India’s music scene is booming with amazing festivals across the country. From folk tunes in Rajasthan to electronic beats in Bengaluru, there’s something for every music lover. These festivals showcase local talent while also inviting international artists, giving audiences a mix of classic and modern sounds. Here’s a look at 9 music festivals you shouldn’t miss.
1. Ziro Festival of Music, Arunachal Pradesh (25-28 Sept 2025)
Set in the scenic Ziro Valley, this eco-friendly festival features over 40 bands performing folk, pop, jazz, rock, blues, and electronica. It’s a chance to connect with nature while enjoying music, dance, yoga, and cultural events.
2. Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF), Jodhpur (2-6 Oct 2025)
Held at Mehrangarh Fort, RIFF combines Rajasthan’s folk traditions with global music. Manganiyars, Langas, and percussionists perform alongside international acts, creating a magical mix of old and new sounds.
3. Gaia Music Festival, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh (4-5 Oct 2025)
Nestled near the Beas River, Gaia is an intimate two-day festival with three stages, combining electronic, folk, and live percussion. It also offers yoga, art therapy, and local crafts. The festival is eco-conscious with no single-use plastics.
4. Jazz Weekender, Delhi (11-12 Oct 2025)
An intimate festival under a banyan tree in Mehrauli, Delhi, Jazz Weekender mixes jazz, R&B, funk, hip-hop, and electronic music with art installations, food stalls, and a relaxed backyard vibe.
5. Hornbill Music Festival, Kisama, Nagaland (1-10 Dec 2025)
Part of Nagaland’s Hornbill Festival, this event celebrates tribal music, dance, and culture. It features international and indigenous performers, craft stalls, and cultural activities in the Naga Heritage Village.
6. Echoes of Earth, Bengaluru, Karnataka (13-14 Dec 2025)
India’s “greenest music festival,” running on solar energy and built from repurposed materials. It showcases indie artists, electronic, jazz, and world music while promoting sustainability and eco-conscious living.
7. Madras Music Season, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (Dec)
A nine-week-long festival focusing on Carnatic music, with performances across Chennai’s sabhas. It also includes dance, theatre, open mics, and livestreams, attracting music lovers from India and abroad.
8. Mahindra Blues Festival, Mumbai, Maharashtra (Feb)
Asia’s largest blues festival at Mehboob Studios, Mumbai. It features Indian and international blues artists, jam sessions, and Band Hunts that highlight homegrown talent alongside global acts.
9. Sacred Spirit Festival, Jodhpur, Rajasthan (Feb)
Held at Mehrangarh Fort, this festival mixes Rajasthani folk with Sufi music. It emphasizes musical collaboration across generations and includes cultural performances like the tiger dance of Adivasi tribes.
From the Himalayas to Rajasthan and south India, these festivals celebrate India’s rich music heritage while introducing global sounds. If you love live music, mark your calendars!\
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