Published on: 10/6/2015IST

Music festivals are not a new thing in India and some of them have been around for quite a long time. They are not just limited to a particular genre of music but vary according to the tastes of several enthusiasts. As autumn and winter approach, get ready for some awesome fests that might just be happening in a city near you.

1. Soorya Music Festival, Trivandrum

When: 1 - 10 October, 2015

Trivandrum will waltz to the sounds of classical music and dance this month. Other than performances in the classical Indian dances, renowned musicians in both Hindustani and Carnatic styles perform jugalbandis, instrumental and vocal soirees.

2. Chembai Sangeetholsavam, Thrissur, Kerala

When: 8 Nov - 22 Dec

Celebrated in honour of a veteran Carnatic musician, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the 14-day festival attracts Carnatic music aficionados from around the country where his greatest works are celebrated with the background of the majestic Sree Krishna Temple in Guruvayur.

3. Sunburn Festival, Vagator Goa

When: 27 - 30 Dec

This annual EDM festival takes places on the beaches of Goa with performances by local and international DJs. The organisers have several events all over the country before the actual music festival.

4. Kalidasa Festival, Nagpur

When: November

You might have already guessed it. Yes, this festival is devoted to the classical Indian poet Kalidasa. It is said the beauty of the Nagpur region inspired him to write his works like Abhijanam Shakuntalam and the whole point of the festival is to recall the bygone golden era. 

There are performances of renowned dancers and musicians who keep our traditions and culture alive today.

5. Jodhpur RIFF, Mehrangarh Fort

When: 23-27 October

For fans of World Music, this is definitely something you can't miss. The grand feature being Rajasthani folk music and dance, Sir Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones is a huge patron of this festival. If you are into fusion music, a mix of Indian folk music with traditional instrumentals of other countries will be the best thing you have ever heard.

6. Band Baja Bass, 10 Heads Festival, Dhanchiri Camping Resort NH8, Delhi/Gurgaon

When: 22 - 25 October

The 10 Heads Festivals will host 10 types of festivals all under one tent. So music lovers should stay tuned for Band Baja Bass, where live bands will perform and you can relive the experience of Coachella and Tomorrowland.

7. VH1 Supersonic, Candolim Goa

When: 27 - 30 Dec

Another popular EDM festival which hosts several local and international DJs, it's something you just can't miss if you didn't manage tickets for Sunburn and NH7 Weekender.

8. Hornbill Festival, Kohima

When: 1 - 10 Dec

This festival celebrates the customs and traditions of several Naga tribes who engage in music, dance and demonstrations of warfare. The festival kicks off several competitions like a rock contest, a chilly eating contest, a beauty pageant and a car rally.

9. Enchanted Valley Carnival, Aamby Valley

When: 18 - 20 Dec

Featuring DJs like Tiesto, Fatboy Slim and Ferry Corsten this December, the EVC sounds like a tempting escape for those living in Mumbai and Pune. The nearest town to Amby Valley is Lonavala which is just 45 minutes away.

10. Mood Indigo, Mumbai

When: 18 - 21 Dec

Hosted by IIT Bombay, this festival brings together various competitions in the Fine Arts, and performances that promise to entertain. If music isn't your thing, there is stand up comedy, a lit fest and various workshops to give you an all rounded experience.

11. Kasauli Rhythm and Blues Music Festival, Baikunth Resort, Kasauli

When: 25 - 27 March, 2016

Believing strongly that music is a positive force in creating change, the Genesis Foundation established this event to invite upcoming artistes from India’s diverse pool of musical talent to perform in support of the critically ill, under-privileged and orphaned. A music aficionado can contribute to the cause by just being there as all proceeds go to charity. So now you have another reason to visit the hills during springtime.

12. Ragasthan, Jaisalmer

When: 11 - 14 Feb, 2016

If different genres of music, shopping, art and camping out in the desert sands underneath a starlit sky appeals to you, you simply cannot resist this. Groove to pop rock beats or take in some quintessential folk music, but you won't regret making it to Jaisalmer.

13. Magnetic Fields, Alsisar, Rajasthan

When: 18 - 20 Dec

Three days of music, art and food, this festival takes place in the magnificent Alsisar Mahal which might just make you feel like you're in a dream. There are performances by international and local artists who dominate the underground scene, so be prepared for nights of dancing, singing, chilling and stargazing.

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