North East India is a stunning place to visit and delight for the eyes. And it does not just end there, because it has an equally vibrant culture. It holds many Music Festivals.
Music festivals are a great way to rejuvenate yourself from within and they’re also a great opportunity to discover new music. If you’re thinking about attending a music festival, here are some reasons why you should.
Why Should You Go to Music Festivals?
Music festivals are a great way to enjoy live music, and they’re also a great way to meet new people and explore new places. India is home to some of the best music festivals in the world, and the North East region is no exception. Here are some of the top reasons to attend a music festival in North East India:
- You’ll get to hear lots of new and great music.
- To experience the vibrant culture of the region
- To enjoy the beautiful natural valleys
- To immerse yourself in the local music scene
- To meet new people from all over the world
- To party all night long!
- You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
When are the festivals?
The festivals in North East India are held throughout the year and there is always something going on. However, the majority of the festivals take place during the months of October and November. This is because these are the driest months in the region and thus, the ideal time for outdoor events. Moreover, many of the festivals coincide with important religious occasions such as Durga Puja and Diwali.
11 Best North East India’s Music Festivals
North East India is a culturally rich and diverse region, and this is reflected in the many festivals that are held throughout the year. Some of the most popular festivals include:
1. Ziro Festival of Music, AP
This annual festival is held in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, and showcases the best of Indie and alternative music from across India. It attracts a large number of visitors from all over the country and is held in September. The Arunachal Pradesh state government sponsors the Ziro Music Festival, which is listed on its yearly calendar of cultural events.
Since 2011, a group of music enthusiasts has flocked to the isolated Ziro valley in Arunachal Pradesh with the assistance of Apatani tribesmen to organize a long weekend that showcases the best independent musicians in India.
2. Hornbill Festival, Nagaland
One of the largest festivals in North East India, Hornbill is celebrated in Nagaland every first week of December. This festival first started in the year 2000. It celebrates the rich culture and heritage of the state, with a wide variety of events and activities taking place throughout the week.
The State Government and the Art & Culture Departments collaborate to organize Hornbill, which brings together a variety of cultures under one roof. All the tribes of Nagaland participate in this celebration. This event was established with the intention of showcasing Nagaland’s extravagant customs and preserving its rich and unique culture.
3. NH7 Weekender, Meghalaya
NH7 Weekender is an annual, multi-city music festival in India. This vibrant festival has been sponsored by Bacardi since its inception. It is one of the biggest music festivals in South Asia and was founded by Only Much Louder. The Shillong version first debuted in 2015. International music legends like Megadeth, Steven Wilson, and Steve Vai have performed at the festival thus far.
There is a diverse array of stalls set up, offering both traditional and modern food as well as a variety of beverages. People can also engage in outdoor pursuits including fishing, hiking, riding, trekking, photography, and art while the music starts to play.
4. Metropolis Asia, Meghalaya
Metropolis Asia was started in 2010 by Ranjan Engti, a young businessman from Guwahati. Originally, it was a three-day yearly celebration of art, craft, and music held with Assam Tourism’s assistance. This music festival is the result of the collaboration of talented young people from within and outside of the country.
One of the biggest and happiest urban winter fest in the northeast. There are hundreds of activities that take place over three days of cultural fervour. The festival offers an unmatched feast of dance, theatre, music, visual arts, and workshops by well-known and upcoming artists from the entire Northeast, mainland India, and the world each year. Metropolis is now taking place in Shillong, Meghalaya.
5. Orange Festival, Arunachal Pradesh
The spectacular four-day festival is regarded as India’s first adventure cum music festival. The Orange Festival in Arunachal Pradesh provides a variety of adventurous activities, such as zip-lining, all-terrain vehicle rides, fishing, and river rafting on the Dibang River. More than 20 bands from India and other countries perform at the Orange Festival every year to entertain music fans and engage them in thrilling activities in Dambuk.
The Arunachal Pradesh government and its department of tourism are the sponsors of this festival, however, the majority of the people are responsible for its setup. The event is so distinctive and certainly one of the best music festivals in northeast India because the locals open their doors and welcome the guests with open arms and a spirit of curiosity.
6. Goodstock, Assam
Beginning in 2009, Goodstock is not your normal music festival, more of a private gathering for musicians and singers. Entrepreneur Jitu Das from Guwahati owns a piece of property in Panikheti, Guwahati, where a group of like-minded friends used to hang together, frequently with their guitars, including singer Hridoy Goswami from Guwahati and musician Uzzal Phukan. The thought of hosting a jam session, inviting their musician pals, and setting it up in an open area.
7. Shillong Beer Fest, Meghalaya
Shillong Beer fest was started in 2014. It was founded by Dominic Sutnga and Peter Mawlong. The idea behind starting this fest is to provide an open forum for beer brands – international and local.
A beer fest is a great way to get away from everyday chaos and stress. With music, food, and beer, everyone can have fun for a few days. It’s joyful even if it’s for just a little while.
8. Euphony Music Fest, Assam
Euphony Music Fest was founded by Bangalore-based musician Jim Ankan Deka in 2009. Eastern Fare Music Foundation, a music organization based in Bangalore, is the other “founder” of the event. Every year, after winter, Euphony takes place in Guwahati. The timing is important because it reflects India’s climate and calendar.
Euphony features competitions for both well-known as well as up-and-coming musicians as a means to bridge different musicians and music lovers.
9. Shillong Autumn Festival, Meghalaya
Each year Shillong, the capital of Meghalaya, comes alive during October and November for the Autumn Festival. The upcoming festival is a celebration of Autumn, as well as a means of entertainment for the people of Shillong.
Various events happen during this season in order to celebrate different aspects of culture and lifestyles. This includes fashion shows showcasing clothing made from indigenous fabrics which are woven here in the state.
Besides fashion, there are other events like food and wine festivals, flower shows, kite flying competitions and rock festivals occurring at the same time.
10. Brahmaputra Beach Festival, Assam
Brahmaputra Beach Festival is an open-air festival that’s held on the beaches of the Brahmaputra River. The festival is to promote Assam and its neighbouring state’s culture and includes songs and dances.
The goal of this two-day event is to popularize indigenous arts, and crafts and features unique events like beach cricket, beach volleyball, water sports, ice skating, kayaking, canoeing, and more. A variety of air sports like ballooning, paragliding, hang gliding, and more are also included.
If you’re looking for a great party with a variety of different activities all in one place, come to Brahmaputra Beach Festival!
11. Shine A Light (Meghalaya)
Three days of pure delight for music lovers, this event was founded with the sole intention of revitalizing Rock N Roll. In the genuine spirit of Rock n Roll, it aims to support all genres of independent, serious original music with a focused heart, from folk to country, blues and jazz, rock n reggae, grunge, and metal.
The goal is to keep things raw, and blend young and elderly, local talent with a talent pool that comes from around the nation and beyond.
Who can attend the music festivals in North East India?
Some of the most popular and well-attended music festivals in North East India are the Shillong Autumn Festival, the Tasting India Music Festival, and the Ziro Festival of Music. While these festivals do attract visitors from all over the country and even internationally, they are also open to locals who want to enjoy some great music.
If you’re thinking of attending one of these festivals, here are a few things to keep in mind.
First, while many of the attendees do come from out of town, there is still a good mix of locals at each festival. This means that you won’t be completely surrounded by strangers, and you’ll have a chance to meet new people from all walks of life.
Second, these festivals usually take place over a weekend, so if you can only make it for one day, don’t worry! There’s plenty to see and do, and you’ll still be able to catch some great bands. Finally, while most festivals do charge an entrance fee, many also offer camping options for a nominal fee. This is a great way to save money if you’re planning on staying for the duration of the event.
What kind of Music will we see?
The North East of India is home to a wide variety of musical genres, from traditional folk music to contemporary pop. Whether you’re looking for something to dance to or simply enjoy listening to, there’s sure to be a style of music to suit your taste at one of the many music festivals held in this region.
Some of the most popular genres of music in North East India include:
Bihu: Bihu is a traditional form of folk music that originates from the state of Assam. The music is often accompanied by dance and is typically upbeat and celebratory in nature.
Dima Hasao Folk: Dima Hasao Folk is a genre of folk music that originates from the Dima Hasao district in Assam. The music is often dreamlike and hypnotic, with relaxed, lilting melodies.
Jiya: Jiya is a type of folk music originating from the state of Tripura. It’s characterized by its fast tempo and energetic rhythms, making it perfect for dancing.
If you’re interested in attending a North East Indian music festival, be sure to explore out our list of music fests.
Conclusion
North East India is a hidden gem when it comes to music festivals. With so many different types of festivals to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a traditional folk festival or a more modern EDM festival, you’ll be sure to find it in North East India. Not only are the festivals themselves amazing, but the scenery and culture of North East India make it an unbeatable destination for any music lover.
