Himachal Pradesh’s largest indie music and art festival is back: Bir Music Festival is set to take place from June 14-15 this year in the village of Bir in the Kangra Valley. Bir Billing is a haven for paragliders and adventure tourism in India.
Promoting original indie artists from across the country, the Bir Music Festival is all about showcasing live music while platforming upcoming indie artists. The festival began in 2020 just after the end of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic with the aim of creating more work and income opportunities for a village that heavily relied on tourism.
Since its inception, the Bir Music Festival has gained in popularity due to its format as a retreat away from city life, coupled with the scenic charms of Bir and live music. So far, 450 emerging artists have performed at the festival.
In the works is the Bir Music Studio, a place where emerging musicians can record, curate and produce their work.
More than 25 bands and musicians will perform at the 12th edition of the Bir Music Festival. Attendees can expect:
48 hours of non-stop music
Night walks
Speed dating sessions
Acrobatic yoga
A hula hoop workshop
Dance therapy
A sound healing session
Art therapy
Salsa classes
Games of beer pong
Healing sessions
Adventurous excursions into Bir
Opportunities to network with businesspeople and social media influencers
A showcase of pahadi culture through music, dance, food and more
A flea market featuring local cuisine, eco-startups and women-led ventures
The Bir Music Festival also emphasises sustainability in its operations. Packaged drinking water and single-use plastics are banned, local craftspeople are employed for the décor, upcycled products are displayed prominently and sustainability workshops that incorporate cultural practices are highlighted.
For tickets and a line-up of artists, visit the Bir Music Festival website.
