We have brought you Music Festivals of the World – Croatia and Music Festivals of the World – Belgium… Drum roll please.. India!
We are now bringing you Music Festivals of the World – India!!
Mark Twain (an American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher and lecturer) said “India is, the cradle of the human race, the birthplace of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend, and the great grandmother of tradition. Our most valuable and most instructive materials in the history of man are treasured up in India only.”
However you see India, it is a place full of so much culture and tradition and such a diverse range of people from the ultra wealthy to the incredibly poor. It’s also one of the world’s oldest civilizations in existence.
Fun Fact – Did you know that the task of shampooing your hair originated in India?
Not only does India have some incredible culture and tradition, amazing historical sites to visit and the highest sporting ground in the world, but it also holds some of the best music festivals to go and check out!
1. Magnetic Fields
Being held in a 17th century palace in Shekhawati, Rajasthan, Magnetic Fields is an entire 3 day magical, music experience!
As well as music, you have the opportunity to take part in the stretching and yoga sessions in the mornings, engage yourself in their signature treasure hunt and at night, take part in stargazing workshops and kite-flying sessions. You will taste amazing foods and discover secret locations within the palace.
The music at the festival has a combination of fresh Indian superstars and international underground acts.
As far as accommodation goes, at Magnetic fields, you have a choice between a Royal Palace Suite where you can stay in absolute royal luxury in a part of the palace, camp in part of the Bedouin tent village with pre constructed tents, or you can pitch you own tent. Alternatively, you can stay off site and purchase a festival only ticket.
2. Sunburn
Sunburn began in the late 1980’s and is not only India’s biggest Electronic music festival but it is the largest Electronic festival in all of Asia.
The festival is hosted in Goa, runs for 4 days and has had acts like Avicii, Dash Berlin, Armin Van Buuren, Swedish House Mafia and so many more.
3. Mahindra Blues
Mahindra Blues, held in Bangalore, is one of Asia’s largest Blues festivals and draws some off the finest Blues acts from around the world for a massive 2 day experience.
The festival was also nominated for ‘Keeping the Blues Alive’ award by the Blues Foundation of America.
It’s hard to imagine but the festival only began in 2011. Within 2 years, the festival was a complete sell-out!
4. Storm
The concept of Storm is all about camping out and being in nature.
You will experience a community campsite, yoga sessions, fresh air walks, music workshops, musical jams around the campfire, bonfires and roasted marshmallows.. it really is the ultimate camping experience!
Storm began by a dream of 2 close friends, Lavin Uthappa & Sachin Bopanna who wanted to bring people together to celebrate togetherness, focus on their religion.. music, and do something about their concern about the environment.
What began as their dream is now a full steam ahead festival/camping experience in action!
5. Bacardi NH7 Weekender
Bacardi NH7 Weekender is one MASSIVE 3 day festival with excess of 100,000 attendees every year.
The festival is held in Pune with offshoots held all around the world.
The musical focus on Bacardi NH7 Weekender is based on alternative music. So much of the Indian festival scene has been crowded with EDM music and this festival offers another style of lineup with acts like Jose Gonzales, Karnivool, Mark Ronson, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Mogwai, Megadeth, Anoushka Shankar, Fink and The Bombay Bicycle Club.
6. Fireflies Festival of Music
Fireflies Festival of Music is also known as Fireflies Festival of Sacred Music and runs all night.
The setting is under a huge banyan tree in an open air amphitheater and each year they have a culture awareness theme relating to peace and harmony. Their first year theme was ‘Peace in Iraq’, second year ‘the need to conserve water’, third year ‘Protect and grow more trees’ and the fourth year was ‘The inner journey-the outter journey’.
this festival is a place that you go to find inner calm, outside your busy life and schedule.
The range of music is huge and starts with Jazz, goes to fusion, goes to alternative.. you will be truly inspired at this festival.
7. Escape
Escape Festival is considered more of a retreat, rather than a festival in itself and features bands, artists, writers, photographers, painters, graffiti artists, performance artists, tattoo artists and potters.
It also has a festival camp, a film festival and a flea market and the 2 stages are located on the shores of Lake Naukuchiatal, Uttrakhand and features artists from varying musical backgrounds.
8. Sula-Fest
Sula Fest is held at Sula Winery near the city of Nashik and is considered the countries premier ‘gourmet world music festival’.
You will experience music, wine, drinks, food, fashion and shopping whilst looking out on the incredible views of the scenic winery.
The music genres consist of rock, folk, blues, electronic and reggae to bring you an eclectic mix of entertainment.
9. Kasauli Rhythm and Blues Fest
Kasauli Rhythm and Blues Fest is held in the Shivalik hills of Kasauli, a 2 day treat of soul, blues and amazing rhythms.
The festival is held over the easter weekend and started to raise money for the Genesis Foundation, a foundation that works to create a better life for critically ill children.
When you’re not at the festival, you can head to the cobbled street markets or head to one of the many fruit orchards around the area.
10. Holi Cow
Holi Cow is an absolute carnival of colour.. they say that the colour is representative of being washed in a multi-colour circus of hope and happiness!
The festival began as a minor jamming session and built it’s way up to be called the minor Woodstock of Delhi and now it is the explosion of love, music and colour that you see today.
You will experience musicians, poets, puppeteers, painters, graffiti artists, performers and dances across 3 stages.
The idea is for creatives to feel free to share their love and passion freely without judgement.
11. Enchanted Valley
Enchanted Valley is a multi-genre festival and ranges from Electronic music to International Pop, Bollywood, EDM, techno, fusion and Indie to other forms of experimental music.
The site has a fully equipped campsite and the operators want you to experience the best in luxury camping during your stay and you will have the beautiful surrounds of the Aamby Valley City.
12. Woods Talk – Music and Adventure
Woods Talk is a summer festival that brings both Music and Adventure to one place!
Adventure experiences at the festival include White Water Rafting, Flying Fox, Hiking, Camping, Kayaking, Rappelling, Rock Climbing, Cliff Jumping and Canyoning just to name a few.. or you can just laze on the beach.
The music side of the festival is based on folk and roots music which is a great way to chill after all your adventuring!
Conclusion
You will be completely inspired with any of the above festivals.. India is an incredible place to check out, so why don’t you put it next on your hit list!
be sure to check out my other music festival posts – Music Festivals of the World – Croatia and Music Festivals of the World – Belgium
– Life of Adventure Travel
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