Goa, the land of gorgeous beaches and divinely beautiful churches is also known for its rich and vibrant musical ethos and culture. Goa, a small state hugging the coastline by the side of the Arabian Sea in India is one of the most popular destinations for both international and domestic tourists. Some come to relax and refresh on its gorgeous beaches, some come to party and have fun on its beaches, discotheques, and cafes.
If you are in India getting to Goa is quite easy and convenient.You can book cheap air tickets for Delhi to Goa flights or get to Goa from other locations like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, etc., by air or train.
Some come to Goa especially to be bowled over by the music scene in Goa. Goa is a melange of musical styles that evolved over successive influences of cultures. The music ranges from Indian classical to Western Classical. Goa has its own folk music influenced by the Portuguese and original indigenous cultures.
In the decade of the sixties the influx of hippies from the United States and elsewhere. The hippies brought with them their own music which has again evolved with Goan nuances. Goa is the home of a special genre of Electronic Music that is known as Goa Trance which later evolved into what is known today as Psychedelic trance or Psy Trance. Every year the land of Goa resonates with the vibrant music of the best from all over the world. A number of music festivals across genres draw huge crowds of performers as well as fans and aficionados of music. Some of the music festivals of Goa that you must attend are listed here in random order.
The Monte Music Festival
Imagine being on a hill offering spectacular views of the rivers and valleys below. The beautiful sights that appeal to your visual senses are heightened by the notes of mellifluous music. This is how it is at the Monte Music Festival which is an annual affair in Goa. The Monte Music Festival is held at the Our Lady of The Mount Chapel which is situated on a hill in Old Goa. The festival is committed to showcasing the best of Western Classical and Indian Classical musical genres. The festival is not only about music but also incorporates dance. The festival is a celebration and fusion of the musical and dancing talents of national, international, and local artists. As the sun sets casting a golden glow on the chapel, the festival takes off with music and dance that may range from the sweet notes of a Church Choir, to the rhythm of the folk song from the North-East of India. It could be a traditional dance form of India that will captivate you or the strains of a guitar playing soulful classical music. Indeed the Monte Music Festival is music to the ears.
The Goa International Jazz Live Festival
The Goa International jazz Live Festival known by its abbreviated form as simply GIJLF is an annual feature that brings Goa alive with some funky and new age Jazz music. The festival aims to popularize Jazz in the country and brings together artists who create some wonderful and foot tapping music. The festival sees a spectacular fusion of Jazz with other genres that include R&B, punk, Hip-Hop, and others. The Goa International Jazz Live Festival is a part of the Jazz India Circuit.
World Mouth Harp Festival
Arambol an area in Goa is known for its beautiful black sand beaches. However in the month of February, every year Arambol resonates with the mellifluous notes that emanate from mouth harps of varied kind. Arambol is the venue of The World Mouth Harp festival. The festival is a unique platform and opportunity for Mouth Harp players and other musicians from across the world and all genres to showcase their talent.
The festival is an auditory treat to music lovers and also a great platform for interaction and exchange of ideas between the best Mouth Harp players of the world. What is unique about the World Mouth Harp festival is that it is not operating as a commercial venture. It is a community based festival where all are invited and anyone can attend. One can take part in the festival either by being a performer, by teaching budding musicians, volunteering as an organizer and helping organize the festival or even by simply attending and enjoying the music. There is not ticket for this event and anyone can enjoy some soul stirring and foot tapping music absolutely free.
The Hilltop Music Festival
If Electronic music is something that hypnotizes you then the Hilltop Music Festival is where you need to head to. It is a festival of music and dance that spreads over three days. Small Vagator is the area in Goa where the festival is usually held. The place gets transformed into an ocean of trance, dance, and music with the Hilltop Festival every year in the month of February. Three days of dance, trance, and music bring the nights alive in a vibrant and crazy frenzy. The Hilltop Music festival is indeed one of the best and the biggest of Electronic Music events that sees frenzied crowds flocking to the venue on each day of the festival and shaking their feet to stirring music that will touch you deep in the heart and set it aflutter.
These are only some of the festivals that entice music lovers to Goa. But the very air of Goa is tinged with the rhapsody of music. Music can be heard and found in many of the cafes as well as the joints that dot the beach.If music is in your heart and you want to let go yourself in the freedom of dance, then Goa is the place to head to. Goa is the place where all your musical fantasies will come alive in vibrant and psychedelic colour. Can you hear the beat of drums, the soft notes of a piano, and the soulful strains of a Church choir? Then it must be Goa calling.
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