If the New Year hasn’t given you enough items on your bucket list, add these sensational music festivals to your list and 2018 might just be the year you’ve been waiting for. From renowned international artists to local gems, these festivals have it all, and the ambience and ever-lively crowd of people only make it better –
BACARDI NH7 WEEKENDER
NH7 Weekender is held in the cities of Pune, Bangalore, Kolkata and Delhi over three days, and is also the best organised Indie music festival in the country. Top-notch headliners, unparalleled production execution and quirky festival vibe have moulded the Weekender into a festival about people as much as it is about the music. This festival has been helping fans tick must-see artists off their bucket lists and creating memories cherished for a lifetime. Previous years have seen an amazing line-up of artists like Megadeth, The Wailers, Kailasa, Parikrama, and so many more.
SULAFEST, NASHIK
If the Weekender isn’t tempting enough, try the eclectic mix of wine, food, shopping, fashion and great music all at the same spot. Yes, you read it right. Hosted in the lush green estate of Sula, SulaFest is the next big thing. A hotspot for people from the world of fashion, music and food, this festival has surely made its mark as one of the most happening festivals in India. And if that’s not enough, you can set your base at Tent City to gain closer access to the venue. Camp out amongst the vineyards with your group of buddies or even with your family members. I think we just spelt “Paradise” for you.
SHIVA SQUAD FESTIVAL, MANALI
This three-day riverside camp-out festival of adventure, music, healing and culture, nestled in the Tirthan Valley, 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, and has seen artists like Atma, DigitalX, Mad Maxx, Protonica, Shift and many more.
ENCHANTED VALLEY CARNIVAL
Set in the breath-taking Aamby Valley, EVC was quick enough to explode on India’s music scene and gained its momentum rapidly. Today, this carnival – a mix of the joys of camping and dancing the night away to some of your favourite DJs, has attracted thousands from across the country. Renowned artists like Tiesto, FatBoy Slim and Ferry Corsten have graced the festival in the past. Now, international residents can also witness this smashing fest by buying tickets online in their own language and currency, taking Enchanted Valley Carnival to the Global Level.
GoMAD FESTIVAL, OOTY
The name says it all. This festival features a lot of newer and upcoming indie acts rather than big names. A fusion Music, Art and Dance, This festival, however, lesser-known, is worth being at. It also gives exposure to all the rising stars of the music industry. Camping out in the wilderness of the Nilgiris, GoMad is dedicated to the most contrasting amalgamation of creative arts.
