Ireland Named Country Partner For Nagaland's Hornbill Festival 2025

* Irish folk music, theatre and legacy of peace and reconciliation take centre stage in this year’s Hornbill Festival

Ireland is the official Country Partner for Hornbill Festival 2025; the flagship international culture festival for the state of Nagaland.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on behalf of the Nagaland government and Ambassador Kevin Kelly on behalf of the Irish Embassy in India made a joint announcement at the Naga House in New Delhi on November 18.

As the official country partner of Hornbill Festival, the Embassy of Ireland is delighted to bring in a range of very enriching public engagements. Our presence will comprise investment roundtables, music showcases, public arts installation, literary & theatre-arts work and a special curation of a dialogue series on Ireland, India and Empire.

Members of the acclaimed Irish folk band The Mary Wallopers come together with other Irish musicians to form the music ensemble Bóinn, and will perform at the opening of the Hornbill Festival in addition to their much-awaited music set. Hailing from Dublin and Dundalk, Ireland, Bóinn are ready to bring traditional Irish ballads and rare folk songs into vibrant and contemporary spirit at the Hornbill festival.

The Embassy will host a special discussion by Professor Jane Ohlmeyer, MRIA, one of Ireland’s most distinguished historians and Chair of the Irish Research Council, who, will explore Ireland’s history of colonization and the shared lessons learned with Nagaland.

Speaking at the event, Ambassador of Ireland to India, Kevin Kelly, said, “Ireland’s partnership with the Hornbill Festival reflects the growing depth of Ireland-India relations and the shared commitment to cultural collaboration and peacebuilding dialogue. We hope that people of Nagaland enjoy the best of Irish art, culture and theatre and that the connections we make at Hornbill 2025 lead to even greater collaboration in the future.”

Highlighting Nagaland’s support for the collaboration, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, stated, “Nagaland is honored to welcome Ireland as our Country Partner for this year’s Hornbill Festival. Ireland’s rich culture, heritage, and artistic traditions resonate deeply with our own, making this partnership both meaningful and special. We see immense potential for expanded collaboration across culture, tourism, education, creative industries, youth exchange, sustainable development, and people-to-people engagement. Ireland’s participation will greatly enrich the festival and strengthen the bonds between our peoples. We look forward to celebrating this friendship and forging new pathways of cooperation in the Land of Festivals.”

Adding a multidisciplinary dimension are, Delhi-based arts company Kaivalya Plays who, will present an ensemble of engagements in Nagaland. They will begin with dramatized readings from James Joyce’s Dubliners a project developed in cooperation with Embassy of Ireland as part of Year of Joyce celebrations. Kaivalya Plays is going to offer theatre workshops and allied learning engagements for young performing arts enthusiasts of Nagaland.

Embassy of Ireland in cooperation with their Honorary Consulate General in Kolkata and Keventers Agro are bringing to Kohima, an Irish public arts installation. We will see the Irish pagan goddess Danu, created by Irish artists from Macnas and Indian artists make a special entry as a public arts project in the festival this year.

Organised annually by the Government of Nagaland from December 1 to 10, the Hornbill Festival is the state’s largest public celebration of culture and heritage. Since its inception in 2000, the festival has become a symbol of unity among the state’s 17 major tribes, fostering tourism, reconciliation, and pride in a shared cultural identity.

About the Musicians: The travelling entourage to the Hornbill Festival includes members of the infamous Mary Wallopers, Andrew Hendy and Finnian O’Connor, along with musicians Méabh Mulligan and Caoimhe Ní Mhaolagáin. For the first time, these four musicians have come together under the name Bóinn – a reference to the Irish goddess of the River Boyne, which flows through Co. Louth, where Andrew and Finnian grew up. This new collaboration marks the beginning of an exciting journey as the group prepares to travel to India, blending their individual traditions and styles into a powerful celebration of Irish music and cultural connection.

Fifth Edition Of Goncourt Choice Of India Strengthens Indo-French Literary Exchange

Apeejay Trust joins as partner to expand the program’s reach and impact

The Goncourt Choice of India (Choix Goncourt de l’Inde) returns for its fifth edition, bringing together students, teachers, and literature enthusiasts from across the country to celebrate contemporary French fiction. Conceived by the Académie Goncourt and coordinated by the French Institute in India (IFI) and the Embassy of France in India, and supported by Priti Paul, Director, Apeejay Surrendra Group, via the Apeejay Trust, the initiative continues to strengthen cultural exchange and build a bridge between Indian readers and French authors.

In this 5th edition, students of French from nine Indian universities: The English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU), Pondicherry University, University of Mumbai, Savitribai Phule Pune University, University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, University of Rajasthan, Banaras Hindu University, and, for the first time, Panjab University in Chandigarh, form the jury alongside members of the Alliance Française network. Over five months, they will read and debate the four shortlisted novels for France’s most prestigious literary distinction, the Prix Goncourt, guided by their teachers and IFI-facilitated seminars

Shortlisted titles for the 2025 edition:

Nathacha Appanah — La Nuit au Cœur (Night at Heart), Gallimard

Emmanuel Carrère — Kolkhoze (Kolkhoze), P.O.L

Caroline Lamarche — Le Bel Obscur (The Beautiful Darkness), Seuil

Laurent Mauvignier — La Maison Vide (The Empty House), Minuit

At the end of this process, the student juries will gather for a deliberation lunch at one of the elegant restaurants of The Park Hotel, part of the Apeejay Surrendra Group. This symbolic moment mirrors the Académie Goncourt tradition in Paris, bringing together the refinement of Indian hospitality and the spirit of French literary dialogue.

The winner of the 2025 Choix Goncourt de l’Inde will be announced in March 2026 at a special ceremony at the Residence of the French Ambassador in New Delhi, in the presence of representatives from the French Embassy, IFI, and Apeejay Trust. The event will also mark the launch of the program’s next phase, a translation initiative designed to give wider reach to French literature in India.

Under the new partnership with Apeejay Trust, the program will expand through additional activities. Alongside the university-led literary prize and seminars, an open translation contest will be launched in March 2026, inviting aspiring translators to submit their interpretation of excerpts from previous Goncourt-winning novels. The winning translator will receive a publication contract supported by IFI and Apeejay, further strengthening Indo-French collaboration in literature and translation.

Mr. Grégor Trumel, Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of France, and Director of the French Institute in India, said:

“I am so proud to announce our new partnership with the Apeejay Trust, which allows us to take the Choix Goncourt de l’Inde to new heights. Together, we are not only celebrating the literary dialogue between France and India, but also expanding its impact. Thanks to Apeejay’s generous support, the French Institute in India can now launch an open translation contest, offering professional translators a platform to showcase their talent and supporting an Indian publisher in bringing the winning translation to life. Reading good books nourishes the soul and helps one better understand the world and others. And literature is, above all, one of life's great pleasures!”

Ms. Priti Paul, Director of Apeejay Surrendra Group, said:

“Our support for the Choix Goncourt de l’Inde is not merely a philanthropic gesture; it is a foundational investment in the future of Indo-French literary dialogue. Apeejay Trust and Oxford Bookstores’ unwavering commitment to strengthening the cultural and literary architecture between India and France is made manifest through this strategic alliance with the French Institute in India. By empowering Indian publishers and placing professional translators in the vanguard of cultural exchange, we execute our mandate to ensure this initiative leaves a profound and enduring legacy.”

This new chapter of the Choix Goncourt de l’Inde not only showcases the depth of contemporary French literature but also empowers Indian students and translators to play a central role in shaping the future of Indo-French cultural dialogue.

About the Goncourt Prize

The Prix Goncourt was instituted in 1862 by brothers Edmond and Jules de Goncourt. Initially conceived as a lifetime stipend for emerging authors, it has evolved into France’s most prestigious literary award. Today, the winner receives a symbolic 10-euro cheque but sells hundreds of thousands of copies, making it one of the most influential prizes in the francophone world.

About the French Institute in India (IFI)

The French Institute in India (Institut Français en Inde) is the educational, scientific and cultural department of the Embassy of France in India. It facilitates academic and scientific exchanges, promotes the French language, and supports collaboration in arts, culture, education, and innovation.

About Apeejay Trust

Apeejay Trust, established in 1974, is a welfare trust of the Apeejay Surrendra Group. At the forefront of the group's Sustainability & Social Responsibility Initiatives, the trust spearheads numerous community interventions aimed at making a positive impact. Apeejay Trust plays a pivotal role in providing financial assistance and essential resources to a wide range of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and institutions, which are engaged in public welfare, and charitable projects that address a gap and fulfil the needs of underserved communities.

To know more about the social initiatives of Apeejay Group’s welfare trusts, visit http://www.apeejaygroup.com/charitabletrust.html

Kinetic Green, Power Solutions Introduce 15-Minute Rapid Charging Solution For Electric 3-Wheelers , Including e-Rickshaws And e-Carts

Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Ltd., India’s leading manufacturer of electric three wheelers (e3W) and electric two wheelers (e2W), today announced a strategic alliance with Exponent Energy, pioneer of rapid charging technology. In a landmark breakthrough for India’s electric mobility space, the companies are introducing the nation’s fastest charging solution for the L5 & L3 e3W category — the largest, fastest growing and most widely used segment in the country, comprising e rickshaws and e- cargo carts. This integration promises to redefine operational efficiency and productivity for last mile mobility operators across urban and semi urban India.

Under this collaboration, Kinetic Green's popular L3 models—including Safar Smart, Safar Shakti, and Super DX—now feature 15-minute rapid charging technology, enabling quick top-ups during short breaks and extending daily operating hours by up to 30 percent.

The L5N Safar Jumbo loader, a high-speed performance logistics vehicle in the L5 category known for exceptional payload and range, offers faster turnaround times through 15-minute charging—directly translating into more trips, higher earnings, and improved returns for both individual owner-operators and fleet operators. Similarly, the upcoming L5M passenger variant, capable of speeds up to 50 km/h and designed for longer intercity routes, will also adopt this advanced charging technology to maximize daily utilization.

Exponent Energy’s proprietary full-stack platform—comprising cutting-edge battery technology, smart charging network, and intelligent software—empowers Kinetic Green vehicles with 15-minute rapid charging and industry leading 3000-cycle warranty maximizing lifetime value of the asset. The joint solution is designed for seamless charging across Exponent’s growing charging network, while the integrated digital platform offers real time state of charge tracking, predictive maintenance alerts, and data analytics for fleet optimisation.

Speaking on the announcement, Dr. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green, said, “This partnership marks a defining moment for India’s electric three-wheeler sector. By bringing the country’s first 15-minute full charge solution to e rickshaws and cargo carts — the backbone of India’s urban last mile mobility - we are empowering owner operators, small & large fleet operators to achieve unprecedented uptime and efficiency. Our customer-centric approach drove this exclusive strategic partnership for our L3 e3W category to offer our customers the best cost of ownership. This partnership accelerates our mission to democratize green mobility, making sustainable transportation accessible and affordable for all while propelling the development of India's EV infrastructure.”

Mr. Arun Vinayak, CEO and Co-Founder of Exponent Energy, added, “At Exponent Energy, our mission is to make EVs the easiest choice – and that means solving real problems for real operators. This collaboration allows us to embed our rapid charging platform into the entire portfolio of e3Ws in India — spanning both L5 & L3 segment — delivering unparalleled speed, reliability, and scalability to operators and creating a blueprint for the future of electric transport.”

To immediately support Kinetic Green customers, Exponent Energy’s network of over 160 charging stations across four cities will be made available to the e3W fleet. Over the next 12 months, this infrastructure will expand rapidly into major metros and tier II /III cities. Exponent’s cloud-based charging dashboard will also be integrated into Kinetic Green’s fleet management app, enabling operators to schedule charges, optimise routes, and maximise vehicle uptime with ease.

This partnership is aimed at accelerating Kinetic Green’s leadership in fast charging integrated e3W solutions, with a special focus on the high growth L3 segment & cement Kinetic Green’s position as the dominant force in India’s e3W sector.

About Kinetic Green:

Kinetic Green is one of the leading players in India’s electric vehicle sector, offering a wide range of electric 3-wheelers and electric 2-wheelers – manufactured in a state-of-the-art production facility near Pune, Maharashtra to advance green mobility solutions aimed at India and global markets. Helmed by Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, a third-generation scion of the Firodia family, Kinetic Green is dedicated to building a robust pan-India EV ecosystem and developing sustainable solutions to reduce carbon emissions, with a vision to democratise electric mobility, and to bring EVs to the mainstream- accessible to not just the classes, but to the masses. Kinetic Green has formed a Joint Venture with the world’s leading luxury brand, Tonino Lamborghini of Italy, to develop a range of Electric Golf Carts and Lifestyle Carts for the global markets. To fuel its aggressive growth plans, the company recently secured $25 million in its Series A funding round from UK based PE fund, Greater Pacific Capital.

About Exponent Energy:

Exponent Energy, founded in 2020, is a Bengaluru-based full-stack energy company enabling safe and rapid charging for commercial EVs. The proprietary platform combines the battery pack, pump, and connector to deliver 0-to-100 charges in 15 minutes. With a mission to simplify energy for EVs, Exponent’s stack seamlessly integrates to deliver a holistic charging ecosystem. Its technology, built on standard lithium-ion cells are scalable and adaptable across multiple commercial vehicle categories.

Overcoming Financial And Geographic Barriers To Cancer Screening In Underserved Areas

By Dr. R V Raghunandan, Senior Consultant - Radiation Oncology, HCG Cancer Center - Ongole

Despite the tremendous medical progress, we have achieved, one truth that continues to challenge our healthcare system - early detection saves lives, but not everyone gets the chance to be screened in time. In India’s underserved and remote regions, barriers such as financial constraints, limited infrastructure, and lack of awareness still prevent several people from accessing timely cancer screening. The result? Late-stage diagnoses, higher treatment costs, and reduced chances of survival.

As someone who has worked closely in the field of oncology outreach, we have witnessed how these barriers shape the cancer care landscape. Fortunately, change is possible - and it’s already begun. But to truly make screening accessible to every individual, no matter where they live, we must rethink how we deliver healthcare at the grassroots level.

The unequal fight against Cancer

Imagine a woman in a small village in Odisha or a farmer in rural Maharashtra. They may never have heard of mammograms or colonoscopies. For them, hospitals are hours away, and even a simple check-up means losing a day’s wages. This everyday reality makes preventive health checks feel like a luxury rather than a necessity.

According to various health studies, cancer patients in India are diagnosed at advanced stages, when treatment is more complex and expensive. The reasons go beyond medical availability, they stem from social, financial, and cultural divides.

Financial barriers: Many families prioritize daily needs over preventive healthcare. A screening test costing even a few hundred rupees can seem unaffordable when it competes with food or school expenses.

Geographic challenges: Rural and tribal belts often lack diagnostic centres. Even when facilities exist, traveling long distances without reliable transport becomes a deterrent.

Awareness gaps: The stigma and fear surrounding cancer persist. People still believe that a diagnosis is a death sentence, making them avoid screening altogether.

Bringing screening closer to the people

One of the most effective solutions lies in decentralizing cancer screening. Instead of expecting people to come to hospitals, healthcare providers and policymakers are finding ways to provide screening facilities to them. Mobile screening vans equipped with digital mammography and cervical screening tools are already reaching smaller towns. These units not only perform tests but also create awareness through community talks. For many villagers, it’s their first interaction with a trained oncologist or nurse.

Additionally, community health workers are playing a transformative role. By educating families during home visits and organizing local screening camps, they bridge the gap between modern healthcare and rural realities. Their familiarity with local culture and trust within the community make them powerful allies in the fight against cancer.

Making screening Affordable and Inclusive

Affordability remains at the heart of this issue. While India’s Ayushman Bharat scheme and several state-run programs have expanded access to free or subsidized cancer screening, more needs to be done to reach those who fall through the cracks.

Public-private partnerships are emerging as a game changer. Collaborations between hospitals, NGOs, and government bodies help pool resources and expertise. Some healthcare organizations have even adopted subscription-based screening models, low-cost plans that allow individuals to get regular check-ups without a hefty upfront fee.

Equally crucial is digital integration. Telemedicine platforms now enable oncologists in metros to guide screenings in remote centres. AI-based tools are being piloted to read screening results faster, helping rural health workers detect early signs of cancer even in low-resource settings.

Awareness: The first step toward change

No solution can succeed without awareness. Community campaigns, local influencers, and survivor stories are vital to dismantling myths around cancer. When people learn that early detection can turn a potentially fatal disease into a manageable one, fear slowly gives way to empowerment.

Simple, relatable messages can make a difference, informing that a 10-minute screening could save a life, or that treatment success rates increase manifold when cancer is caught early. Schools, panchayats, and local radio stations can all be powerful allies in spreading this message.

A Future without Barriers

If there’s one thing experience has shown, it’s that cancer care is not just about hospitals or doctors - it’s about accessibility, trust, and awareness. Every time a woman gets her first mammogram at a mobile camp, or a farmer learns about oral cancer screening through a local drive, we take a step closer to health equity.

The vision for the future is clear: no one should miss a cancer screening because of where they live or how much they earn. By building collaborative systems that blend technology, compassion, and outreach, India can bridge the gap between urban and rural care.

Because when it comes to saving lives, distance and income should never decide destiny.

After Transforming Lives Across India, Malabar Gold & Diamonds Scales Its Hunger-Free World Initiative Globally

Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the world’s 5th largest jewellery retailer and one of India’s foremost champions of corporate social responsibility, has announced the expansion of its flagship Hunger Free World initiative to Ethiopia. On the heels of its transformative success in India as well as Zambia, the initiative now enters its next phase of growth on the African continent.

Rooted in India’s ethos of compassion and collective progress, the Hunger Free World model represents how Indian enterprise can build global impact from local success. By consistently investing 5% of its net profits—more than double the mandated CSR allocation in India —Malabar continues to redefine the scale and sincerity of corporate social responsibility, translating its proven India-based framework into a global movement against hunger and educational inequity.

The announcement was made at an event held at the Malabar International Hub in Dubai Gold Souq, where Mr. Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman of Malabar Group, officially handed over the Letter of Intent to H.E. Asmelash Bekele, Consul General of Ethiopia in Dubai. The ceremony was attended by senior members of the Malabar Gold & Diamonds management team. The Hunger Free World program is one of Malabar Gold & Diamonds’ most impactful ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) initiatives. Currently, the program provides over 85,000 meals daily across 170 locations worldwide. Its expansion into Ethiopia follows the program’s success in Zambia, where over 900,000 meals have been served across three schools since May 2024.

“Hunger Free World has been one of the most meaningful ESG initiatives championed by Malabar Group. As a responsible jeweller, our commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond business. The millions of lives positively impacted by this program stand as a testament to our vision of sustainable and inclusive growth. By partnering with the Ethiopian government, we will be investing over USD 864,000 over the next two years, with a goal of reaching 10,000 children with daily meals by the end of 2026, as well as infrastructure development to promote educational excellence”, commented Mr. M.P Ahammad, Chairman of Malabar Group.

“Community upliftment has been an integral part of our brand DNA since our inception. Through the Hunger Free World initiative, we have seen how access to daily nutrition can transform not just individual lives but entire communities. Extending this program to Ethiopia is another step toward our mission of eradicating hunger and fostering education equity globally. We are committed to making a measurable, lasting difference in the lives of children and families who need it most”, commented Mr. Abdul Salam K.P, Vice Chairman of Malabar Group.

The expansion of the Hunger Free World program aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Gender Equality, and Partnerships for the Goals. The project in Ethiopia will adopt a community-centric approach, engaging parents, teachers, and local authorities, and partnering with local schools, suppliers, and stakeholders to generate employment and ensure local ownership.

“The expansion of the Hunger Free World initiative to Ethiopia is driven by our steadfast belief that access to nutritious meals and quality education forms the foundation of a brighter future for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background. In the initial phase of the program, we shall be working with 5 schools at Adama City, located in Oromia region, which has around 11,000 children. In addition to the school feeding program, our initiatives in Ethiopia will also include scholarships, mentorship programs, digital literacy, library development, and more. With the invaluable support of the Ethiopian government, this mission reflects our commitment to holistic development and sustainable impact”, commented Mr. Shamlal Ahamed, MD-International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds.

ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) initiatives have been the primary commitment of Malabar Group since its inception in 1993. The company demonstrates this commitment in each country where it operates. The key focus is in the areas of Health, Hunger Free World, Housing, Education, Women Empowerment & Environment. The ESG goals of Malabar Group are periodically strengthened to remain a socially conscious and responsible organization.

Editor’s Note

Malabar Gold & Diamonds was established in 1993 and is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate.

With an annual turnover of $7.36 billion, the company currently ranks as the 5th largest jewellery retailer globally and today has a strong retail network of over 410 showrooms spread across 14 countries in addition to multiple offices, design centers, wholesale units, and factories spread across India, Middle East, Far East, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia & New Zealand. The group, owned by more than 3,500 shareholders, has more than 27,500 professionals from over 26 countries working towards its continued success. Malabar Gold & Diamonds also features an online store www.malabargoldanddiamonds.com providing customers the opportunity to purchase their favorite jewelry at any time and on any day from the comfort of their homes.

The group also operates MGD – Lifestyle Jewellery, a retail concept offering trendy and light weight jewellery that represents the independent and the modern woman through its designs and collections.

Mojawhraty by Malabar is the latest retail concept from the brand, exclusively catering to Arabic audience globally. Mojawhraty blends Arabic tradition with modern elegance.

ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) has been the primary commitment of the group since its inception. The key ESG focus area of Malabar Group are Health, Housing, Hunger Free World, Education, Environment and Women empowerment. Integrating the principles of responsibility and sustainability into its core business, Malabar Group periodically strengthens its ESG goals to remain a socially conscious and responsible organization. The group contributes 5% of its profit to such initiatives in the same country of operation.

Children’s Day Programmes Held At Malabar Group’s 1531 Micro Learning Centres Across India

Malabar Group, one of the world’s leading jewellery retailers, organised Children’s Day activities at its 1531 Micro Learning Centres (MLCs) across India. The celebrations were held for sixty thousand children supported by the centres and were led across the network of MLCs by senior representatives and community dignitaries. The programmes began with the distribution of sweets and set the tone for a day dedicated to learning, inclusion, and care.

 

The MLCs support underprivileged children who were forced into labour or had to drop out of school due to social and economic challenges. Each centre provides one year of age-appropriate primary education and helps children transition back to formal schooling.

 

Parents, local leaders, police and health department officials, and Malabar Group teams took part in the celebrations at the centres. Children engaged in learning activities and interactive sessions designed to encourage participation and confidence building.

 

The centres also provide nutrition support, offering milk, fruits, and eggs as part of the daily routine to help children learn with better concentration. Trained graduates from local communities serve as teachers, following a ratio of one teacher to forty children. So far, about thirty thousand children have been brought back to formal education through these centres.

 

Speaking on the occasion, Malabar Group Chairman M. P. Ahammed said that the initiative connects two essential needs for children: nourishment and learning. “A child learns better when they feel secure and cared for. Nutrition strengthens their ability to study, education gives them direction, and together they help shape a future where each child can support themselves with dignity. Our Micro Learning Centres reflect this belief and form an important part of our wider CSR commitments,” he said. The centres operate under the Group’s Hunger Free World initiative, which distributes one lakh five thousand food packets daily in India and also supports communities in Zambia and Ethiopia. 

The Group has invested more than three hundred and fifty-six crore rupees in social welfare programmes. These efforts have positively impacted over seventeen lakh beneficiaries. Key focus areas include women’s empowerment, healthcare support, educational scholarships for girls, and the Grandma Home initiative, which provides shelter and care for elderly women.

Tick Off Your EDM Bingo: 6 Global Heavyweights Set To Take Over India Soon

Nostalgia has quietly become the biggest trend in India’s music culture — not as a throwback, but as a full-blown mood. Gen Z is joining the club reclaiming the very tracks millennials enjoyed at festivals, clubs, dorm rooms and road trips. The artists who once owned our aux cables are back on repeat, slipping into reels, gym circuits, late-night drives and pre-game rituals like they never left, now performing India’s stages soon! The nostalgia loop is about to hit its best version: loud, live and backed by the kind of city-by-city crowd chaos that only India can deliver.

 

Which one refuses to leave your playlist and more importantly, are you ready to feel it live?

 

1. . ‘Take Over Control’ by Afrojack

The opening beat alone feels like a throwback to when EDM took over every playlist in the country. Afrojack’s sound is loud, stadium-ready and unapologetically fun, the type that makes strangers at a festival turn into best friends. He’s played in India and every set becomes a “remember that night?” moment. This track is pure “standing on your toes waiting for the drop” energy that you must witness during his India tour in November 2025 as he heads to Mumbai, Bengaluru and Delhi-NCR.

 

2. ‘Titanium’ by David Guetta

You can try pretending you’ve moved past him, but the second ‘Titanium’ kicks in, the room reacts. Guetta’s strength is simple: he knows how to land a track exactly where the crowd wants it. He’s performed in India before and now he’s returning for Sunburn Festival adding that familiar mega-festival energy fans swear by.

 

3. ‘Play with me’ by Sara Landry

This is the hardcore pick. Sara Landry has turned heads in India before and is lined up to headline Sunburn Festival this year. Hard techno, no fluff. If you’re the kind of person who wants the beat to hit deep, she’s your artist.

 

4. ‘Sun Is Shining’ by Axwell

This track is practically a festival memory on its own. Axwell hits right in the sweet spot of big-room energy but never outdated. This December, he returns to India for Sunburn Festival, bringing that classic, goosebump-inducing big-room energy that defined an entire era of nightlife.

 

5. ‘Lean On’ by DJ Snake

Some songs don’t just top charts, they define an entire era. ‘Lean On’ is that global anthem that turns every commute, house party and festival into a moment of pure, hands-in-the-air nostalgia. For India, it’s practically a cultural artefact - a track that still gets crowds screaming the first note. With DJ Snake’s long-standing love for India and his electric performances here, the excitement only builds every time he’s back on home turf, ready to set off another wave of collective euphoria in February 2026 taking a massive 6-city India tour.

 

6. ‘One Kiss’ by  Calvin Harris

There are hits, and then there are Calvin Harris hits, the ones that play at brunch, weddings, gyms, clubs - everywhere. ‘One Kiss’ is one of those “collective serotonin” tracks that millennials will forever claim as a personality trait. Harris will be making his debut in India with a 3-city tour in April 2026, which only makes conversations hotter! 

If anything, this wave proves that electronic music is growing its shared cultural thread. These tracks aren’t just being heard; they’re being felt, rediscovered through festival line-ups, Arena tours and the collective high of a crowd waiting for a drop they already know by heart.