Explore a curated list of some of the most anticipated music, literature, art, and film festivals happening around the world. From vibrant celebrations of creativity to thought-provoking showcases, these events promise to inspire and entertain attendees throughout the year. Get ready to immerse yourself in diverse cultural experiences!
Dharamshala International Film Festival
Where: McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala
When: November 7-10
When filmmakers and long-time Dharamshala residents Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam started the Dharamshala International Film Festival in 2012, their main aim was to give the local community a platform to watch good alternative cinema. Twelve years later, DIFF attracts audiences from across the country and beyond. The 13th Edition of DIFF will take place once again in McLeod Ganj, Dharamshala, welcoming its audiences back with another carefully curated lineup of exciting, unusual and eclectic films, along with a range of interactive sessions with filmmakers and film professionals.
Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2024
When: November 15-17
Where: Mumbai
Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2024 will be back for its 15th edition this year. As per its official website, the festival will be held at the NCPA, Mumbai, from November 15 to 17. The three-day festival will bring together authors, performers and thinkers from around the country and the world for panel discussions, workshops, debates, conversations, performances and much more. For more information about the events and speakers (to be announced soon), you can visit mumbailitfest.in.
55th International Film Festival of India
When: November 20-28
Where: Goa
Since its inception in 1952, IFFI has been curating spectacular films from all over the world. Its goal is to provide a single platform for ambitious filmmakers, cineastes, and industry professionals to have access to excellent cinema from across the world. Among the many programmes include gala opening and closing ceremonies and daily red carpet events and celebrations, specially curated packages of international and Indian films, workshops, master classes and other interactive and academic sessions/ panel discussions, etc. A ‘Film Bazaar’ will also be organised alongside the festival from November 20 to 24.
Hornbill Festival
When: December 1-10
Where: Kisama, Nagaland
Conceptualised in 2000, the Hornbill Festival is a 10-day annual tourism promotional event organised by the Nagaland government to showcase the state’s rich and traditional cultural heritage. Dubbed as the ‘Festival of Festivals’, the event provides a unique platform for visitors to witness not only the Naga cultural diversity converging at one venue but also the states of northeast India as a means of cultural exchange. Adventure, sports, art, handicraft, fashion, music, literature, etc, also come as part of the special package. As in previous years, the 25th edition of the festival will be held at the heritage village of Kisama, about 10 km from capital Kohima, from December 1 to 10.
Magnetic Fields Festival
When: December 6-8
Where: Alsisar, Rajasthan
Marking its 10th edition this year, Magnetic Fields Festival has lined up an eclectic mix of performances, featuring both emerging and established artistes. To take place from December 6 to 8 at Alsisar, Rajasthan, the festival will host prominent acts like Ecuadorian producer Nicola Cruz, German-Italian composer and performer David August, DJ-producer Midland, Peruvian DJ-producer Sofia Kourtesis, London-based artiste Ahadadream, New York-based contemporary composer Shubh Saran, and psychedelic funk disco quintet Cousin Kula, among many others. For more information, check the official website.
Echoes of Earth
When: December 7-8
Where: Bengaluru
The 7th edition of Echoes of Earth will celebrate the seasons and their significant role in shaping the natural world, highlighting the harmonious cycles of change and renewal they bring. This year’s lineup features a remarkable selection of artistes, including Mount Kimbie, French 79, Cobblestone Jazz, Satori, Modern Biology, Shubh Saran, Hamza Rahimtula and Rajasthan Folkstars. Additionally, incredible acts like Tiana Khasi, Waagal, Yi¯n Yi¯n, Dam Swindle, Ko Shin Moon, and The Spaven D&B Curation will contribute to the diverse and exciting lineup. These artistes will perform under the stars over two days in Bengaluru, bringing together live electronica, indie-pop, world music, jazz, house, techno, and more.
Mahindra Kabira Festival
When: December 13-15
Where: Varanasi
The eighth edition of the Mahindra Kabira Festival is all set to take place on the historic ghats of Varanasi from December 13 to 15 alongside the Ganga river. The festival is a tribute to the 15th-century mystic-poet Kabir. In the mornings and evenings, delegates will get to listen to maestros of Indian music, while afternoons are kept for insightful conversations, heritage experiences, and a temple trail to Kashi Vishwanath—all of this combined with magical boat rides on the Ganga and savouring the finest of Varanasi cuisine. The detailed artiste line-up and programme will be announced soon. For more information, visit mahindrakabira.com.
Sunburn Goa
When: December 28-30
Where: Goa
Swedish DJ and EDM legend Alesso is making a comeback to Sunburn Goa, a premier electronic dance music (EDM) festival, this year. Joining him for the high-octane celebration are KSHMR and ARGY. Also on stage will be Skrillex, who has shaped the genre with his game-changing sound and magnetic stage presence, and Peggy Gou, whose distinct blend of house and techno has earned her a cult following worldwide. This year, Sunburn Goa will transport attendees into an underwater world, with immersive themes, visuals and a lineup that will set the dance floor on fire. You can check out BookMyShow or Sunburn’s social media handles for more information on the festival.
Jaipur Literature Festival
When: January 30 – February 3, 2025
Where: Jaipur
Described as the ‘greatest literary show on Earth’, the Jaipur Literature Festival is a sumptuous feast of ideas. The past 17 years have seen it transform into a global literary phenomenon, having hosted nearly 2,000 speakers and welcoming over a million book lovers from across India and the globe. The 2025 edition of the literary extravaganza will be back at Jaipur’s Hotel Clarks Amer and will be held between January 30 and February 3, 2025, with its characteristic flavour, substance, and scale, bringing together writers, readers, connoisseurs, influencers, and thinkers. The programme highlights will be announced shortly; for more information, check out the official website.
India Art Fair
When: February 6-9, 2025
Where: New Delhi
The 16th edition of India Art Fair will take place at NSIC Exhibition Grounds, New Delhi, from February 6 to 9, 2025. India Art Fair is a leading platform to discover modern and contemporary art in South Asia. Spread across a 20,000-sq-m venue, it is the biggest event in India’s cultural calendar with pioneering exhibitors from across India presenting some of the region’s most iconic artists, alongside select international participants who bring works that have never or rarely been shown in India. It also hosts an expansive programme of artist-led talks, performances, workshops, and projects, making the fair an established destination for creativity. For more information, follow indiaartfair.in.
Lollapalooza India
When: March 8-9, 2025
Where: Mumbai
Lollapalooza India returns to Mumbai transforming it into a musical marvel with four stages pulsing with energy and over 20 hours of non-stop live performances. Headlined by rock legends Green Day making their historic India debut, alongside Grammy-nominated singer/ songwriter Shawn Mendes, this year’s line up features the highly anticipated arrival of Louis Tomlinson, the genre-blurring sound of Glass Animals, EDM giants Zedd and John Summit, rock heavyweights Nothing But Thieves, India’s own Hanumankind and explosive hip-hop performances from Big Boi and Raftaar x Kr$na and many more. After two successful editions, the multi-genre music festival is set for an even more exciting third edition, continuing its legacy as the most diverse music festival in India and the Asian sub-continent.
