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Music festivals in India bring more than music, allowing visitors to create unforgettable experiences. One day, you could dance to electronic beats on a beach in Goa, and the next, enjoy folk music in a grand palace. Each festival has its own style, from indie tunes in the hills to blues concerts in Mumbai. These events offer beautiful locations, exciting performances, and a chance to meet music lovers worldwide. No matter your taste, you can find a festival that matches your music preferences.
10 Best Music Festivals In India
Here are some of the best music festivals in India, where breathtaking locations, diverse artists, and electrifying performances come together:
1. Sunburn Goa
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons
Sunburn Goa is India’s biggest electronic dance music festival, attracting thousands of music lovers every December. Started in 2007, this beach festival features massive stages with dazzling light shows and world-famous DJs spinning the latest tracks. Festival-goers dance on Goa’s beautiful beaches while enjoying food stalls, adventure activities and merchandise shops. The sunset views combined with pulsating music create an unforgettable atmosphere. Many international stars like Martin Garrix, DJ Snake, and Afrojack have performed here, making it a must-visit for electronic music fans in India and abroad.
Location: Goa
Month: December
Music Genre: Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
2. VH1 Supersonic
Photo: Aditya Chinchure / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
VH1 Supersonic has grown from a beach festival in Goa to a massive multi-genre event now held in Pune. The festival offers diverse music experiences across multiple stages, featuring everything from electronic dance music to hip-hop, techno, and indie sounds. Beyond music, Supersonic creates a carnival-like atmosphere with art installations, food courts featuring cuisines from around the world, and flea markets. The festival prides itself on thoughtful curation, excellent sound systems, and creating safe spaces for attendees. With its focus on overall experience rather than just big-name headliners, Supersonic has built a loyal community of music enthusiasts.
Location: Maharashtra
Month: February
Music Genre: EDM, Hip-Hop, Indie, Techno
3. NH7 Weekender
Photo: Aditya Chinchure / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Often called the “Happiest Music Festival” in India, NH7 Weekender travels to cities like Pune and Meghalaya. It brings together Indian and international artists across genres. Since 2010, this festival has been known for its diverse lineup featuring indie, rock, electronic, folk, and fusion music. The festival has multiple stages with distinct themes and atmospheres, allowing attendees to explore different musical worlds in one venue. NH7 has played a crucial role in promoting independent music in India, giving platforms to emerging artists. The festival’s relaxed vibe, grassy venues, and thoughtful amenities make it popular with music fans of all ages.
Location: Multiple States (Maharashtra, Delhi NCR, Karnataka, West Bengal, Telangana, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh)
Month: October to December
Music Genre: Indie, Rock, Metal, Electronic
4. Magnetic Fields Festival
Photo: Tyler Clemmensen / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Held in the majestic Alsisar Palace in Rajasthan each December, Magnetic Fields offers a unique blend of contemporary music and royal heritage. This boutique festival limits attendance to create an intimate experience, with stages set against the stunning backdrop of a 17th-century palace. Attendees can stay in luxury tents or palace rooms, making it more than just a music event but a complete getaway. The festival showcases cutting-edge electronic music, experimental sounds, and underground artists from India and abroad. Dawn concerts, sunset desert parties, and midnight sessions in palace dungeons create magical musical moments that can’t be experienced elsewhere.
Location: Rajasthan
Month: December
Music Genre: Electronic, Experimental, Folk Fusion
5. Ziro Festival Of Music
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Nestled in the picturesque Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, this festival combines stunning natural beauty with diverse music performances. Started in 2012, Ziro Festival has become Northeast India’s premier music destination. It takes place every September amid rice fields and rolling hills. The festival celebrates India’s cultural diversity, featuring folk artists alongside indie bands and international performers. Camping is a key part of the experience, with attendees pitching tents in the valley. Ziro also highlights local Apatani tribal culture through food, handicrafts, and cultural exchanges.
Location: Arunachal Pradesh
Month: September
Music Genre: Indie, Folk, Alternative
6. Mahindra Blues Festival
Photo: Powerfulideas / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Mahindra Blues Festival, held every February in Mumbai, is India’s premier blues music event and among the largest blues festivals in Asia. Taking place at the iconic Mehboob Studio, this festival has hosted blues legends like Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker Jr., and Taj Mahal. The intimate setting creates an authentic blues club atmosphere that connects performers and audience in a special way. Beyond international acts, the festival showcases Indian blues talent and helps grow the genre’s following in the country. With its focus on musical quality rather than commercial appeal, Mahindra Blues Festival attracts true music connoisseurs looking for soulful performances.
Location: Maharashtra
Month: February
Music Genre: Blues
7. Mood Indigo (IIT Bombay)
Photo: Danny Howe / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
As Asia’s largest college cultural festival, Mood Indigo at IIT Bombay combines music with a multitude of other cultural activities each December. The festival features professional concerts where major Indian and international artists perform for thousands of students and music lovers. Unlike purely commercial festivals, Mood Indigo is organized entirely by students, bringing fresh energy and innovative ideas each year. Beyond music, it offers competitions, workshops, art installations, and literary events. The festival blends professional performances with collegiate enthusiasm, creating a youthful, vibrant atmosphere across the IIT campus.
Location: Maharashtra
Month: December
Music Genre: Rock, Pop, Classical, EDM
8. Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival
Photo: Chetansoni / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Set against the stunning backdrop of Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur, RIFF celebrates traditional folk music in a breathtaking setting each October. Endorsed by UNESCO and supported by Sir Mick Jagger, this five-day festival coincides with the Sharad Purnima full moon. RIFF brings together traditional Rajasthani musicians with folk artists from around the world, creating unique collaborations and cross-cultural exchanges. Dawn concerts, twilight performances on the ramparts, and moonlit shows create magical musical moments. The festival has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting Rajasthani folk music while helping traditional musicians reach new audiences.
Location: Rajasthan
Month: October
Music Genre: Folk, Fusion
9. Storm Festival
Photo: Danny Howe / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Set in the lush coffee estates near Coorg, Storm Festival combines music with outdoor adventure and camping experiences. Often billed as India’s “music and camping festival,” Storm creates a complete getaway with performances set amid beautiful natural landscapes. The festival offers multiple genres of music alongside activities like zip-lining, mountain biking, and volleyball. Campfires, barbecues, and stargazing add to the communal experience that goes beyond just concert attendance. Storm’s eco-friendly approach emphasises sustainability, with initiatives to minimise environmental impact. By blending music, nature, and adventure, Storm creates a holistic festival experience quite different from urban music events.
Location: Karnataka
Month: January
Music Genre: EDM, Indie, Fusion
10. Hornbill Festival
Photo: Kaushik Mishra / Wikimedia Commons
Though primarily a cultural showcase of Nagaland, the Hornbill Festival has evolved to include significant music components. This is particularly through the Hornbill Music Festival and Hornbill International Rock Contest. Held annually in December near Kohima, this 10-day celebration is often called the “Festival of Festivals.” The music events spotlight Northeast India’s vibrant rock and folk music scenes, with competitions drawing bands from across Asia. Beyond music, attendees can experience Naga tribal culture through traditional performances, food, sports, and handicrafts. The festival’s combination of traditional heritage and contemporary music makes it a fascinating cultural experience.
Location: Nagaland
Month: December
Music Genre: Rock, Folk, Metal
These music festivals in India bring music lovers together for unforgettable experiences. From dancing on Goa’s beaches to enjoying folk music in a grand palace, each festival has something special. The energy, the artists, and the unique locations make every event exciting. Book with TripXL and visit incredible festival destinations with easy hotel bookings, great travel deals, and expert recommendations.
Cover Photo: Matty Adame / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
