A Comprehensive Guide To Music Festivals In India II
13 October 2023
In 2019, we gave a comprehensive overview of all the music festivals dedicated to alternative and independent music that had cropped up in India over a decade or so. Since then, the music calendar of the country has had a notable transformation largely due to the transformation brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic which has put many a festival on indefinite pauses and led to the start of new ones. Below is a (alphabetical) list of the music festivals and multi-day events, which platform alternative talent, alongside their recent dates and lineups.
We will regularly be updating this page to bring you the latest information and updates, so remember to bookmark the link. If you want us to feature your festival in this guide, you can email the relevant information to music@thewildcity.com
Alboe By The Beach
Location: Varkala, Thiruvanantipuram
One of the most recent additions to the music festival calendar, Alboe By The Beach is a 3-day beach festival dedicated to highlighting contemporary talent from South India alongside known heavy-hitters. While the focus remains on music, the festival will be hosted like a Beach carnival with art installation, beach games, flea market and food & beverage experience.
Lineup: Brodha V, Arivu, Taba Chake, The F16s, Baby Jean, MC Couper, Paal Dabba, Reble, Pineapple Express, Hanumankind, Sunflower Tape Machine, Matadori.
Bacardi NH7 Weekender
Location: Teerth Fields, Pune
Date: December 1-3, 2023
Taglined as “The Happiest Music Festival” and one of the first of its kind to gain popularity over the years, the Bacardi NH7 Weekender has brought acts like Opeth, Imogen Heap, Mutemath, Nick Murphy, Megadeth, Steven Wilson over the years alongside its lineup of indie acts. The festival has taken place in multiple locations like Shillong, Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Kochi, Lucknow, Mysore, Chandigarh, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Mumbai over the years and its most recent edition took place at its flagship city of Pune between December 1-3 in Teerth Fields.
Lineup: MIA, Ezra Collective, Jai Wolf, Priya Ragu, Romare (Live), Memba, Bear, Cartel Madras, Euphoria 25, Aairfah, Alo Wala, Bebhumika, Chirag Todi, Corner Cafe Chronicles, Dorwin John, Jahneration, Katoptris, Lavi & Foenix, Madstarbase, Mary Ann Alexander, Raj, Second Sight, The Fanculos, The Lightyears Explode, The Spindoctor Pres. Hip-Hop Sheher Tricksingh
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
BANDLAND
Location: Embassy Riding School, Bangalore
Date: December 16-17, 2023
As "rock's one true homecoming", Bandland is a new addition to the lineup of music festivals in the country, that aims to bring rock back to the forefront of the music scene in the country. The inaugural edition took place mid-December in Bangalore, with a lineup that boasted rock legends Deep Purple, Goo Goo Dolls and The War on Drugs, including rock acts closer to home like Parvaaz and Parikrama among others.
Lineup: Deep Purple, Goo Goo Dolls, The War on Drugs, Amyl and The Sniffers, Parikrama, Thermal and a Quarter, Parvaaz, The F16s, Aswekeepsearching, Skrat, Pacifist, The Earth Below
Head here for more information
BASS CAMP Festival
Location: Multiple cities
Date: October 4-22, 2023
Organized by Mumbai-based promoters KRUNK, BASS CAMP stands as India’s key festival dedicated to the bass music culture in India hosted across the country in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Goa etc. It brings together global artists and homegrown DJs across different venues throughout the nation.
Lineup: Raketa, CHRMS, Ratty Atty, Spryk, Offline, Surusinghe, Papa Nugs, Raka Ashok, Rasa, Double T, Spacejams, DJ Dwell, Kandy Kuri, EZ Riser, Masrani, Anisha, DZ, Sleepy Insomniac, Avviisha, Ashna Malik, Yung.Raj, Dakta Dub, Taso, Khxdeej, Oceantied, The Untitled One, Benkii etc.
Further information here.
Bloom in Green Festival
Date: December 15-18, 2023
Location: Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu
A 4-day camping festival in the farmlands of Krishnagiri village in Tamil Nadu, the Bloom in Green festival aims to offer a holistic and immersive experience to attendees, including numerous activities like meditation, yoga, and bonfire, alongside music and dance with a focus on sustainability, community and well-being, meant to be a space for new connections and co-creation with a priority on health and respect for nature.
Lineup: Kaya Project, Pettra, Carbon, Suduaya, Shanka Tribe, Prem Joshua, Sitarsonic, N1rvaan, Shrii, Mister K, Greydient
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Boxout Weekender
Date: TBA
Location: Multiple cities
Since 2017, New Delhi's online community radio station, boxout.fm, marks its anniversary by curating multiple days of performances featuring a wide-ranging roster of local artists. This essentially brings together the most prominent figures in India's underground electronic music scene. In its past editions, it has featured acts like Loni Electronics, Abhi Meer, TRAFFICC, Tarqeeb, Spryk and so on.
Lineup: TBA
Further updates here.
BUDx
Location: Multiple cities
Date: Multiple dates across the year
BUDx is Budweiser’s concert series which aims to push the boundaries of urban culture across music, art, fashion, and lifestyle. Functioning as a pop-up event, BUDx has brought the Boiler Room parties to India, alongside featuring panels and discussions, and performances from the likes of DJ Pierre, DIVINE, Madame Gandhi, Sub Focus, Foreign Beggars, Detroit In Effect and Mor Elian. While the multi-day event hasn't taken place since the pandemic, BUDx continues to be extensively present through its involvement at various music festivals and smaller events.
Lineup: TBA
Image by Mohit Mukhi
Circle of Love Festival
Location: Green Meadows Resort, Chennai
Date: TBA
A music community platform based in South India, Circle of Love is a record label and editorial platform that also curates live music experiences. The Circle of Love Festival is one of the initiatives that started as a flagship annual project that brings together music lovers, artists, and industry professionals to celebrate the independent music scene. Embracing diverse sounds and expressions, the festival showcases acts from across genres to showcase the next generation of indie musicians.
Lineup: TBA
Head here for more updates.
Control ALT Delete
Date: January 13-14, 2024
Location: Roaring Farm, Malad, Mumbai
With 12 editions and 220 acts across 3 Indian cities underway, this crowdsourced and crowdfunded festival aims to be at the forefront of the independent cultural movement and transform the Indian alternative music culture. Instead of corporate and individual patronage, it banks solely on contributions from the music and cultural community – which includes fans, artists, organizers, fabricators, light and sound companies, art directors and designers, encouraging a DIY model and empowering the community to "build their own scene".
Lineup: 100RBH + Poet Shaf, Aarifah, Bawari Basanti, Drum Ani Bass, Hashbass, Inner Sanctum, Kiss Nuka, Merak, Naezy, Shia x Zero Chill, Tarqeeb, Tejas, The Dharavi Dream Project, The F16s, Tyrell Dub Corp, Wild Wild Women, Yashraj
Head here for more information.
Desert Festival
Date: February 22-24, 2024
Location: Jaisalmer
With the Jaisalmer Fort as its backdrop, the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer is a celebration of Rajasthan’s rich culture, where one can enjoy vibrant folk music and dance, along with entertaining competitive activities like camel races, camel polo and turban tying competitions. The enchantment of the festival comes alive as fire dancers captivate the audience, moving gracefully to the rhythms of folk artists performing on the moonlit dunes.
Lineup: TBA
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
DGTL
Date: November 17-19, 2023
Location: Bangalore, Mumbai
After making its debut in India in 2020, the international event DGTL took place in Bangalore and Mumbai in November this year. In its past editions, it has hosted heavyweights in the techno scene such as Solomun, Colyn, Toto Chiavetta, Gioli & Assia and Indian acts like Sublime Sound, Mutable Mercury and Killzen. Well-known for its sustainability initiatives, it brings a unique combination of global artists in innovative locations.
Lineup: Abstraktt, Adam Rahman, Alina, Amaya, Ankytrixx, Baba Robijn, Beholdgold, Chaz, Delika, Dixon, Dr. Rubenstein, Innellea, Jensen Interceptor, Juliet Fox, Oddible, Partiboi169, Praveen Achary, Rebuke, Sally C, Seventh Sea, Sharnea, Tasneem, Tech Panda & Kenzani, Bahaar, Bullzeye, Chrysis, Kamaha, Katyagur, Lea, Nariki, Profanayty, Realmm, Rico Casazza, Soo B
Further information here.
Echoes of Earth
Date: December 2-3, 2023 (Bangalore); February 2-4, 2024 (Goa)
Location: Bengaluru Palace, Bangalore; Chopdem, Goa
Taglined India’s greenest music festival, Echoes of Earth is India's inaugural music festival designed with an ecological focus, featuring an expansive landscape hosting various stages, workshops, and installations. Having hosted artists like Acid Pauli, Cinematic Orchestra, Tinariwen, Shigeto Live Ensemble, Fakear, Sarathy Korwar, Natasha Diggs, Garden City Movement, Prabh Deep, Lifafa over the years in Bangalore, it inaugurates its Goa edition in February.
Lineup: Glass Beams, Garden City Movement, Space Dimension Controller, Kareem Ali, Rafiki, Dynamite Disco Club, Hamza Rahimtula + Rajasthan Folkstars, Dualist Inquiry, Alexander Robotnick.
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
EyeMyth Media Arts Festival
Date: February, 2024 (TBA)
Location: Mumbai
In 2011, EyeMyth Media Arts Festival was launched as a component of the UnBox Festival with the aim of celebrating "visual music." Over the years, this festival has evolved into a multi-day event in Mumbai, delving into the emerging intersections of art, technology, and media. It places particular emphasis on the future of immersive storytelling within the Indian context. Festival-goers can anticipate a diverse array of activities, including indie game arcades, visual music showcases, and the enjoyment of a futuristic brunch experience accompanied by the mellow tunes of the Skip-A-Beat label.
Lineup: TBA
Further updates here.
Far Out Left
Date: February 9-11, 2024
Location: Mumbai, Goa
A collaboration between Regenerate and Social Offline, Far Out Left is a 2-day electronic music festival that has hosted artists like Steffi, Aurora Halal, African Acid is the Future alongside Indian acts such as FILM, Kohra and Tasneem. Launched in November 2018, it is rooted in the inseparable connection between art, culture, and electronic dance music. This festival introduces a distinctive dance music encounter by featuring a meticulous curation of artists and dancefloor experiences.
Lineup: Jeff Mills, DJ Red, Arjun Vagale, Dauwd, Akua, Tyrell Dub Corp, chrms, Noni-mouse, Zequenx, Alina, Pulpy Shilpy, Kohra, Innerworld.
Further updates here.
Goa Sunsplash
Date: January 13-14, 2023
Location: Goa
A celebration of reggae music and its culture originally, the festival’s core emphasis lies in crafting a holistic lifestyle experience encompassing music, art, dance, wellness programs, and social forums. Past editions of the festival have seen artists like Mad Professor, Johnny Osbourne, Zion Train, General Levy, Naaman, Manudigital, Skarra Mucci, Cali P, Macka B, OBF, BFR Sound System and Dakta Dub.
Lineup: Anthony P & House of Riddim, Reggae Rajahs, Queen Omega & Next Generation Family, Killa P, Rasa, Rudy Roots, Dreadsquad, Tara Lily, Bombay Bassment, Su Real
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Photo by RC Photography
The Homegrown Festival
Date: March, 2024 (TBA)
Location: Mumbai
A culture and lifestyle festival in India that aims to weave homegrown, South Asian and global talent to reimagine the fabric that defines contemporary Indian culture and creativity, the Homegrown Festival (previously known as Homegrown Street Festival) is a platform for exchanges of ideas and diverse perspectives matched with the energy of talents across generations. It lies in the intersection of music, art and design, fashion, film and photography, technology, street culture, sports, education and innovation.
Lineup: TBA
Head here for updates.
Hornbill
Date: December 1-12, 2023
Location: Nagaland
The Hornbill Festival, organised by the State Tourism and Art & Culture Departments of Nagaland, serves as a platform to showcase and preserve Naga heritage and customs. The festival features a wide array of activities, including food festivals, exhibitions of indigenous art, traditional games, musical performances, ceremonial events, and various other cultural showcases.
Lineup: Bawari Basanti, Trance Effect, Raveena Paul, G Hills Finest, Anoushka Maskey, Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt & Nagaland Ensemble, Alobo Naga & The Band, Adil Manuel Collective, Fifth Note, Paper Sky, Fatal Attraction, Stardust.
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
India Story
Date: January 12-14, 2023
Location: Swabhumi, Kolkata
Launched in 2015 as a creative arts and design exposition, the festival presents elements of design and creativity that seek to celebrate the finest design minds from the country, staying in tune with the belief & philosophy of encouraging everything made in India. It encourages distinct verticals like arts, fashion, music performances and food.
Lineup: Vibhor's Den, Aswekeepsearching, Generations Apart, Disco & Cerebral, Phrashprince, Marzz India.
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Jaipur Lit Fest
Date: February 1-5, 2024
Location: Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur
A prominent fixture in India's cultural calendar, this annual event stands as the world's largest literary festival that is open to the public at no cost. With over 300 speakers and internationally acclaimed literary figures in attendance, the festival not only features engaging discussions but also showcases noteworthy music performances.
Lineup: The Tapi Project, Prabh Deep, Alif, The Revisit Project, When Chai Met Toast, Salman Elahi & Harpreet
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Jazz Weekender
Date: TBA
Location: 1AQ, Delhi
Started in 2022, New Delhi’s Jazz Weekender, guarantees a diverse lineup celebrating jazz and its adjacent genres over 3 days. The lineup entails a mix of renowned international acts andlocal talents. Attendees can also look forward to specially crafted food and beverage experiences, making it an all-encompassing event. Its ast edition earlier this year featured artists like Desmadre Orkestra, Gauley Bhai, Cero Ismael, Tara Lily, Gino Banks x Rhythm Shaw, Many Roots Ensemble and so on.
Lineup: TBA
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Jodhpur RIFF
Date: October 26-30, 2023
Location: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Jodhpur's Rajasthan International Folk Festival, also known as Jodhpur RIFF, is dedicated to honouring the rich heritage of traditional folk music and arts. The festival offers a platform for artists, both from India and around the world, to showcase their talents. It is scheduled to align with the full moon each year and has a history of featuring renowned performers such as Manu Chao, Dilshad Khan, Wouter Kellerman, and Yossi Fine in previous editions.
Lineup: Kalbeliya singers- Sugna Devi, Mohini Devi & Asha Sapera, Kuula Hetke, Ars Nova Napoli, Miroca Paris, Jasser Haj, Suonno d’Ajere, Kawa Brass Band, Dhol Drummers of Rajasthan, Bhallu Ram Ji and Mala Ram Ji Meghwal, Jalal and Barkat Manganiyar, Raina Peterson, Marco Cher-Gibard, Sadiq Khan, Asin Khan, Ghevar Khan, Darre Khan, Roshan Khan, Kode Khan, Feroze, Jasser Haj Youssef, Barnali Chattopadhyay and many more.
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
Date: January 20-24, 2024
Location: Kala Ghoda Arts Lane, Mumbai
Widely acknowledged as India's leading arts and culture festival, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is an annual event that consistently takes place on the first Saturday of February. It spans nine days and encompasses a diverse range of activities, including art exhibitions, film screenings, theatrical performances, heritage tours, craft markets, and culinary offerings. Notably, the festival attracts renowned artists from various genres, encompassing classical, mainstream, contemporary, and underground performers, ensuring a broad and inclusive artistic experience for its attendees in recent years.
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Kasauli Rhythm and Blues
Date: TBA
Location: Kasauli
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Himachal Pradesh, the town of Kasauli is the backdrop for the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival, which has been running for eight editions. This event attracts well-known Indian artists from the live music scene and has previously showcased performers such as Parikrama, Shubhangi Joshi Collective, Rabbi Shergill, Parvaaz, and Kutle Khan Sufi Collective.
Lineup: TBA
Head here for updates.
Kolkata Jazz Festival
Date: December 8-10, 2023
Location: The Dalhousie Institute, Kolkata
Carrying forward Kolkata's rich tradition of embracing jazz, the eagerly anticipated three-day festival returns to the city annually. It brings in internationally renowned artists associated with the genre, and previous editions have witnessed captivating performances by Remy Gaudillat Sextet, Hely, Supergombo, Chirag Todi, Braff-Huguenin-Erlich-Fernandez, Enzo Carniel & House of Echo, Jatayu, L’Eclair, Tobias Meinhart Berlin People, MND FLO, Urban 5, Tubes and Wires, World Service Project, and Kai Eckhardt, among others.
Lineup: Rupa, Ron Cha Trio, Four on a Swing, Tritha & Friends, The Shonai Collective, Jazzmahal, Wojtek Justyna Treeoh, Humsafar, Essence of Duality, Arinjoy Trio
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Lemonade Festival
Date: TBA
Location: Riva Beach Resort, Mandrem, Goa
Since 2018, Skillbox has marked New Year's Eve by hosting the Lemonade Festival. This one-day event has showcased a carefully curated lineup with a strong focus on dub and reggae music, featuring artists such as DNKLE, Fuzzculture, Leonoel, Many Roots Ensemble, Earl Gateshead, Jah Wine, NinjahDread, Cisco Kid, and Sanyas-I. Additionally, the festival has included a diverse range of performances from artists like Vinayak^a, Abhi Meer, Sindhi Curry, Vridian, and Chhabb. The festival didn't take place in 2023.
Lineup: TBA
Further information here.
Locals District Festival
Date: November 17-19, 2023
Location: Dadhiwar Fort, Alwar, Rajasthan
Since its inception in 2018, Locals DISTRICT has established itself by offering a carefully curated lineup set amidst the picturesque backdrop of Castle Kalwar. The festival has showcased renowned artists including Kevin Saunderson, Rodriguez Jr., Arjun Vagale, Kohra, BLOT!, and Tasnneem, making it a noteworthy event for enthusiasts of techno and house music.
Lineup: Aaron Suiss, Damon Jee, Khainz, Lady Tazz, Polaroit, Tigerhead, Valesuchi, Audio Units, Blurred, Cmyk, Kaamin, Mashter, Mister K, Mr Red, Rudra, Oblivion, Sid Praja, Subliminal, Varun Fernandes
Further information here.
Lollapalooza
Date: January 27-28, 2024
Location: Mahalakshmi Race Course, Mumbai
Lollapalooza India in Mumbai boasts the title of the only city in Asia to be hosting a Lollapalooza. With a lineup of numerous heavyweight international acts like ZHU, Imagine Dragons, The Wombats, Jackson Wang and Diplo among others, alongside renowned national artists, like Sandunes, Kayan, Divine, Prateek Kuhad, performing over 2 days, the pioneering Lollapalooza 2023 was a crowd puller with around 60,000 people in attendance.
Lineup: Sting, Jonas Brothers, Halsey, OneRepublic, Keane, Lauv, Jungle, Royal Blood, Jpegmafia, Meduza, Malaa, Caribou, The Rose, Eric Nam, Anoushka Shankar, Fatoumata Diawara, Kenny Beats, The Raghu Dixit Project, When Chai Met Toast, The Karan Kanchan Experience, Parvaaz, Prabh Deep, Dualist Inquiry, Garden City Movement, Komorebi, Parekh & Singh, Skrat, Kamakshi Khanna, Jbabe, Chrms, Dewdrops, Shashwat Bulusu, Jatayu, Monophonik, Sublime Sound, Stalvart Sound, Long Distances, Megan Murray
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Magnetic Fields Festival
Date: December 15-17, 2023
Location: Alsisar Palace, Rajasthan
This 3-day contemporary arts and music festival offers an immersive and sensory-rich experience, set against the elegant backdrop of Alsisar's historic 17th-century palace. It combines the concept of glamping with a carefully curated presentation of contemporary music and arts. In its previous editions, the festival showcased an impressive lineup of artists including Maribou State, Daniel Avery, Ross From Friends, Deena Abdelwahed, Spryk, Yung.Raj, Pulpy Shilpy, Corridors, The Grand Brothers and Four Tet, demonstrating the festival's commitment to promoting and championing talented individuals in the field of contemporary arts and music.
Lineup: Hudson Mohawke & Spencer, Or:La, Mella Dee, Yu Su, Dele Sosimi, I.Jordan, Paula Tape, Kareem Ali, Orpheu the Wizard, Jennifer Loveless, DJ ADHD, Otik, Nosedrip, Jitwam, Moopie, Bake, Sandunes, Dotdat, Amaliah, Danielle, Dolorblind, Dualist Inquiry, Dar Disku, Mixtress, AAGUU, Alex Kassian, Tofu & Rishi Sippy, Gauley Bhai, Vridian, Elle Shimada, Dynamite Disco Club & Friends, BFR Soundsystem: Midnight Dub Club ft. Delhi Sultanate & Guests, Meba Ofilia, Unnayanaa: Osmosis, Angus 12, Girls Night Out, Alboe, Raj, Ox7gen, Antariksh Records, Zequenx, Marbman & Sentient, Many Roots Ensemble, Rasa, Goodmostlybad, Sanoli Chowdhury, Warehouse Mix, Kandy Kuri, Suhas Mellow, Goya
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Photo by Aarohi Mehra
Mahindra Blues Festival
Date: February 10-11, 2024
Location: Mumbai
The Mahindra Blues Festival is a significant event for blues enthusiasts in India. It consistently features legendary figures in the genre such as John Mayall, The Tedeschi Trucks Band, Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Jimmie Vaughan, and Doyle Bramhall II, Buddy Guy, Keb’ Mo’, Larkin’ Poe and the Kenny Wayne Shephard Band. Additionally, the festival has provided a platform for supporting local talents like Soulmate, The SkaVengers, and Big Bang Blues. In 2024, the festival boasts of ann all-female lineup.
Lineup: Beth Hart, Sheryl Youngblood, Tipriti Kharbhangar, Vanessa Collier, Dana Fuchs, Samantha Fish
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
NCPA Jazz Festival
Date: November 24-26, 2023
Location: Tata Theatre, Mumbai
The National Centre for the Performing Arts in Mumbai is renowned for its role in preserving and promoting traditional culture. It has a history of hosting international jazz and classical performances, both Western and Indian, and is home to the Symphony Orchestra of India. Each year, the institution brings together a lineup of global jazz artists like the Ari Rolan Quartet, Round Midnight Orchestra, The Clifford Brown Legacy Band, and Yuval Cohen for a weekend-long event known as the NCPA Jazz Festival.
Lineup: Thilo Wolf Big Band ft Johanna Iser, Torsten Goods and Florian Buhrich, Emmet Cohen ft. Benny Benack III, Alfredo Rodriguez Trio, Jane Monheit Quintet
Further information here.
Orange Festival
Date: December 14-17, 2023
Location: Dambuk, Arunachal Pradesh
Held in the scenic landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh’s valleys, the Orange Festival is a multi-day celebration that seamlessly blends adventure sports and music. Featuring thrilling activities like parasailing, ATV rides and scuba diving, it has featured performances by the American alternative hip-hop ensemble Flipsyde and the American reggae group Big Mountain in its past editions.
Lineup: Koloma, Sordid Savior, Dobom Doji Collective, Leslee Lewis, Bombay Vikings, Lunatic Fringe, Motherjane, Lil Mama Tips & The Mama's Boys, Easy Wanderlings, Dorwin John, Ritviz, Cotoba, The Riot Peddlars, Dokodoko, Lavi & Foenix, Inner Circle
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
RSJ Massive
Date: TBA
Location: SRGT Parking Lot, Shillong, Meghalaya
Organized in partnership with the Sterling Reserve Music Project, the festival is presented by Rock Street Journal, one of India's most established music publications. Its primary goal is to showcase a diverse array of musical acts spanning various genres. Notable past performers at the festival have included Rudy Wallang Band, Dewdrops, DIVINE, Rectified Spirit, and Bipul Chettri.
Lineup: TBA
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Sandscape
Date: February 2024 (TBA)
Location: Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
Sandscape is a collaborative project that brings together artists from both India and Europe to honor the rich culture of the Thar desert and the towns and villages in Rajasthan. This initiative focuses on multimedia partnerships between traditional folk and electronic musicians. The past editions of Sandscape have encompassed a wide range of activities, including panel talks, projection mapping at Patwa Haveli and Jaisalmer Fort, audio-visual performances, film presentations, and various other events.
Lineup: TBA
Further information here.
Photo by Chinmay (@VainVain)
SAUCE Festival
Date: TBA
Location: Bangalore, Mumbai
A contemporary culture 2-day festival curated by Social and 4/4 Experiences that showcases music, food, art, technology and hype wear, the multi-genre festival has hosted names like DAUWD, Manu Chao, Dynamite Disco Club Soundsystem, Seedhe Maut, Anyasa, Sijya, Parvaaz, The Yellow Diary, Sandunes in its past editions.
Lineup: TBA for 2024
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Serendipity Arts Festival
Date: December 15-23, 2023
Location: Multiple locations in Goa
Serendipity Arts Festival is a diverse arts event that encompasses a wide range of exhibitions, including crafts and photography displays, design installations, and dance performances. Additionally, the festival offers storytelling sessions, culinary arts experiences, theatrical performances, and a diverse musical lineup that spans from traditional to jazz to electro-funk.
Lineup: Indus Creed, The World of Pancham: Encore- An RD Burman Tribute, Dasa Panchanama, Electric Ensemble, River Raag curated by Bikram Ghosh, Rasa and Rap, Folk Music Reimagined, A Score to Remember curated by Ricki Raj, Music Without Borders, The Matteo Frabnoni Jazz Quintet, Mann Mohyo Sawaro, HarmoNonium, Celebration ft. The Groovy Train, The Listening Academy, Bollyjazz, An Evening of Serendipity with Zakir Hussain and Friends, Joanne Fernandes, Music in the Art Park
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Spxcejxm
Date: April, 2024 (TBA)
Location: Mumbai, Bangalore
A new addition to the list of music festivals in India, the Spxcejxm music festival is a 2 day, 2 city festival showcasing a diverse lineup of artists, aiming to foster creativity and offer an enriching experience to attendees at the intersection of music and art. While it was scheduled to take place in early November 2023 with artists like Kodaline, Bastille, Moonchild, Ali Gatie, Parvaaz, Blackstratblues, When Chai Met Toast and Till Apes, it had to be postponed to April 2024 with further details awaiting.
Lineup: TBA
Head here for updates.
Sunburn
Date: December 28-31, 2023
Location: Goa
Sunburn, recognized as the largest electronic dance music festival in Asia, has consistently featured internationally acclaimed artists, including The Chainsmokers, Seth Troxler, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Paul Van Dyk, Armin Van Buuren, Above & Beyond, and Axwell.
Lineup: Timmy Trumpet, Alesso, Charlotte de Witte, Hardwell, Sander van Doorn
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Photo by Baricci
VH1 Supersonic
Date: February 16-18, 2024
Location: Pune
Derived from Sunburn, Vh1 Supersonic has risen as India's second-largest electronic dance music festival. What distinguishes it is its commitment to introducing lesser-known artists and alternative music genres, in addition to the well-known headlining acts, to its consistently well-received lineups. In its past editions, the festival's roster has included renowned names such as Innellea, Camelphat, Diplo, Sampa The Great, Speedy J, Machine Gun Kelly, as well as emerging talents like Seedhe Maut, Sickflip, Kaleekarma, Kini Rao, and Taba Chake.
Lineup: TBA
Head to the festival’s website for updates.
Ziro Music Festival
Date: September 28-October 1, 2023
Location: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
Organized in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh government and the Apatani community, the Ziro Festival of Music is a four-day extravaganza that spotlights India's independent music scene while providing a unique camping experience in the picturesque Ziro valley. While the festival has hosted headlining acts such as Lee Ranaldo, Shye Ben Tzur, and MONO in the past, it is particularly renowned for its focus on showcasing homegrown talent like Indus Creed, DIVINE, Shaa’ir + Func, Menwhopause, Peter Cat Recording Co. and so on.
Lineup: Char Diwaari, Contre Jour by Lee Ranaldo & Leah Singer, Angata, Mohit Chauhan, Unnayanaa, The Boo Boo Bama Orchestra, Smokey, Motif, Mannequin Death Squad, Leon Somov, Kiss Nuka, Jatayu, G Jackals, Farhan, DJ INA, Deep Brown, Barnet, Puuluup, PT Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, MC Altaf, Joydeep Mukherjee, Alif, Techi Taning, Taba Chake, Soulgroove, Sikkil Mala Chandrasekhar, Shourya Malhotra, Shashikala Dani, Run Monday Run, Pillow Records, Maylula, Many Roots Ensemble, Komorebi, Himali Mou, Guy Buttery, Goutam Das Baul, Flying Kik, Eliasse, East Himalayan Folk Quintet, Da Thymmei, Chorun Mugli, Cassettes, Ary Juliyant, Henry Moses, Antikvariniai Kaspirovskio Dantys, Danny Kuttner, Dashugs
Head to the festival’s website for updates.