Tag: Music Festival India

National

Airbnb Brings Fans Closer to the Music with Exclusive Experiences at Lollapalooza India 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral National Desk

Airbnb is set to transform the live music experience in India with the launch of exclusive Airbnb Experiences at Lollapalooza India 2026, marking its first-ever global live music partnership. Scheduled to take place on January 24 and 25 at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse, the festival will now offer fans unprecedented access to the creative processes, backstage moments, and people who bring one of India’s most anticipated music festivals to life.

As part of this new initiative, Airbnb introduces a curated set of Experiences that go far beyond attending a concert. From guided backstage tours and artist-led sessions to behind-the-scenes access led by a Lollapalooza India Insider, these Experiences are designed to immerse guests in the world behind the stage, offering rare perspectives that are usually reserved for artists and crew.

Speaking on the partnership, Amanpreet Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for India & Southeast Asia, highlighted the natural connection between music and travel, noting that festivals are as much about exploring a city and building meaningful connections as they are about performances. He said the collaboration with Lollapalooza India allows fans to experience the festival not just as attendees, but as insiders who become part of its story.

Among the standout Experiences is the opportunity to join celebrated singer-songwriter Ankur Tewari’s entourage at Lollapalooza India. Participants will gain backstage access, witness his pre-performance rituals, and attend exclusive aftershows, offering an intimate glimpse into the creative rhythm and collaboration that define his work. This Experience will take place on January 24, 2026.

Another immersive Experience brings fans behind the stage with composer-producer duo OAFF and Savera, known for shaping some of India’s most influential contemporary soundscapes. Guests will observe their pre-show creative process, connect with their crew, and experience how music transitions from studio to stage. This session is scheduled for January 25, 2026.

Festival-goers can also opt for a behind-the-scenes tour led by Raashi Sanghavi, a key figure behind Lollapalooza India’s production and global partnerships. Through insider stories, real-time insights, and festival trivia, this Experience reveals the scale, coordination, and creativity involved in producing a world-class live music event. The tour will take place on January 24, 2026.

Naman Pugalia, Chief Business Officer – Live Events at BookMyShow, said that Lollapalooza India has always been about more than performances, emphasising culture, community, and creativity. He added that the partnership with Airbnb opens up a side of the festival usually unseen by fans, bringing them closer to the people and moments that shape the event.

Bookings for all Experiences opened on December 15, 2025, with slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests are required to arrange their own travel to and from Mumbai. With Lollapalooza India 2026 set over a long weekend, Airbnb also offers a wide range of stays across Mumbai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, making it easier for fans to combine the festival with an immersive city experience.

Events in Goa

Serendipity Arts Festival Returns to Goa for Its Landmark 10th Edition

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Serendipity Arts Festival is set to return to Panjim, Goa, from 12–21 December 2025 for its landmark 10th edition, offering a 10-day celebration of music, dance, theatre, visual arts, craft, photography, and immersive experiences for all ages. This December, Panjim will once again transform into a nucleus of creativity, presenting over 250 projects curated by more than 35 leading voices. The Festival unites artists, performers, chefs, musicians, designers, and storytellers from across India and the world, promising families, students, travellers, and culture enthusiasts a vibrant and unforgettable experience.

Over the past decade, Serendipity Arts Festival has embraced a nomadic spirit, bringing its celebration to cities across India and beyond. From Birmingham to Ahmedabad, Delhi, Varanasi, Chennai, Gurugram, and Dubai, the Festival has fostered artistic exchange, cultural exploration, and community engagement, culminating in Goa for its largest edition yet. Founder–Patron Sunil Kant Munjal reflects that culture builds empathy, cultivates leadership, and teaches what education alone cannot—kindness, patience, and the ability to hold multiple perspectives. The Festival transforms public spaces into living canvases of creativity and supports hundreds of emerging artists across South Asia.

The 10th edition of Serendipity Arts Festival is rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility. Events are family-friendly, mostly free to attend, and spread across walkable routes with free shuttles connecting venues. The Festival unfolds across multiple locations in Panjim, including the Old GMC Complex, Art Park, Festival Barge along the Mandovi, and the Nagalli Hills Arena. Accessibility features, volunteer assistance, sustainable practices, and interactive sessions for children and individuals with special needs reflect the Festival’s commitment to responsible cultural growth.

Visitors are encouraged to follow hygiene and safety guidelines, including responsible parking, shuttle usage, and use of refillable water bottles. First-aid facilities and information desks are available at all venues. While most projects are free with registration, tickets for limited events can be booked online via the Festival website or app.

As it celebrates ten years, Serendipity Arts Festival remains committed to its simple yet powerful vision: culture is for everyone. With its expansive and diverse program across disciplines, the Festival invites audiences to Goa not just for a holiday, but for a celebration of creativity, connection, and community. Registrations are now open for the 2025 edition, and audiences can book their Art Pass, explore workshops, exhibitions, and performances, and stay updated with the latest announcements on the Festival website.

Events in Goa

Candlelight Makes History: India’s First-Ever Fort Concert Series Debuts at Goa’s 17th-Century Aguada Complex

Tanisha Cardozo

The Candlelight Concert Series by Live Your City is about to redefine India’s live music landscape with a historic debut at Goa’s legendary Aguada Port & Jail Complex. For the first time, this 17th-century Portuguese fortress—standing sentinel over the Arabian Sea for more than four centuries—will transform into a luminous stage for an extraordinary musical experience. On November 8, 2025, the ancient bastions of Fort Aguada will glow under thousands of candles, merging history and harmony in an atmosphere that promises to be nothing short of magical.

As twilight descends over the Goan coastline, audiences will be welcomed into the fortress for two back-to-back performances. The evening opens with Candlelight Goa: Queen vs. ABBA at 6:30 p.m., where the anthemic energy of rock legends Queen meets the timeless pop perfection of ABBA. This will be followed by Candlelight Goa: A Tribute to A.R. Rahman at 8:30 p.m., celebrating India’s most beloved musical genius whose compositions have become the heartbeat of a generation. Each performance lasts 60 minutes and is designed to immerse audiences in sound, light, and emotion against the awe-inspiring backdrop of one of India’s most storied fortresses.

The Fort Aguada complex, with its weathered laterite walls, ocean-facing bastions, and historic jail chambers, provides an acoustic and visual setting unlike any concert venue in the country. The natural resonance of its chambers enhances the music’s intimacy, while the flicker of candlelight creates a mesmerizing dialogue between history and artistry. Seating is limited to ensure every attendee experiences the grandeur up close and personal, making it one of the most exclusive live events ever hosted in Goa.

This debut marks a milestone not only for Candlelight but also for Goa’s cultural and tourism landscape. It positions the state as a destination for immersive heritage-based experiences that blend the old and the new. The event exemplifies how music can transcend time and architecture, turning historical spaces into living, breathing stages of artistic expression.

With tickets starting from ₹1,399, the Candlelight Goa Fort Concert Series is more than an evening of music—it’s an invitation to witness history illuminated.

Music

Linkin Park Announces First-Ever Live Show in India at Lollapalooza 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Global rock legends Linkin Park are finally coming to India. The band is set to headline Lollapalooza India 2026 as part of their From Zero World Tour, marking their first-ever live performance in the country. The concert will take place at Mahalaxmi Racecourse, Mumbai, on January 25, 2026.

This long-awaited debut has been met with excitement from fans across the country, many of whom have grown up listening to the band’s iconic tracks like “Numb,” “In the End,” and “Somewhere I Belong.” Speaking to Indian fans, lead vocalist Mike Shinoda said, “India has been somewhere we’ve wanted to play for a long time. Our fans there are incredibly passionate and we can’t wait to finally bring our live show to them,” as quoted by CNBC.

The announcement came just ahead of general ticket sales, which opened on August 28 at 12 PM. Fans can now grab standard passes or opt for premium experiences with VIP Tickets or the Lolla Platinum Pass. While the VIP Ticket offers a dedicated viewing area near the main stage and access to the VIP Lounge, the Lolla Platinum Pass includes air-conditioned lounges, shuttle services between entrances, and exclusive access to the Platinum Pits.

With Linkin Park headlining, Lollapalooza India 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest live music events the country has ever seen. Fans are encouraged to book early — this is a show that promises to make history.