Looking for the best music festivals in India? Well, same here! I just returned back from my first trip to India, and was absolutely blown away by this gorgeous country. I was on a press trip with the Ministry of Tourism called “The Great Indian Blog Train”, and I unfortunately didn’t have any time to attend any of the Indian festivals I’ve been researching. There was actually one music festival in Pune when I was out there, but it wasn’t possible for me to check it out.
I’m a big fan of live music, so whenever I travel I love to check out the local music festivals. If you’re traveling in the area, make sure you also about my articles about the Best Music Festivals in Asia, and 12 Music Festivals in South-East Asia To Experience Before You Die!
I plan on spending a lot more time in India in the future, so I complied this list of the best Indian music festivals to check out when I get back! Take a read through, watch a few of the after-movies, and start planning your next trip!
Featured Image from Sunburn Festival (PC: The Moneta)
1) Sunburn Festival
WHEN: December-January, 2024
WHERE: Goa, India
“in 2007 as a 3 day music festival in Goa, Sunburn has grown to become an aspirational lifestyle brand boasting an eclectic mix of music, entertainment, experiences and celebration that has seeded music tourism in India. Over the past decade, Sunburn has brought together renowned International and Indian artists to entertain hundreds of thousands of dance music lovers across the country and overseas, and positioned India as a prime dance festival destination to the world.
The Sunburn Festival, Sunburn Reload, Sunburn Arena, Sunburn City Festival and Sunburn Campus formats have enabled a wide geographical and demographic reach pan India and abroad. Sunburn has the distinction of having brought down to India the world’s top 10 DJs, including Swedish House Mafia, Martin Garrix, Tiesto, Avicii, Hardwell, Deadmau5, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Afrojack, Above & Beyond, The Chainsmokers, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Marshmello, Paul Van Dyk, Skazi, Pete Tong, Dash Berlin, and Nicky Romero. Sunburn has also made its successful debut overseas across Colombo, Sri Lanka; Khatmandu, Nepal; Dubai; Muscat; and Melbourne, Australia, thereby creating history to become the first successful indigenous Music IP to cross international shores.”
2) Magnetic Fields Festival
WHEN: December, 2024
WHERE: Rajasthan, India
“Magnetic Fields was a playground for the young at heart, within a luxurious and indulgent backdrop. Glimpses of the rich local culture delicately weaved in between the contemporary programming. Two stages that showcased the country’s best and most forward thinking music alongside some of the worlds finest underground stars – attracting an audience of adventurous, young and open minded urbanites.”
3) Locals District Music Festival
WHEN: November, 2024
WHERE: Rajasthan, India
https://www.facebook.com/LocalsDistrict/
“India’s first, none of its kind Music Festival.”
“Locals DISTRICT India’s first ‘none of its kind‘ Techno music festival is now ready with its 4th edition.
The festival shall witness unmatched international artists from around the world and home ground India !
We’re bringing together varied talent in techno & its sub genres to a beautiful location at a brand new venue .
Ram Bihari Palace, 3 hours from Delhi, surrounded by hills & a beautiful lake in Alwar, Rajasthan .”
4) Road to Ultra India
WHEN: April, 2024 (TBC)
WHERE: New Delhi, India
“Road to Ultra India – a single stage event with the same focus as Ultra Worldwide festivals. Premier DJ’s with top-tier stage designs and production.”
5) Ziro Festival of Music
WHEN: September, 2024
WHERE: Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India
“Ziro Festival of Music (ZFM) , an annual music festival held in the Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India, held in September, saw delightful participation from music lovers and travel. 4 days of beautiful music in one of the most spectacular locations in the world!”
6) Bacardi NH7 Weekender
Photo via Facebook
WHEN: December, 2024
WHERE: Pune, India
“Since 2010, Bacardi NH7 Weekender has delivered some of the most exceptional live performances – from the mesmerizing Maganiyar Seduction to metal giants like Meshuggah and Megadeth to memorable festival closing acts like Asian Dub Foundation, MUTEMATH, The Raghu Dixit Project and Indian Ocean. One of the most anticipated music festivals in the Indian calendar, Bacardi NH7 Weekender is about the music, the vibe, and a true festival experience.”
7) Jaisalmer Desert Festival
WHEN: February, 2024
WHERE: Jaisalmer, India
https://jaisalmerdesertfestival.rajasthan.gov.in
“Once a year during winters, the sands around Jaisalmer come alive with the brilliant colors, music and laughter of the Desert Festival. Dressed in brilliantly hued costumes, the people of the desert dance and sing haunting ballads of valor, romance and tragedy. The fair has snake charmers, puppeteers, acrobats and folk performers. Camels, of course, play a stellar role in this festival, where the rich and colorful folk culture of Rajasthan is on show.
The Jaisalmer fort provides an ethereal backdrop to the annual desert festival. it is a joyful celebration of the traditional performing arts and creative crafts of Rajasthan.
Jaisalmer Desert Festival is all about fun and excitement. One can enjoy vibrant puppet shows, folk music and dance, camel races, camel polo matches, tug of war, juggling events, turban tying and longest mustache competition. Participants wear colorful traditional attires and display the best of Rajasthani folk culture and traditions. Presentation of Gair dance forms and folk fire dances are an added attraction of Jaisalmer Desert festival. There is a unique competition for men by the name Maru Sri or Mr. Desert Pageant, which attracts locals as well as international travelers. There are plenty of stalls selling handicrafts and local knick-knacks and many food stalls serving the best of authentic local food.”
8) Rajasthan International Folk Festival
When: October 16-20, 2024
Where: Jodhpur, India
“Jodhpur RIFF is an annual, international roots music festival, timed to coincide with Sharad Purnima, the brightest full moon of the year in north India. Now in its 16th year, the Festival presents a series of spectacular concerts and events based in and around Mehrangarh Fort, under the aegis of the Mehrangarh Museum Trust. A not-for-profit festival, Jodhpur RIFF aspires to positively impact the livelihood of the traditional performers of Rajasthan.”
9) Mahindra Blues Festival
When: February 10-11, 2024
Where: Mumbai, India
“Mahindra Blues Festival is an annual blues music festival that happens in February at Mehboob Studios, Bandra, Mumbai. Living legends of the genre who have performed here at this festival over the past years include Buddy Guy, Walter Trout, and John Mayall.”
10) Independence Rock Festival
When: November, 2024
Where: Mumbai, India
“Independence Rock Festival is a two-day music festival with a focus on rock and metal, held annually in Mumbai, India, since 1986.”
11) Hill Top Festival
When: February 8-10, 2024
Where: Goa, India
https://www.facebook.com/HillTopFestival/
“Hilltop is India’s biggest trance music festival. Hosted at Vagator, Goa, it sees multiple trance music DJs coming from all around the world. A psychedelic experience like no other, the festival features fire artists, jugglers and various other performers. If you’re big on that psychedelic feel and nothing but happy vibes, this is a festival you must not miss.”
12) Goa Sunsplash
When: January 13-14, 2024
Where: Goa, India
“Goa Sunsplash is definitely different than most of the festivals in India in terms of the genre of music played. An all reggae festival held in Goa, it’s a three-day celebration of reggae music and Rastafari culture. The festival is bubbling with energy and is as happy in feels as it can get. It hosts multiple artists across the subcontinent and is really helping the budding reggae scene in India flourish.”
13) Echoes of Earth
When: December, 2024
Where: Goa, India
“Echoes of Earth is a space for expression and a platform for artists to showcase their art. Our uniquely designed stages and art installations are put together by our artists using recycled and upcycled media collected from junk yards. These installations bring our festival grounds to life, and play an important role in our understanding and learning of sustainable art.”
14) Lollapalooza India
When: January 27-28, 2024
Where: Mumbai, India
“ince its inception in 1991, Lollapalooza has continued to grow from it’s U.S. based festival circuit to additional cities in countries across the globe.”
15) SPXCEJXM
When: April, 2024
Where: Mumbai and Bengaluru, India
“The sudden appearance of SPXCE JXM (‘Space Jam’) on social media as a multi-city showcase created quite a ruckus among live music aficionados. The debut showcase will take place in Mumbai and Bengaluru, stacked with a dynamic pool of Indian artists and six international names winched to perform at this multi-genre festival. Irish rock band Kodaline, Iraqi-Canadian singer-songwriter Ali Gatie, British indie pop band Bastille, and American alternative R&B group Moonchild are among the international acts announced thus far. Indian music staples Mali, Blackstratblues, Parvaaz, When Chai Met Toast and Till Apes are also on the line-up.:”
16) India Vision Mandala Festival
When: November, 2024
Where: Mandala Pass, Arunachal Pradesh, India
www.indiavisionmandalafestival.com
“India Vision Mandala Festival (IVMF) will radiate from the mountains of Mandala Pass at an altitude of 10,500 feet in Dirang, Arunachal Pradesh. Attendees can expect a two-day feast with a lavish spread of dance music traversing trance, psytrance, folk, and contemporary sounds.”
17) Citrus Fest
When: October, 2024
Where: Hyderabad, India
https://www.instagram.com/citrus.fest.india/
“Touted as “a three-day sonic paradise,” the debut showcase of Citrus Fest is chalked in to take place in Hyderabad at Xora Bar & Kitchen. This new festival promises to be a counter-culture celebration, rolling out funky cocktails, lip-smacking food choices, immersive experiences, face-painting stalls, and many more attractions. ”
Am I missing any epic music festivals in India?
India is a large country with a pretty vibrant festival scene! I’m sure there are tons of epic music festivals missing from the list, so please let me know if you think I’m missing any epic Indian music festivals!
Looking for more international music festivals…?
Check out a few of my other articles! I’m always looking for new and exciting festivals, raves, and parties around the world.
- 30 Music Festivals in Australia To Experience Before You Die
- 25 Music Festivals in America To Experience Before You Die
- 10 Epic Music Festivals in Africa to Add To Your Bucket List
- Top 20 Music Festivals in Canada To Experience Before You Die
- 30 Music Festivals in Europe to Experience Before You Die
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That’s an Impressive List But I think you miss out a lot of great Psytrance Parties happening in Goa and India In General, To name some that come to mind (Majorly 3 Day Festivals) are : Dream Bubble Festival, Hilltop Festival, Symposium Festival, Karacus Marakus, Spirit Gust, to name just a few big ones amongst a lot of others… My go to website and preferred choice of platform to book tickets from is : https://www.idamoss.com – They have an extensive list and our the best in the business in terms of proffesionality and experience!