MUMBAI: New, ground-breaking music festivals in India have been drawing music lovers’ attention over the last few years. Sunburn, NH7 and Enchanted Valley Festival are part of every music lover's calendar. Let us tread a slightly unbeaten path today and talk about five music festivals which are unique, and ought to feature on your calendar in the coming months.
Storm Festival, Coorg
This music festival is all about live music and bona fide camping! It features different music genres such as folk, indie, fusion to electronic dance music, which are not mainstream. It is not only about music but about limitless acres of lush green lands, serenity, and the calm of Coorg, Karnataka. They organize several adventure sports, activities along with live music and that makes the event even more unique and vibrant. Organized by Liquidspace Entertainment, this festival happens during the end of December.
Vh1 Supersonic, Goa
If you are an electronic music fan and you love the waves and sand, Vh1 Supersonic is your dream come true. Held on the iconic beach at Candolim, Goa, the festival is organized by Nikhil Chinapa, who is considered one of the best music hosts in India. If you want to discover electronic music in all its forms, Vh1 Supersonic is the place for you.
Last year, VH1 hosted some leading DJs of the world like Paul Van Dyk, Above & Beyond, and nationwide acclaimed artists such as Aly & Fila, Arjun Vagale, Ash Roy, Funkagenda, The Chainsmokers, Mat Zo and others. Apart from live music, there are many beach sports, flea markets, arts, and crafts, which are a one of a kind experience. Organized by Vh1, this festival happens between 27 and 30 December.
Magnetic Fields, Rajasthan
Want to experience a royal 16th-century haveli in rustic Rajasthan? Between 12 and 14 December, this three-day music celebration along with magic, art, food is the ideal place to be with the bohemian strength of mind. Magnetic Fields hosts some of the best Indian artists and several international alternative musicians together. Last year there were artists like Dream Koala (Paris-based dream pop artist) and others from Kuwait, Mexico, the UK and Spain, along Indian artists like Nischay Parekh, Monica Dogra, Curtain Blue, Dualist Inquiry, Jiver, Bass Foundation Roots and many more. The stellar line-up, the desert experiences are obviously a USP of the festival. People can opt for royal palace suites at the Alsisar Mahal, or go for a more rural experience by staying in the Bedouin tents.
Ziro Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
Imagine yourself grooving to some electronic music in the misty mountains with a chilly breeze along with picturesque surroundings. Occuring in wonderful Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh between 24 and 27 September, Ziro Festival is Northeast India’s vibrant alternative indie music scene. The Ziro Festival was the first festival to get Indian bands to perform with local musicians. This is considered as the most happening outdoor festival in the nation. It is four days of eat, drink, and making merry!
Mahindra Blues, Mumbai
MBF is the Magic of Mumbai. Mahindra Blues Festival is a two day blues festival that hosts a notable crowd every year, along with some of the world’s best Blues musicians. Held in Mumbai every February, this festival includes Mumbai’s wonderful architecture, history, local food, and adventures. MBF has presented some fantastic line up over the years like Joss Stone, Keb’Mo’, Malina Moye, King King, The Heritage Blues Orchestra, along with native talents like Soulmate and the winners of The Mahindra Blues Band Hunt 2016.