With winters around the corner, all good things are only just getting lined up for us all. So while you start working on your winter plans to shop, eat and relish all the festivities ahead, let us help you with your travel plans for the season. Take an alternative route to travel away from Delhi to revel in a choice of musical extravaganza that answers your calling. Read through our list of some of the best music festivals in India, that are only just getting bigger.
1. Sunburn Goa
Undeniably Asia’s biggest music festival, Sunburn Goa is celebrating 10 glorious years of music and cheer this year. Thank the stars for Sunburn 10 wasn’t pushed off its usual dates, this year promises to be bigger and better than it has ever been. Not just a haven for party animals and lovers of Goan vibes, you can find many activities to keep the adrenaline pumping like bunjee-jumping and zorbing. Shop through the flea markets or camp out peacefully; let your hair loose as you escape the chilly winters to enjoy the sun and sand. There is a lot more to explore in Goa than just dance and music.
When : 27-30 December, 2016; Where : Vagator, Goa
2. Vh1 Supersonic Goa
Come December and thousands of music fans descend upon Goa, each and every one of them making their way an uninhibited musical experience. It’s that time of the year when the quaint beach town of Candolim turns into the hottest international dance music capital as Vh1 Supersonic opens its gates for the music aficionados. By sundown, Candolim comes alive with thousands of heartbeats thumping in sync with the sound of music. The grandeur of the stage, eclectic performances and some spirit to keep you high and pumped. With several lounges laid at the back zone of the festival, it gives you the chance to unwind, take a break and relax. Also for all you nocturnal party-goers, Vh1 organises some excellent after parties.
When : 27-30 December, 2016; Where : Candolim, Goa
3. NH7 Weekender
The happiest music festival is almost here, date-wise that is. With less care for our happiness, the festival will not make its presence felt in Delhi this year. But don’t fret! The idea is to help you step out right! From rock to Bollywood, electronic to sufi, this happy festival something for everyone. Considering it is all set to cheer people up in Shillong, Pune and Hyderabad, you can pick the city of your choice and head there to join in the groove. The line-up is as eclectic as ever so this one surely a reliable shot to take. Nucleya, AIB, Dualist Enquiry, Radhika Vaz and hey, Baba Sehgal will be there too! Check out the dates to plan your trip.
When & Where : Shillong – 21-22 October 2016, Hyderabad – 5-6 November, 2016, Pune – 2-4 December, 2016
4. Electric Daisy Carnival
One of the most sought after music festivals in Vegas is making its way to India this November. EDC India is kicking off its first edition with a massive line-up that will make decision-making a tad bit more difficult. Steve Aoki, Blot, Afrojack, Lost Stories, Nucleya and many more artists are associated with the festival. The festivals also aims to celebrate art and creativity with visuals and installations to make a rocking debut. Don’t say that we didn’t warn you!
When : 12-13 November, 2016; Where : Buddha International Circuit, Greater Noida
5. Magnetic Fields Festival
Our love for this festival only keeps growing. Three days of musical bliss in a royal palace in Rajasthan, surrounded by desert and rural beauty, it is as magical a setting can be. Magnetic Fields Festival brings together artists from different genres and origins for a magical spell that spreads over three days. Apart from the music, the venue offers palace tours, select chance to shop and eat to your heart’s content. The accommodation sprawls with options of palace rooms and bedouin tents. Think about starting your day with a morning yoga session and ending it with star-gazing. Sounds blissful, doesn’t it? Don’t forget to pack in your warmers.
When : 9-11 December, 2016; Where : Alsisar Mahal
6. India Surf Festival
Most of us would shy away from saying the words ‘surfing’ and ‘India’ in the same breath. But did you know that India has its own surfing festival too? India Surf Festival is all set to kick-start the loving relationship between surfing and creative arts in Odisha fifth edition. The festival plays as a platform for not just national and international surfers, but also for artists, photographers and musicians. In its fifth edition, the festival has announced its theme as ‘Earth positive and carbon negative’ in order to push their stand on environmental consciousness further. ISF is also doing its bit to promote women empowerment. Check out their website to know more.
When : 12-14 November, 2016; Where : Ramachandi Beach, Odisha
7. Enchanted Valley Carnival
The first-ever multi genre music festival in Asia to give a complete festival experience to audiences in India by seeding the ever so popular camping culture, famously known as Enchanted Village, the Enchanted Valley Carnival is a perfect zone where music meets adventure. It is often hailed as India’s modest version of the Tomorrowland festival. This one-of-a-kind festival lets you put up your own tents and have a full-fledged camping experience while you’re grooving to the beats of EDM. A joint venture of the Universal Music Group and Twisted Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., it lets its attendees indulge in adventure sports like zorbing, jet skiing, etc.
When : 17-18 December, 2016, ; Where : Aamby Valley City, Lonavala
8. Hornbill Festival
A wonderful initiative by the Nagaland Government, Hornbill festival is held in the beautiful hills of Kohima every year to celebrate the rich culture and traditions of Nagaland. Less is said about the scenic beauty of the North-eastern States and even lesser about the distinct cultural traditions. And since a getaway doesn’t require high voltage to keep it going every single time, this quaint and cultural treat could just be the answer to your need for change and bring out the explorer in you. The festival involves musical concerts, elaborate dances, exhibition of traditional crafts, food fests and a lot more.
When : 1-7 December, 2016; Where : Kohima, Nagaland
Image Source: Google
