Travellers have suddenly become abundant in India. You’ll have a hard time meeting someone who hasn’t left the confines of their drudgery to explore the world for something new and interesting.
The median traveller now ventures out in the search of new culture, food and nightlife. So why not add a little adventure and music to that mix? Because, now perhaps is the best time to pack your bags and hit the concert trail and here are a few options well ahead in time - to help you with all the planning.
The Ziro Music Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
We live in a pretty large country. And the oft overlooked parts are the ones that produce the most amazement. Ziro is a small town between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. You can reach it by taking a flight to Guwahati in the wonderful month of September, and then... well, you’ll find out.
Remember, you’re in the most untouched and unfiltered part of the country — replete with lush green grass, growing over meadows 5,000 feet above the sea. The music simply adds to the exuberance of the place. ZMF offers travellers the perfect opportunity to tour this stunning region with some fantastic music thrown in.
Ragasthan, Rajasthan
On the website for Ragasthan, there’s a prominent claim. “India's craziest Music Festival,” it screams. And that’s really not a lie.
Travel to the ancient desert city of Jaisalmer, where the dunes move like waves across an ocean. This three-day event is the perfect place for music lovers and adventure seekers who’ll lap up the diverse music, the location and exotic cuisine and art. When’s the last time you were under the desert moon, looking up at stars and humming that tune?
The dates for this year’s event haven’t been finalised yet so keep an eye out for imminent updates on www.ragasthan.com
Shiva Squad Festival, Himachal Pradesh
After venturing into the East and West of the country, it’s time to head up North. Manali is perched in the middle of the Himalayan mountains, and remains a popular holiday destination.
Again, every September, the Shiva Squad festival offers music that ranges from EDM and Trance to Classic Rock and R&B. The event is held along a resort, cradled by stunning peaks on either side. It’s advised you reach the venue early — to pack in some much-recommended sight-seeing. Kullu-Manali are full of surprises for travellers.
Sunburn, Goa
It’s hard to ignore Sunburn, and yes, we tried. But the lure of the 7th best music festival in the world, doesn’t allow us leave it out of a list of music festivals.
Sunburn is absolutely manic, sweaty, crazy and fun. For a few days, the festival transforms the town of Vagator into one mammoth party with all the biggest names in the EDM industry. It’s absolutely unmissable — for both atmosphere and the tunes.
