The Most Anticipated Festivals You Need To Bookmark Before The Year Ends

Art, film, music. To each his own. India offers unique opportunities to people who wish to merge their vacations with artistic pursuits. Due to the pandemic, many festivals were put on hold, but not anymore. After two years of virtual celebrations, these festivals are finally coming back to enthral loyalists in scenic destinations across India.  

Ziro Festival of Music (29th September - 2nd October 2022)

Arunachal Pradesh&rsquos Ziro Valley is loved for the amalgamation of scenic landscapes and culture. It is also at this very place that a music festival comes alive each year, becoming a Mecca for travellers across India. Ziro Music festival is India&rsquos greatest outdoor festival that offers four days of unadulterated fun. Add to this the chance to trek to Hakhe Tari, or afford a chance to view the endangered clouded leopard in its home, the Talley Valley wildlife sanctuary, and you have a winner. 

Rajasthani International Folk Festival (6th October - 10th October 2022)

The cultural and musical legacy of Rajasthan comes together under one roof with Jodhpur RIFF ((Rajasthani International Folk Festival). Timed to coincide with "Sharad Purnima" the brightest full moon of the year in north India, Jodhpur RIFF features a series of spectacular concerts and events based in and around Mehrangarh Fort, where 250 performers from all over the world enthral visitors over a period of five days. While you&rsquore here, do not miss the chance to explore the city, replete with forts and palaces. 

Magnetic Fields Festival (9th December - 11th December 2022 )

The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is famed for its ornate Havelis, one of which is the Alsisar Mahal, which doubles up as the venue for the pulsating Magnetic Fields Festival. A unique celebration of the global underground scene, set against the backdrop of the culturally enigmatic Alsisar,  this music carnival features some of the best voices in the business. This year, the festival is also aiming high for sustainability, with waste management, compost and recycling systems in place.  And when you&rsquore in Alsisar, add a day to your itinerary and make a beeline to see the famous tigers of Ranthambore.    

Dharamshala International Film Festival (3rd November - 6th November 2022)

Featuring an exciting lineup of international features, shorts and documentaries, DIFF&rsquos 11th edition is set to take place at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts (TIPA) in the scenic town of Himachal&rsquos McLeodganj. One of the most popular independent film festivals in India, DIFF builds a community united by a love for cinema. It also helps that the film festival allows you to immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and cuisine amid the breathtaking scenery and sights of Dharamshala. 

DGTL (December 9th - December 10th)

Global festival giant DGTL&nbsphas announced its much-awaited return to India this December, and is at the unique intersection of global music, art and sustainability, and will take place across New Delhi (December 9th & 10th) and Mumbai (December 10th & 11th). Alongside international heavyweight headliners like Solomun and Maribou State, the immersive, audio-visual weekend experience will also champion some of India&rsquos most exciting local talent, across a unique two-city edition. From industrial to modular and recycled initiatives at DGTL New Delhi & Mumbai, the festival will curate a wide variety of showcases and installations from local artists to engage visitors with circular sustainability, creating an unparalleled festival experience.