The Vibrant Music Festival Scene in India

Music brings people together like nothing else. And in India, a country that pulsates with diversity, music festivals are weaving a common thread across regions, cultures and languages. From the misty mountains of the North to the sun-kissed beaches of the South, a vibrant music festival culture is brewing. For decades, the global image of India has been one of spirituality, heritage and tradition. The festival scene tells a delightfully different story – of communities thriving in celebration, united by music. Let’s see what makes the Indian festival circuit a global hotspot worth celebrating!

To begin with, here’s a list of The Top 10 Festivals of 2023, as voted by DJ Mag readers:

  1. Tomorrowland, Belgium
  2. Ultra Music Festival, USA 
  3. EDC Las Vegas, USA 
  4. Creamfields North, UK 
  5. Exit, Serbia
  6. Glastonbury, UK 
  7. Awakenings, Netherlands 
  8. Coachella, USA 
  9. Untold, Romania 
  10. Sunburn, India

I’ve never felt more proud to be honest, but this was long due. As these homegrown festivals continue to grow, they are putting India on the global map for music while also connecting the vibrant local music scene with an international audience. Join me as we explore some of the most popular music festivals in the country. 

India’s Top Music Festivals:

Sunburn Goa: Sunburn Goa is arguably Asia’s most prominent electronic dance music festival. From top-tier music acts such as Armin van Buuren, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Axwell Λ Ingrosso, Hardwell, and Kygo to an array of enticing culinary options and diverse shopping opportunities, Sunburn truly has it all.

Vh1 Supersonic: Another significant player in the EDM scene, Vh1 Supersonic is known for its diverse lineup, covering genres from EDM to pop, indie, and hip-hop.

Ziro Festival of Music: Set amidst the picturesque landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, the Ziro Festival offers a unique blend of music and nature. It showcases the best of Northeast Indian music and culture, alongside international acts.

NH7 Weekender: Often referred to as the “happiest music festival,” the NH7 Weekender spans multiple cities and features a wide variety of musical genres.

Echoes of Earth: An eco-conscious music festival, Echoes of Earth is a celebration of music, art, and culture, set amidst the lush landscapes of Bangalore.

Magnetic Fields Festival: Held in a 17th-century palace in Rajasthan, Magnetic Fields Festival is a sensory overload, combining music, art, and culture in a breathtaking setting.

When discussing India’s thriving festival scene, the conversation inevitably turns to Goa. This tropical state is the spiritual home of psytrance music and culture, with its palm-fringed beaches setting the backdrop for some of the world’s most iconic electronic music festivals.

As the psychedelic beats kick in, it’s easy to see why Goa occupies such a legendary status in the global festival circuit. Trance music pumps through the jungle as neon-painted dancers sway on the golden sands. It’s no wonder Goa continues to lure revellers from far and wide, ready to lose themselves in the primal rhythms and lush tropical paradise. There’s simply no better place to chase the joy of music.

The Psytrance Scene in Goa 

Goa has a rich history of psytrance music, dating back to the ’70s. The beaches of Anjuna, Vagator, and others have borne witness to the evolution of this hypnotic, high-energy genre of music. Today, numerous psytrance festivals occur throughout the year in Goa, drawing international crowds and artists alike. Some of the most renowned festivals include:

  1. Vortex Goa: Vortex Goa Gathering is a well-known psytrance festival held in Goa every year that brings together a vibrant community of psytrance lovers and features an eclectic lineup of local and international artists across multiple stages.
  2. HillTop Festival: The HillTop Festival is an iconic psytrance event that takes place in Vagator, Goa known for its scenic location and immersive music experience. Influential psytrance artists who have become regular fixtures at HillTop include Ajja, Astrix, Infected Mushroom, Mad Tribe, Ace Ventura, Vini Vici, Skazi, Tristan, Juno Reactor and more.

 

In addition to festivals, Goa is home to several clubs and party destinations that cater to psytrance enthusiasts. Shiva Valley, situated on Anjuna Beach, is a must-visit.

Cercle in India

Whether it’s a mesmerizing sunrise set atop a picturesque hill or a sunset extravaganza against the backdrop of a majestic monument, Cercle’s events have consistently pushed the boundaries of live electronic music experiences.

Cercle’s productions in India have highlighted the country’s colourful and spiritual essence, with dancers, local instruments like sitars, festive decor and spiritual symbols complementing the hypnotic beats. Through these immersive experiences, Cercle has bridged underground electronic music with India’s rich heritage. The events have allowed attendees and online viewers across the world to discover India’s beauty through a modern, energetic lens.

The power of music to unite people across borders is truly a beautiful thing. With deep gratitude, I’m excited to see what the future holds for the global music scene. And one thing’s certain – India knows how to throw a party! Catch the Cercle sets: HOSH at Jai Vilas Palace in Gwalior, India for Cercle Innellea live at Jaisalmer fort, in Rajasthan, India for Cercle Colyn at Jatayu Earth’s Center, in Kerala, India for Cercle.

Catch the sets:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z05IO3gWlog 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H318p92hfFI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBFxhkfFF3I           

– Mofiasco

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