10 best music, crafts, literature and film festivals to attend in 2020
, ET Bureau|
Where: Alsisar Mahal, Rajasthan
When: December 13-15
Why you should go: It is a festival of contemporary music best known for showcasing underground and experimental music. This year’s lineup includes DJs Deena Abdelwahed and Daniel Avery. Plus you get to stay in a tent, or palace, depending on your budget.
Tickets: Rs 13,350* onwards (*Lowest price available)
When: December 5-7
Why you should go: Mridula Garg, Ivo de Figueiredo, Mamang Dai and Priyamvada Gopal will be some of the writers at the 10th edition of the festival that was conceived by Vivek Menezes and Damodar Mauzo.
Tickets: Entry is free
When: November 29-December 1
Why you should go: One of the most popular indie music festivals, this year’s lineup includes eight-piece jazz band Kokoroko, Irish rock band Kodaline and Swedish death metal band Opeth.
Tickets: Rs 3,000 and upwards
When: November 20-28
Why you should go: It is possibly India’s biggest celebration of international cinema. This year’s edition includes a retrospective of filmmaker Ken Loach and 50 films by 50 women filmmakers.
Tickets: Delegate passes are Rs 1,000 but you need to register.
When: December 15, 4 pm
Why you should go: It is the first concert in India of the legendary rock band, helmed by Bono. Go if you are a lifelong fan or a neo convert.
Tickets: Rs 3,000-25,000
When: December 7-8
Why you should go: Positioned as the country’s “greenest music festival”, this relatively new event will feature over 40 Indian and international acts over two days.
Tickets: Rs 2,360
When: December 11-15
Why you should go: The festival of Hindustani classical music will this year feature Begum Parveen Sultana and Amjad Ali, among others. The late Bhimsen Joshi took the initiative to organise the festival to commemorate Sawai Gandharva.
Tickets: Rs 200 onwards
When: December 4-8
Why you should go: Organised by Craft Village, it is a chance to see the best contemporary crafts and meet the artisans behind some of those works.
Tickets: Rs 499 a day
When: December 1-10
Why you should go: You get a glimpse of the heritage of Nagaland through the music, dance and food of its various tribes and sub-tribes. Attend concerts, go for treks, soak in the atmosphere.
Tickets: Rs 20-30/day
When: mid-November to January 1
Why you should go: This is the high point of the Carnatic music calendar, with the best talent homing in on Chennai for performances spread out over a month. Don’t forget to grab a bite from the canteens outside venues.
Tickets: Varies according to performance
