Music Tourism has taken over the global travel industry by storm. Worldwide, people are traveling across locations, cities, countries and time zones for the love of music. Even in India, this type of tourism has caught the fancy of many. Especially young Indians, who in the past two years or so have played an integral role in making this kind of tourism big.
So, what is music tourism?
If you have travelled to Mumbai to listen to Coldplay, Justin Bieber or Ed Sheeran, then you have indulged in music tourism.
To put it simply, music tourism is the act of travelling to a city, town, or country to watch a music performance or to attend a music festival. Like most travel trends, it started in the West, and many towns like Glastonbury in the UK depend on it for their tourist footfall.
In the past few years, this has transformed into a massive global phenomenon. Experts predict it to be the trending buzzword for 2018.
Music scene is thriving worldwide and with young consumers across continents, the music industry is poised to make it big.
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Music tourism in India
In India, music festivals have become a great way for independent artistes to showcase their talent. Not only does it add to the local employability and economies but also gives the commune a chance to preserve their culture, heritage and ethos.
And while you might assume that it’s only the big, international music stars that attract crowds in India, there has been an increase in the interest in other genres too.
One such example is Ragasthan, held in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, from February 23rd to 25th 2018. This desert camping festival, set in the expansive sand dunes of the Thar desert, promises to be an eclectic mix of music, culture and tradition.
Another example is the Dhrupad Mela in Benaras. This annual, five-day-long music festival celebrates the Dhrupad genre of Hindustani classical music and is held at the Tulsi Ghat of this ancient city.
These music festivals don’t just attract Indian tourists, but also give foreign tourists a chance to explore Indian music, culture and art in the very region where it belongs.
Other such popular music festivals which have witnessed an increased footfall are the NH7 Weekender (a multi-city fest), Sunburn (an EDM fest held in Goa), Hornbill (an annual rock fest in Kohima, Nagaland), Ziro Festival (held in Arunachal Pradesh), and the VH1 Supersonic.
Music festivals are not just limited to music; the idea is to indulge in the experience. People these days want unconventional holidays and this is just the perfect recipe for uninhibited excitement.