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After staying captive within the four walls of our home with uncertainty and cancelled plans, it’s finally time to step out and have a good time. Some of the biggest and most famous music festivals in India are back with a bang. From Northeast India’s Ziro Festival of Music to the ever-popular Sunburn in Goa, India is ready to roar again.
Music in any form has magical powers that penetrate the soul and heal broken hearts. Like us, if you are looking for solace in music and good company, a few golden opportunities are coming your way in 2022 and 2023. A rewarding experience for travellers and music lovers alike, watch your favourite artists live across India’s stunning destinations.
The upcoming music festivals in India include everything from folk to rock, so take your pick.
7 famous music festivals in India:
1. Ziro Festival of Music, Arunachal Pradesh
The Ziro Festival of Music takes place each year in the verdant Ziro valley of Arunachal Pradesh. One of India’s few eco-friendly music festivals, Ziro attracts tourists, music lovers, travellers and backpackers from across the globe. At an altitude of 5,500 feet, the festival encourages local Northeastern artists to perform and connect with other eminent musicians from across India. An idyllic location and an even better lineup tout Ziro as one of the most awaited upcoming music festivals in the country. This year’s line-up includes artists like Pinky Doodle Poodle from Japan, Baba Sehgal and Yelli Yelli from France.
When: September 29 to October 2, 2022
Where: Ziro Valley
Tickets: Rs 2,950 day pass; Rs 9,440 for a 4-day pass
2. Jodhpur RIFF, Rajasthan
In the resplendent and royal city of Jodhpur, a celebration of folk music and art enlivens the hearts of travellers who specially visit the destination to witness raw talent at its best. RIFF, or Rajasthan International Folk Festival, is hosted at the magnificent Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur. Happening during the full moon night, also known as Sharad Purnima, RIFF is undoubtedly one of India’s most famous music festivals. Endorsed by HH Maharaja Gaj Singh or Marway and Sir Mick Jagger, the line-up includes maestros like Lakha Khan, Shubha Mudgal, Warsi Brothers, Bombay Brass and other folk musicians. A folk festival that acts as a platform to bring local talent and Rajasthan’s musical heritage to global heights is an experience you will not regret.
When: October 6 to 10, 2022
Where: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Tickets: Rs 4,250 Day Pass; Rs10,635 Full Festival Pass
3. Independence Rock, Mumbai
One of India’s most sought-after rock music festivals, I-Rock, has been steadily bringing artists from across the nation to Mumbai’s raving crowds for three decades now. Started by musician Farhad Wadia, the festival brings fresh talent along with revered artists like Pentagram and Parikrama to retain the rock music scene in India. A lawn full of rock music enthusiasts sporting band-branded merchandise and jiving to the trembling beats of their favourite artists is an experience to live. We’re already loving the vibe of this music festival.
When: November 5 and 6, 2022
Where: Bayview Lawns, Princess Dock, Mazgaon
Tickets: Rs 1,750 onwards
4. Sunburn Festival, Goa
The list of upcoming music festivals in India is incomplete without the Sunburn Festival. Started in 2007 with the aim to dance and vibe to electronic trance tracks spanning over a period of three days. This music festival exerts a magnetic pull on tourists who plan their Goa holiday to coincide with the festival dates. With past editions featuring artists like Martin Garrix, Afrojack, Avicii and The Chainsmokers, Sunburn is known for its exclusive line-up and OG dance vibe. This year the famous music festival will see names like Like Mike and Dimitri Vegas, followed by Belgian DJ Lost Frequencies.
When: December 28 to 30, 2022
Where: Vagator, Goa
Tickets: Rs 3,375 onwards
5. Echoes of Earth, Bengaluru
A unique music festival in the Silicon Valley of India, Echoes of Earth combines the love for music, nature and Indian heritage in one mega event. India’s greenest music festival, Echoes of Earth festival follows a no-waste-trace policy, along with the use of sustainable construction materials. From exclusive art installations, heritage performances, museum tours and themed stages, this is one of the most intriguing upcoming music festivals to attend in 2022.
When: December 3 and 4, 2022
Where: TBA
Tickets: INR 2,360 onwards
6. Vh1 Supersonic, Pune
One of the best upcoming music festivals in the EDM and techno genre, Vh1 Supersonic will take you on a three-day musical journey of a lifetime. The music festival that hosts thousands of visitors each year is combined with a flea-market-style ambiance. Enjoy your favourite artists, devour delicious global cuisines and bask in the beautifully pleasant Pune weather for three whole days. Past line-ups have included names like Prateek Kuhad and Machine Gun Kelly.
When: February 24 to 26, 2023
Where: Mahalaxmi Lawns
Tickets: TBA
7. Sacred Spirit Festival, Jodhpur
The Sacred Spirit Music Festival is also held in the beautiful Mehrangarh Fort of Jodhpur. A folk festival with spiritual reverberations, the Sacred Spirit Festival brings India’s vibrant culture and rich heritage to a global audience. Enjoy soulful tracks by Kavita Seth, Kailash Kher and Ustaad Shujat Khan as you revel in the beauty of India’s breathtaking Mehrangarh Fort.
When: February 10 and 11, 2023
Where: Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur
Tickets: Rs 3,825 onwards
These seven upcoming music festivals in India will take you on an enriching journey of music, culture and spirituality. From EDM and rock to folk and jazz, book your early bird tickets to avoid last-minute disappointments. Besides these seven, the famous Lollapalooza Music Fest is also happening in India so book your tickets asap.
Photo: Instagram/zirofestival