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The idea of travelling can be as overwhelming as it is exciting. A new place, new culture, new food - what’s not to love about the temporary strangeness of a new place? Bogged down by our jobs and responsibilities, for most of us travelling is not just an exploration, a brand new adventure, but also a reason to get away. The pressure to make the most of a couple of weeks, a few days, or even just a weekend is enormous, and understandably so. So to help you pick a spot and pack your bags this year, Homegrown has chalked down a list of arts and music festivals that are held in some of the most beautiful, Instagram-worthy locations across the country. From the hilly delight that is McLeod Ganj to the sandy beaches of Goa to the Rajasthan’s timeless opulence, India’s has a host of arts and crafts festivals that you can attend to have a holistic and culturally rich experience.
I. Jaipur Literature Festival
Jaipur, Rajasthan
Over the past few years, plenty of literature festivals have cropped across the country but the Zee Jaipur Literature Festival still wears the crown. Shashi Tharoor, Salman Rushdie, Jhumpa Lahiri - JLF has always been known for inviting a diverse range of prominent speakers so as to create an environment that is truly representative of literature’s inherent plurality. Moreover, being held in the capital city of Jaipur means there’s plenty to see, visit, and eat in and around the pink city as well. In fact, you can use our 48-hour guide to the many charms of Jaipur to make the most of your trip.
Dates: 24th January - 28th January 2019.
You can find more information here.
II. Kochi-Muziris Biennale
Kochi, Kerala
Asia’s biggest contemporary art festival, Kochi Biennale is a safe haven for the South Asian artist community. Every year, Kochi Biennale (as it’s commonly known) puts up amazing art installations and exhibitions that are on for four months, alongside conducting volunteer and art meditation programs. Open to people across all ages and walks of life, Kochi’s serenity has attracted travellers since time immemorial and continues to do so even today. With plenty of opportunities to laze around in cute cafes, visit heritage structures or just idly walk on the streets of the city, Kochi is every art and travel-lover’s paradise.
Date: 12 December 2018 - 29 March, 2019
You can find more information here.
III. India Design 2019
Delhi
From new launches and awe-inspiring installations to exclusive showcases and signature collections, Delhi is where the country’s design community collectively meets at the beginning of every year. It’s where ideas are shared, birthed, and pursued over conversations, food, and more. With ID Exhibit, ID Symposium, and ID Satellite, this premium design festival is as diverse as it is an ode to the local design sensibilities of the city. And the chilly winters of Delhi are perfect to explore the city, try out the famous Amar Colony momos, and shop at Sarojini without the fear of collapsing from a heat stroke.
Dates: 12-15th February, 2019.
You can find more information here.
IV. Jodhpur Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF)
Jodhpur, Rajasthan
An exploration of one’s own musical roots, RIFF is where folk music finds a new life every year. An opportunity to discover unheard of indigenous communities and the deeply historical music that they create, RIFF is a breath of fresh air, away from other forms of contemporary music. However, the experience here is not limited to just the beautiful interiors of Mehrangarh Fort and folk music. The regal forts of Jodhpur, countless world heritage sites, Rajasthani dal baati, and local markets for that much-needed shopping haul - the “blue city” of Rajasthan has so much to offer and is definitely worth the journey.
Dates: 10-14 October 2019
You can find more information here.
V. Covelong Point Festival
Kovalam, Chennai
Every year, the annual Covelong Point Festvial is a glorious opportunity for fitness enthusiasts to meet likeminded individuals and bond over the best scrumptious food, live music, and art. Set against the beautiful beaches of Kovalam, a small coastal abode in Kerala, Covelong’s three-day long celebration is an invitation for surfers across the country to compete against and learn from each other. Moreover, one of the lesser-known tourist destinations, Kovalam’s bed and breakfasts are perfect for quick and cozy weekend getaways. Whether it’s indulging in fitness activities, signing up for yoga classes, or simply lounging at the beach, Covelong is for everyone looking for the best of a beach vacation as well as a wild music festival.
Dates: TBA
You can find more information here.
VI. Dharamshala International Film Festival
McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
A celebration of contemporary art and cinema, Dharamshala International Film Festival (DIFF) is one of the few film festivals in the country that is visited by people from across the globe. With a plate of momos in one hand and a steaming cuppa in another, DIFF is every cinephile’s dream and just perfect for a cozy getaway, far from the madness of the cities. Panel discussions featuring some of the brightest minds, Q&A sessions, and masterclasses - there’s all this and more. Moreover, owing to its tourist-friendly atmosphere, DIFF is a great chance to just go exploring and experience the obscure beauty of McLeod Ganj beyond it’s commercial spots.
Dates: TBA
You can find more information here.
VII. Magnetic Fields Festival
Alsisar Mahal, Rajasthan
The Magnetic Fields annual lineup is perhaps one of the most awaited lists every year. A three-day boutique music and art festival set in the pristine village of Alsisar in Rajasthan at the Alsisar Mahal, Magnetic Fields’ unique theme and exciting lineup both make the festival worth every penny, including the one-of-a-kind glamping experience. Moreover, the obscure location of the festival makes it even more exciting as not many would pick Alsisar as a destination for a long weekend getaway. Rajasthani opulence, renowned artists, and the chilly temperatures of the small town - Magnetic Fields is a travel experience worth adding to your bucket list.
Date: TBA
You can find more information here.
VIII. Ziro Festival
Ziro Valley, Arunachal Pradesh
A picturesque green valley where contemporary independent music is celebrated over a four-day outdoor extravaganza, Ziro Festival is one of the most awaited music festivals of India. And a lot of it has to do with the hilly delight that is Arunachal Pradesh. More than just a music festival, Ziro is a space to immerse yourself in an unexplored culture, meet strangers, and truly find a home away from home - wherever that may be. For nature lovers, those who love to leave behind their digital devices and lose themselves in their surrounding, Ziro Festival is an experience like nothing else.
Date: TBA
You can find more information here.
IX. Serendipity Arts Festival
Goa
At the end of ever year, as people from across the country throng to the ‘Sunshine State’ to bring in the new year, Serendipity Arts Festivals opens its doors to those who want to explore the state beyond just its sandy beaches. This eight-day long immersive experience has a vast array of workshops, performances, events and exhibitions with 1500 artists’ work to choose from. An experience that’s both traditional and unconventional, Serendipity is one more reason to make another trip to the good old coastal haven of Goa.
Dates: TBA
You can find more information here.
Feature image credit: Wild City
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