You will be surprised to know the amazing lineage of music festivals that take place in the most off-beat locations in India. There is more to Sunburns and Supersonics that the music scene has to offer. These are annual events that take place every year.
Here we are sharing with you some unheard and unfamiliar but fantastic music festivals that happen in various off-beat destinations of India. Some of them listed here are top music festivals in India, you can consider:
Hornbill – Kohima
The Hornbill music festival is a seven-day tourism cum cultural fiesta, held amidst the scenic environs of Kohima in December that hosts the biggest rock contest in the country. It has been attracting a long line of tourists from around the world. The beautiful landscape of Nagaland becomes the home to many musicians from the north-east and across the globe. This music fest is an all-in-all treat as it combines tourism and culture.
Escape – Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand
A unique 3-day festival is a celebration of art and music hosted in the beautiful Lake Resort of Naukuchiatal in Uttarakhand. This creative event features bands, artists, writers, photographers, painters, graffiti artists, performance artists, tattoo artists, and potters, amidst a vibrant flea market. Escape is set around the scenic getaway of Naukuchiatal also called the ‘lake of nine corners,’ a small hill station in Nainital, surrounded by stunning hills on all sides.
Fireflies – Bangalore
Have you heard of organic music events? If yes, and if you are a fan, Fireflies is the festival you must attend. The musical galore stages in an open-air amphitheater, under a banyan tree. It started as a dusk-to-dawn gathering of musicians and music lovers, which now attracts thousands of visitors. The uniqueness of this fest is the timings of the artist’s performance that takes place from 7 pm to 7 am. The earnings for the fest are donated towards the education of Adivasi children of Kabini, outside Mysore.
Sula Fest – Nasik, Maharashtra
A wine festival in a way, this two-day annual event is held in the Sula Vineyards of Nasik. This fest includes a mix of electronic music, Dubstep, Reggae, and the likes, along with wine tasting sessions, fashion, and other leisure activities. The festival kicks-off as a celebration of the wine company’s 10th harvest.
Kasauli Rhythm and Blues Festival – Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh
This musical extravaganza takes place in the beautiful hilly town of Kasauli, which features music genres like Funk, Blues, Jazz, Rock, Folk Rock, Electro-Rock-Folk and Fusion, every year in April. The venue is the scenic Baikunth resorts nestled in the captivating environs of Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh. Organized by the Genesis Foundation and Jack Daniels, this fest combines music with a cause where the funds get donated towards helping underprivileged children suffering from severe health problems. The venue has a jaw-dropping view of snow-capped mountains, landscapes, and a charming township.
Shiva Squad Festival – Morpheus Valley Resort, Manali
This 3-day festival of adventure, music, healing, and culture is held every September in the most beautiful valleys of the Himalayas. This unique festival showcases the finest artists from the genres of Rock, Psy-Trance, Hi-Tech and Electronic Music, Jazz, R&B and Folk Music.
Woods Talk – Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
This musical festival is an adventure themed festival that involves camping combined with music. The Woods Talk festival is held every March amidst the natural foliage and gushing waters of Rishikesh. With a mix of electronica and live music, against the elements of its pristine surroundings offers an exhilarating experience. You can enjoy adventures sports such as rafting, kayaking, rappelling, rock climbing, cliff jumping, and trekking in the immaculate gorges and hills of Rishikesh.
MTV India Music Summit, Fairmont Jaipur
You can also plan a trip to Jaipur for the MTV India Music Summit by Musiconcepts. It will be a fiesta for music lovers of all genres, with maestros and new-age musicians performing. The event will have a treat to the ears for 36 hours and feature 100 performers and artists, including L Subramaniam, Shankar Mahadevan and Ustad Shujaat Khan.
These festivals are a once in a lifetime experience that feeds your soul with the divine interference of great sound and adventure. Do yourself a favor and book the tickets to these off-beat events that celebrate life.