India is no stranger to the wonders of psytrance. Ever since the travelling hippies of the west introduced the genre to the Indian people way back in the seventies, the magical sound waves of psytrance has seen a massive growth in terms of popularity and cult-following.
As the mercury in most cities rises, psytrance fans flock to the hills to escape the summer heat and indulge in some top-of-the-line trance. Keeping that in mind, The Sherp puts together a list of some of the best ‘escape-the-heat’ psytrance festivals that are happening this summer for you to indulge in.
Point to note : Lots of these festivals are quite irregular with their lineup and date announcements, so make sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled to their Facebook pages and other social media.
1. Himalayan Music Festival
When: May, TBA
Where: Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
This festival is a niche event that aims to spread joy and fun in the midst of the Himalayas. The spectacular location and a small attendee population lend it a simple, homespun vibe. According to the founders, the event not only promotes music but also a drug-free policy.
The dates haven’t been announced yet, so stay tuned to their Facebook Page.
2. Indrasan Festival
When : TBA (Usually around the last week of May)
Where : Parvati Valley , Kasol
One of the more popular mountain Psy Trance festivals in the country, this eco-friendly festival has been raving up the hills of Manali since 2009. Bringing together some of the biggest names in the genre with some amazing views, camping and relaxation this festival is a staple in every Psy Trance fans calendar.
Watch out for dates to the festival, here.
(Source: Indrasan Festival/Facebook)
3. Parvati Peaking
When: May 29 to June 1
Where: Choch, Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh
Having completed two successful editions, the Parvati Peaking festival is considered as one of the biggest psytrance events of the season. With a line-up that comprises of some of the biggest names from the genre, this two day psytrance extravaganza is a must attend for fans across the country. Benchmarked as one of greatest Indian trance festivals, Parvati Peaking has been running successfully for several years. Known for its distinctive hippie-vibe and peaceful environment, this festival is a great way to kick off your vacay and get rid of them summer blues.
(Image Courtesy : Parvati Peaking/Facebook/ Divy Gupta/ Lipy Yadav)
4. Hill Top Festival
When : February 12-14
Where : Hilltop, Small Vagator, North Goa
The HILL TOP FESTIVAL is specially dedicated to the art of electronic dance music and dance loyalists, who make the venue so special year after year. As a festival specially dedicated to the art of electronic dance music, the Hill Top Festival has carved its niche as it enters its 5th year since inception. Slated to be held over 3 days from February 12-14 the festival promises to be an “electronic dance music extravaganza to indulge in a sensory overload of music, fabulously funked up concept stages, visuals, decor and the perfect sound.”
(Source: goadaydreamer.net)
5. Shiva Squad
When : May 7-8
Where : Manali, Himachal Pradesh
Apart from the culturally conducive scene of Goa, the northern part of India has been an active hot bed for psychedelic music festivals. The Himalayan range of hills and mountains not only provide perfect locations, but also exclusivity for ardent psy-trance fanatics. Of them, the Shiva Squad Festival easily stands as one of the more popular gatherings. Taking place in Manali, every September, it brings together the trip of a lifetime – crazy psychedelic music, fans, and natural scenic beauty.
(Source: Shiva Squad/Facebook)
6. Ozora’s One Day In Goa
When : February 9
Where : Goa
Considered one of the largest and most cutting edge festivals in the psychedelic trance music scene, this six day mega event sees fans of the genre descend on Hungary in the millions. Now this festival is bringing some of it’s grandeur to Goa. To be held in Shiva Valley, Ozora festival will host a movie screening/musical evening in Goa. This event will also feature an exclusive lineup, which is yet to be revealed. Keep tabs on the Facebook event to be updated about the lineup.
7. Universal Religion
When : TBA
Where : Kathmandu,Nepal
Granted, this isn’t an Indian psytrance fest, but since Nepal is a stone’s throw away from North India, we’re sure there will be a bunch of you headed to Kathmandu to attend it. After taking a year’s break, one of Nepal’s most highly anticipated music festivals has announced it’s wide range of acts that will take center stage at it’s epic hilly location. This year the festival will take place at a beautiful mountain top location just 2 hours from the capital city of Kathmandu. This open music festival is beautifully nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and has two mind-blowing stages stacked with some really fine psy-trance names.
Get more info here.
