What better than to have music accompany that!

25 Groovy music festival in India
In today’s age of exposure, the coming of the new indigenous music festivals has been drawing music lovers like a moth to its flame and everyone wants to be a part of them! These days the most epic way to explore a tourist destination is through its events and carnivals. What better than to have music accompany that! For travellers and music lovers alike, this eclectic mix of the most awesome-sauce music festivals whether on the beach, in the hills, under a banyan tree or inside a fort are worth travelling for.

Sunburn – Vagator, Goa

Having achieved the cult status the world’s 9th best dance festival, Sunburn is no stranger to music lovers. Pulling in the biggest names in the electronic dance music industry and closing the year every time in December, Sunburn is a mammoth party and an amalgamation of music, entertainment, food and shopping.

Hornbill – Kohima,Nagaland

One of the biggest cultural tourism festivals in the country, the Hornbill Music Festival has been luring a plenitude of tourists over the years. This 7 day cultural fiesta is held amidst the scenic environs of Kohima in December where you can get to witness the biggest rock contest in the country as well as learn about the rich cultural heritage of the place all under one roof.

Magnetic Fields – Alsisar Mahal, Shekhawati, Rajasthan

The newest epochal music event, Magnetic Fields is one meant for your visual as well as sensory delight comprising of three epic days of music, art, food and magic! The newest kitsch carnival to hit the music market, Magnetic lives true to its name pulling in hordes of contemporary acts and crowds to its spectacular venue.

Ziro – Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh

Have you ever pictured yourself in the presence of verdant pastures grooving to some electric music with a cool breeze brushing against your shoulders? Well this dream might just come true if you head to the picturesque environs of Ziro Valley and drown in the sounds of over thirty artists.

Ragasthan – Jaisalmer, Rajasthan

Taking the country by storm, another culturally diverse musical festival pulling in hordes of people every year in November to the golden sand dunes of Rajasthan is the music festival of Ragasthan. It is set in the dunes of Jaisalmer, which is a renowned holiday destination offering an experience through lakes, parks and the golden sands and a myriad of cultural treats.

Mahindra Blues – Mumbai, Maharashtra

Catering specifically to the niche musical genre, the Mahindra Blues Festival pulls in an impressive crowd along with some of the world’s best Blues musicians for its two-day gala. Being Asia’s largest and finest Blues phenomenon, MBF takes pride in entertaining headlining acts by blues legends such as Buddy Guy himself.

Storm – Bangalore, karnataka

This authentic camping music festival, that celebrates music genres from folk, indie and non-mainstream to electronic dance, has its venue in the outskirts of Bangalore for three glorious nights, end of January every year. This festival is not just about the music but being held on countless acres of lush lands outside Bangalore, it has upped its game to make for a more comfortable and open experience for campers and travellers.

NH7 weekender – Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata, and Delhi

The festival doing the rounds and known as the best organized indie music festival in the country, NH7 Weekender is held in the cities of Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata and Delhi over three days. Not only is this a mega party of different genres of music and international performances all under one roof, it is also an extravaganza held in some of the most exciting cities in the country.

JodhpurRiff – Jodhpur, Rajasthan

If you are craving a quiet holiday enjoying the traditional folk music and arts of Rajasthan, make sure to attend its International Folk Festival held at Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur every October. The festival is an open stage for acclaimed folk artists, musicians from India and across the globe to engage in a musical bonanza.

Escape – Naukuchiatal, Uttarakhand

A unique three-day fest promising to take you away from the mundane is a celebration of art and music held at the Lake Resort, Naukuchiatal in Uttarakhand. This creative retreat features bands, artists, writers, photographers, painters, graffiti artists, performance artists, tattoo artists and potters in a melange of talent and in the presence of a vibrant flea market.

Fireflies – Bangalore, Karnataka

If you are a fan of organic music events, Fireflies is a festival that is just up your alley. Here the stage is set up under a banyan tree in an open-air amphitheatre, adjacent to a lake about 20 km from Bangalore. What started as a dusk-to-dawn gathering of musicians and music lovers, now attracts thousands who understand its vibe because of its organic growth.

Sula Fest – Nasik, Maharashtra

This two-day annual event held in the Sula Vineyards in Nasik is a mix of electronic music, Dubstep, Reggae and the likes with a healthy dose of wine, fashion, leisure and delight. The fascinating music experience of Sula Fest is quite the attraction for concert-starved Mumbai folk.

Rang – New Delhi

A festival synonymous with Holi festivals, rang is a unique music fiesta that promises “The Ultimate Electronic Music Experience” while celebrating the colourful festival of Holi. Not only is it a mirage of bursting colours and the best of International and Indian artists, Rang also offers extensive activities and attractions such as a rain dance, drinking games and mind blowing visuals.

Purvankara – Bangalore, Karnataka

This two-day musical experience in the heart of Bangalore is India’s premier Blues-Rock festival entertaining crowds every May with critically acclaimed Blues performers from across India. Those heading for Purvankara should be prepared for an experience bound to immerse you in the spirit of Blues-Rock from the past, present and the future in the pub capital of the country.

Shiva Squad Festival – Morpheus Valley Resort, Manali, Himachal Pradesh

This three-day festival of adventure, music, healing and culture is held every September in an amazing resort located in one of the most beautiful valleys caressed by the supreme Himalayas and the Beas River. This one-of-a-kind fest showcases the finest artists from genres of Psy-Trance, Trance, Hi-Tech and Electronic Music to Rock, Jazz, Fusion, Classical, R&B and Folk Music.

GoMAD fest – Fernhills Palace, Ooty, Tamil Nadu

GoMAD is a three-day cultural carnival of music, arts, dance and camping out in the wilderness of the Nilgiris that is dedicated to the most contrasting amalgamation of creative arts. This fest has it all, from Fusion, Pop, Electronica and Metal music performers to whirling dancers and art installations.

Holi Cow – New Delhi

Revel in a blast of colour, music and art bringing people of all ages together in one forum which will have you screaming “Holy Cow”! The festival of the same name celebrates Holi every year in Delhi. This colourful retreat features music genres of dancehall, hiphop, reggae, electronic dance, indie and experimental along with visual artists and performance artists.

Woods Talk – Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Exploring the culture of camping and music festivals as seen around the world, the Woods Talk festival held every March amidst the natural foliage and gushing waters of Rishikesh incorporates adventure with music.

Mood Indigo – Mumbai, Maharashtra

IIT Bombay’s annual cultural fest brings together the nation’s biggest college music festival with the honour of bringing names like Porcupine Tree to the country. It is one of the oldest music festivals held in the country, a four-day long event held towards the end of December every year.

Summer Storm – Bangalore, Karnataka

Metal music’s greatest event in the country, Summer Storm which saw Lamb of God perform as the headliner some years back takes place in the Palace Grounds of Bangalore. The festival promotes both Hard Rock and Metal acts drawing thousands of metal fans from across India and abroad to Bangalore every summer.

Enchanted Valley – Ambay Valley, Maharashtra

This glamorous new music festival is a three-day carnival which is held at the breathtaking Ambay Valley City near the popular hill station of Lonavala. This one-of-a-kind music festival pays ode to the cutting-edge music genres like House, Techno, Trance, Drum and Bass and the likes. The Enchanted Valley Carnival is popularly regarded as an adventure in music because it has several camping, adventure activities and an experience of different genres of music all in one festival.

Gulmarg Winter fest – Gulmarg, Jammu & Kashmir

Hosting various interactive activities over the March weekend every year, the Gumlarg Winter Fest is a celebration of winter sports, great music, wonderful people, vibrant cultures and sumptuous food, all with the picturesque backdrop of the snowy Himalayas!

India Bike week – Vagator, Goa

The India Bike Week held every January in Goa is not just a celebration of bikers around the country but it also features music on three stages – live, acoustic and EDM. This unique celebratory event even hosted MMA fights as well as a host of other exciting events.

The Great Indian October Fest – Bangalore, Karnataka

The great Indian October Fest is produced along similar lines of internationally renowned German Oktoberfest which takes place in Munich. Get mesmerized by three days of fun which has something for everyone right from beer, food stalls, a flea market and a craft center, among otehrs. Held every October, India’s biggest annual music and beer festival brings all worlds of live performances together along with the addition of endless supply of beer and unlimited fun guaranteed all under one roof!