and experiences that shape contemporary thought and action.” The five-day event featured workshops, performances, exhibitions, talks and seminars that prod one to analyse and debate. All in all, it was very well received.
Details: www.unboxfestival.com
MARCH
Eden
When: TBA
Where: Mumbai
Early this year, Bombay oldest and favourite party crew, Bhavishyavani Future Soundz threw a dance music festival like no other. Marking their 15th year anniversary, this festival featured a blend of something the city has never seen before – live art, live music and live performance. Over three days and three venues we saw futuristic and fantastic dance music artists like Minilogue, Sebastian Mullaert, Phon.o headline the festival along with live art by Crystal Mafia & visuals by Transhuman Collective.
What was really great about the festival was that it represented what BFS is as a music, art and design collective – giving Eden a prominent and unique identity. We can’t help but be in awe of what they pulled off, it was really quite something!
Details: www.facebook.com/edenartfest
APRIL
Kasauli Rhythm & Blues
When: April, TBA
Where: Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
The festival is held amidst the beautiful Himalayan valley, and features band from across the country. The venue lends the three-day event a tranquil, laid-back vibe. The proceeds from the festival go towards the upliftment of underprivileged children.
Details: Official webpage
MAY
Escape
When: TBA
Where: Lake Resort, Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand
A unique festival started in May 2009 when a few musicians and like-minded people decided to get away from New Delhi for a few days. They chose a picturesque resort at Naukuchiatal, at the foothills of the Himalayas which became their Escape. The Escape Festival of Art and Music has established itself in the past six years, and is the perfect way to spend some quality time with friends and family. It is also one of the first festivals in the country set around a scenic getaway appealing to young and old alike. The festival is held at Naukuchiatal, a small hill-station is also known as the ‘lake of nine corners’.
The 175-feet-deep lake is enveloped with misty cliffs coated with dense oak forests. Such an ambience will surely escalate your experience.
Details: www.escapefestival.in
Himalayan Music Festival
When: May, TBA
Where: Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
This festival, which debuted this year, is a niche event that aims to spread joy and fun in the midst of the Himalayas. The spectacular location and a small attendee population lend it a simple, homespun vibe. According to the founders, the event not only promotes music but also a drug-free policy.
Details: Click HERE.
Kundalini Festival
When: May, TBA
Where: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
The Kundalini Festival brings together some of the biggest names in the scene (both international and Indian) to perform over two days in the beautiful hills of Manali. Apart from the massive line-up, this festival also has some amazing camping options, a meditation/chill-out zone and even a ‘trippy’ flea-market. So if you are into psy trance and in need for a vacation in the hills, we would suggest you make your way to this festival.
Details: Click HERE.
Indrasan Music Festival
When: May. TBA
Where: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
One of the more popular mountain psy trance festivals in the country, the eco-friendly Indrasan Festival has been raving up the hills of Manali since 2009. Bringing together some of the biggest names in the genre with some amazing views, camping and relaxation this festival is a staple in every psy trance fan’s calendar.
Details: www.indrasanfestival.com
Parvati Peaking
When: May. TBA
Where: Choch, Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Having completed two successful editions, the Parvati Peaking festival is considered as one of the biggest psy trance events of the season. With a line-up that comprises of some of the biggest names from the genre, this two day psy trance extravaganza is a must attend for fans across the country.
Details: Click HERE.
JUNE
Arudra Festival
When: May. TBA
Where: Manali, Himachal Pradesh
This four-day psy trance extravaganza in Manali has been described by the organisers as a “mind-shifting musical, art & cultural experience in a friendly and comfortable environment”, which, judging by the picturesque venue and massive line-up, it is sure to be.
Details: Click HERE.