6 Music Festivals You Should Visit in January 2016

Welcome to January.

Hopefully you brought in the New Year in style and are letting the office doldrums lull you back into routine. But if you want to keep the party going, here are all the music festivals lying in store for you this month. Ranging from the blues to classical music, these festivals (and the locales they’re set it) will make you want to pack up and go out all over again.

So, here are the 6 music festivals you should visit in January 2016;

1. Jaipur Literature Festival

Yes, I know, Jaipur Literature Festival does not exactly count as a music festival. But there’s so much more to this festival than book signings and panel discussions. Head to Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur during the evenings and you’ll come across a roster of music performances guaranteed to make it a memorable affair.  The 2016 lineup includes the Kutle Khan Project, Midival Punditz, Mrigya, Karsh Kale and Gaayatri Kaundinya, among others.

When: 21^st January 2016 till 24^th January 2016

Where: Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur

2. Chennai Music Festival  

Earlier known as the Madras Music Festival, this month-long festival is often described as the world’s largest cultural event. Dedicated to the Carnatic arts, the festival offers over a 1,000 performances in its course, drawing the best of talent and the largest of crowds to Chennai’s doorstep.

When: Mid-December till mid-January 2016

Where: Chennai

3. Storm 

Relatively new on the music festival itinerary (started 2013), the Storm Music Festival has rapidly become one of the more popular festivals to travel to. Held amidst the scenic vistas of Coorg, Storm Music Festival hosts a variety of genres, unique musical collaborations and a number of workshops to boot. From yoga sessions to camp jams in the woods of Coorg, the Storm Music Festival will keep the party going even when the music stops.

While the dates for the 2016 event have not been confirmed yet, it will happen during the end of January. Artist lineup for 2015 included DJ Ivan, Indian Ocean, Pratyush Shankar, Sylvester Trio and Siddharth Mahadevan.

When: To be confirmed

Where: Madikeri, Coorg​

4. Swathi Music Festival

Swathi Thirunal, the king of Mysore during the early 19^th century, was a celebrated poet and musician. The Swathi Sangeetholsavam is entirely devoted to his works and compositions, of which there are at least 400. The festival features both Carnatic and Hindustani genres. Entry is free.

When: 6^th January -12^th January

Where: Kuthiramalika Palace, East Fort, Trivandrum, Kerala

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5. Saptak Music Festival

Widely acclaimed as the world’s largest classical music festival, the Saptak Music Festival features classical and semi-classical music along with a generous helping of dance performances by some of the most celebrated names in the Indian classical genre.

When: 1 January 2016 – 13^th January 2016

Where: Gujarat

What are you waiting for? Start off your month with the sound of music.

6. The Kabir Festival

Saint Kabir’s evocative message was expressed through his hymns and poetry, and it is to this that the Kabir Festival pays homage. Featuring live music sessions, documentaries, poetry readings, folk music and dancing, this event is open to all public free of charge. But you might want to check in early and book yourself a nice spot.

When: 7-10 January 2016

Where: Mumbai

What are you waiting for? Start off your month with the sound of music.