If you’ve grooved at the Glastonbury Festival (visitors stay in tents and enjoy music in the outdoors), Ragasthan should be on your calendar. Tagged as ‘India’s craziest music festival’, the three night-four day event will be held near Jaisalmer, in the secluded dunes of Khuri.

Musicians performing at Ragasthan, 2013

What to expect: The second edition will host acclaimed performers and upcoming artistes. With three stages, the line-up comprises Christophe Chassol (France), Alo Wala (USA), Ash Roy, Mame Khan and Troupe, Ganesh Talkies and Tritha Electric, among others. Over the last few months, nearly 240 artistes have been residing in tents in an artiste village, with random jam sessions throughout the day and night, as part of the event.

Visitors will also get to take part in a range of activities such as paintball, sky gazing workshops, karaoke, volleyball, yoga sessions, and ATV rides. You can also enjoy camping outdoors and observing the Thar desert in all its beauty. There are luxury camping options (Swiss tents), or you could get your own tent or even hire a mattress and bunk under the sky anywhere in the dunes.

No plastic or litter will be allowed at the festival and camel rides are available for free in-festival transport. Campers are also allowed into the festival site with their cars and tea and water will be served free at the event.

Keith Menon, festival organiser, explains, “The festival seeks to bring talent from all corners of the world, help them showcase their skills and collaborate on projects that take them across borders.” He adds that festivals require you to rough it out as “you’re there for the music, the journey, the art, the experience”.

From: February 13 to 16;
At: Khuri Dunes, Jaisalmer.
Call: 9619071456
Log on to: www.ragasthan.com

World Sufi Spirit Festival
Picture this: ancient Sufi melodies and movements being performed to the backdrop of majestic forts in Jodhpur and Nagaur (a city located close to Jodhpur). Sounds enchanting, right? At the World Sufi Spirit Festival (earlier called Nagaur Sufi Festival), you can look forward to enjoying the various facets of the divine tradition.