Music is an imminent part of each of us. It is the rhythm to the heart and the lyrics to the soul. With so many cultures, values and changing languages, India is a lot more than Hindustani or Carnatic classical. Taking the best of both worlds, renowned performers come together to give you the grooves of India. We have made a list of the best music festivals in India to dial up the scene.
Top Music Festivals In India To Groove To
Experience the independence of music and escape into the enchanting venues of these festivals. Completed with food, renowned artists lineup and so much more, you are in for the time of your life.
Sunburn, Goa
Taking the electronic music scene of India to the next level is the Sunburn Music Festival in Goa. It has brought some of the world’s renowned musicians and DJs in the past like Avicii, Afrojack and DJ Snake. Moreover, they even have had Nucleya, DIVINE and Sartek among its Indian performers. Set in the Vagator beach, the extravaganza is one of Asia’s biggest. The vibrant laser lights, magnificent stages and the booming sound systems bring the crowd together. With the mesmerising sunset as its backdrop, this three days festival is one of the best music festivals in India.
- Dates for 2022: December 28 to 30, 2022
- Venue: Vagator
NH7 Weekender, Pune
What began as a three-day music festival from Pune, NH7 Weekender has reached the hearts of the other Indian cities. The festival now takes place in a multi-genre music and comedy fest. The play is a playground for stages, stalls and crowd. Moreover, it is a watering hole for those who love to drink. First, you go for a glass, and then you go for a mug with Bacardi’s logo on it. The food stalls won’t disappoint you either. Spanning acres on the lawn, you can take a break and hog on those delectable local and well as fast food delicacies. You will find glittering fans of EDM with the heavy goths of metal and desis of Bollywood, the mix up of both is truly magical.
- Dates for 2023: 26 Mar – 27 Mar
Ziro Music Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
The serenity of the venue mixed with the freedom of music is unique to Ziro music festival of Arunachal Pradesh. Happening in a quaint mountainside village of Ziro, you can get lost in nature’s lap without a worry. With the soothing cool breeze of the Himalayan ranges, the tempo of the festival touches your soul. Moreover, it is the perfect spot to sway to some indie music spread across two stages for three days. The fest brings about a mixture of culture, art and music with acclaimed Indian and international artists up on stage. To add on, you need not worry about your sta. The grounds offer the perfect site to put up a tent and sit across the floral vista as you sip on a warm cup of hot chocolate. However, don’t forget to carry your inner line permit to enter Arunachal Pradesh.
- Dates for 2022: 29 Sept – 2 Oct
Magnetic Fields, Rajasthan
The amalgamation of young and luxurious comes to life at the Magnetic Fields festival in Rajasthan. Happening in a remote village with the royal backdrop of the Alsisar Palace, it is a festival for those who are hippie, gipsy and a nomad at heart. One of the largest desert music festivals in India, it brings together a line up of world-renowned artists celebrating culture, art and music. Furthermore, the festival is a hub for upcoming artists playing their gigs around the genres of reggae, indie, underground and rock. If you are wondering about your stay, nothing could feel better than setting up a tent in the sandy palatial grounds.
- Dates for 2022: 9-11 December 2022
Sula Fest, Mumbai
Celebrating the harvest of wines and music is the Sula Fest amidst the vineyards of Nashik in Mumbai. Each grape harvest season starts with a bang with music across the genres of reggae, indie and dubstep. The line up also includes renowned Indian artists along with upcoming international bands and more. However, the essence of this two-day fest lays in its alcohol servings. Featuring the best of wine selections from Sula, you can have a taste of the first harvest of the year along with the best of whiskeys and wine cocktails.
Moreover, you can explore the vineyards and watch the gem-like grapes fall to the ground. The expert winemakers show you the tricks to make wines. Let’s not forget the mushy highlight of the fest that is grape stomping. The organic crafts and handmade souvenirs of the stalls are one of a kind. The booming of music as the sunset goes down behind the ranges is what makes it one of the best music festivals in India to attend.
- Dates for 2023: 1st & 2nd February
Hornbill, Kohima
Festival of festivals, Hornbill music festival of Nagaland celebrates the tribal art, craft, music and culture. With a traditional gusto and fervour, the music festival brings together the tribes of Nagaland in their ethnic get up to showcase their performances. This week-long festival also sets up the stage for rock contests. Moreover, showcasing the melange of traditions, it is the perfect way for inter-tribal interaction and fr you to learn more about the state’s sacred practices. Apart from the music fests, you will also get to enjoy the local food fair, crafts, games and sports. You can go ahead and explore the hidden trends of the fashionable Naga tribes and explore their nature’s inclination in the form of beauty and skincare. It is one of the favourite music festivals in India which is comes with a plethora of musical discovery across cultures and values.
- Dates for 2022: 1st December to 10th December 2022
Fireflies, Bangalore
Enter the world of sustainable music in Bangalore with Fireflies music festival. Taking place under a majestic pipal tree, the music here is the one to resonate with nature. The lineup includes those who keep the traditional music alive along with those young hearts who dedicate themselves to creating new music. There are fusion groups who will leave in awe of the music they create.
Furthermore, performances include the folk dances and lores of Karnataka. The striking part of the festival is that it is a dawn to the dusk festival. You can get your blankets, cuddle up and indulge yourself into a night of just music.
- Dates for 2023: May to June month
Kasauli Rhythms and Blues, Himachal Pradesh
Amidst the enchanting hills, sway to the blues and jazz tunes at Kasauli Rhythms and Blues festival in Himachal Pradesh. Previously the festival has featured the likes of the spellbinding voices of Usha Uthup, Rabbi Shergill and Lesle Lewis. The contemporary mix of folk music and tones are perfect for swaying to the chill breeze of the hills. Moreover, the money for the tickets purchased go for the funding of the charity serving unprivileged children with heart conditions. To get into the groove, you can drink up the hard drinks and fill yourself up with world-class edibles. For the stay of your life, hear the sound of the hills among the lush green valleys by setting up a camp. At night, the bonfires can bring together different people together and have a sing-along. The venue and the blues make it one of the must-go music festivals in India.
- Dates for 2023: April 19-20
VH1 Supersonics
Vibe to the most hype of the music festivals of India at VH1 Supersonics festival. Showcasing some of the renowned talents in the EDM-driven industry, the two days festival brings together musicians around the world. Previously, the festival has brought together artists like Skrillex, DJ Snake, Major Lazer and Incubus along with many other Indian favourites. In addition to that, it works to develop the independent music scene of India. The festival features four stages with exhilarating artworks and performances. All that headbanging, twerking and alcohol are sure to get the rats in your stomach running. The humming flea market is there to delight your tastebuds along with your aesthetic eye.
- Dates for 2023: July 8 – 10
