From smaller music festivals with more concentrated line-ups based on genre to major music festivals, music festivals in India have been beckoning us. And the best part is that you don’t have to be a music connoisseur. Whether you get lost and find a group of cool people, or a lost wanderer stumbles upon your group, music festivals are great places to meet incredible people. So go for the good music, good company, good fashion, and of course, good food. You might feel the love and rage hard with the artists, you might feel relaxed and tranquil while watching the sunset and feel a distant bass boom through your body. So pack your bags, get unplugged and listen to the music at these festivals here in India.

ZIRO FESTIVAL

This is our Woodstock and India’s most fun outdoor music festival. The Ziro Festival of Music in Arunachal Pradesh receives visitors from all over the world. Not only does it offer an array of indie, rock and folk acts to watch, there are numerous activities for interested festival-goer to explore and learn about the native Apatani culture and spend your free time in awe of the natural beauty of the Ziro Valley. Mark your calendars – 22, 23, 24, 25 September 2016 for this year’s music overdose.

RAGASTHAN

From Desert activities, to eclectic music, to cinema and camping in the desert, Ragasthan is known for its music and visual experience. The four-day cultural festival featuring music, film, art, photography and other outdoor activities takes place in the picturesque surroundings of the Khuri dunes in Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. The event also is a host to other art and cultural activities like sculpting, drawing, impromptu performances, star gazing with astronomers, etc.

SULA FEST

Held in Sula Vineyards, near the city of Nashik, SulaFest is the country’s premier gourmet world music festival. Presented by Sula, India’s leading winery, the event dishes out a heady mix of great music, wine, drinks, food, fashion and shopping amidst the scenic environs of Sula Vineyard. Started in 2007, SulaFest attracts leading Indian and international artistes from across genres including rock, folk, blues, electronic and reggae music. A must-do event on every wine and music connoisseur’s list!

JODHPUR RIFF

The Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF) started in 2007. Since then, every October, the impregnable fort of Mehrangarh reverberates with the confluence of the rustic tones of Rajasthan with music from around the globe. Around 250 musicians and artists come together from Rajasthan and elsewhere to become a part of the celebration. From a hippy jazz night to a comforting morning raga, witness the different genres of music under one roof. And it’s not just music, you can also see some ethnic dances being performed by the artists here.

STORM FESTIVAL

A far more intimate version of the Storm festival, which is one of the top festivals in Asia, this edition presents a carefully selected line-up of electronic, folk- fusion and indie acts along with popular favourites from the music industry. Combine this with bonfires, late night barbecues, camping, jams and the pristine beauty of Coorg, this destination camping and music festival should surely be on your bucket list.

Megha Paul

Megha is a hoarder of books and indie magazines. She is either on a trip or planning one. And in between, she becomes a storyteller and writes travel stories, too. You will find her exploring the city for new coffee shops. She prides herself with awesome taste in music and dreams everyday of receiving her Hogwarts letter.