An Indian American Dhol band has been invited to participate in the parade from Capitol Hill to the White House following Donald Trump's swearing-in as the 47th US president on January 20. Shivam Dhol Tasha Pathak, a Texas-based Indian traditional drum and snare ensemble, will bring its vibrant beats and energetic rhythms to the heart of Washington, DC, offering the world a glimpse of India's rich musical traditions during the event that will be watched by millions globally, a media release said Monday. This milestone is not just a triumph for the ensemble but also a defining moment for the Indian community in Texas, across the US and the world. It marks the first time a dynamic, high-energy Indian traditional drum ensemble from Texas will perform on such a grand stage, the press release said. “The group's invitation is a testament to the growing recognition of Indian culture worldwide and a celebration of the deepening cultural ties between the US and India,” it added. In the past, the group has performed at a wide range of events beyond religious festivals, introducing global audiences to the powerful sound of the Dhol Tasha – a traditional drum ensemble. Prominent among them include musical concerts, collaborations with African and Japanese percussionists, the Howdy Modi event, NBA and NHL halftime shows, and the ICC T20 World Cup opening ceremony. “However, this performance at the 60th Presidential Inaugural Parade is the pinnacle of their journey. The group's electrifying drumming and unique fusion of traditional Indian rhythms with global influences make them a perfect fit for this international stage," the release said. "Representing Texas, a state celebrated for its cultural diversity, the group also shines a spotlight on the state's role as a hub for multicultural exchange,” it added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 January,2025 04:26 PM IST | Washington, DC | PTIAs Jaipur prepares for the 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival, the Jaipur Music Stage, running concurrently, has released its spectacular line-up of performers. The Jaipur Music Stage will present a diverse array of artists from the Indian subcontinent, offering a rich tapestry of musical genres that reflect a fusion of style, sound, and history. Here is the full schedule: January 30: A Celebration of Khusrau and KabirThe festival opens with a tribute to two historic poets of India: the 13th-14th century Sufi Amir Khusrau and the 14th-15th-century mystic-poet Kabir Das. This evening will showcase their timeless legacies through evocative performances. The Amir Khusrau Project by Abhijit Pohankar, renowned for his expertise in Indian classical fusion and the keyboard, will celebrate the sublime verses of Khusrau through their performance. Dastaan LIVE, an ensemble celebrated for its fusion of poetry, folk, and rock, will bring Kabir’s poetic wisdom to life through the set Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein. January 31: Soulful RhythmsThe second evening will feature soulful performances that blend global influences. Kamakshi Khanna, known for heartfelt lyrics and soothing melodies, will bring a unique style to the stage, blending pop, R&B, soul, and folk musical traditions. Following her performance, Susheela Raman, known for her captivating voice and her unique blend of world music, Indian classical, and experimental fusion, will take the stage alongside Sam Mills, a pioneer in crosscultural music and guitar artistry; Nathoo Lal Solanki, a 13th-generation maestro of the Nagada and Rajasthani folk traditions; and Chugge Khan, an acclaimed performer rooted in Rajasthani folk, Sufi music, and Indian classical fusion. Together, they will deliver a powerful mix of international and Rajasthani musical traditions. February 1: The Grand FinaleThe Jaipur Music Stage 2025 will conclude with an electrifying grand finale. Hrishi, renowned for his genreblending fusion of classical and contemporary popular music, will deliver a performance that redefines musical boundaries and celebrates innovation. The finale will feature Kailash Kher's Kailasa, whose distinctive sound combines traditional instruments with modern beats. Kher’s soulful and powerful vocals have established the band as a prominent name in the Indian music industry. More than musicIn addition to the exceptional performances, the festival will feature a vibrant night market offering a diverse selection of merchandise and cuisine.
07 January,2025 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTo provide an ethereal experience to pilgrims arriving for Maha Kumbh Mela via rail, the Indian Railways has transformed all stations in Prayagraj into stunning centres of art and culture under the 'Paint My City' initiative. According to North Central Railway, the walls of major stations including Prayagraj Junction, Naini Junction, Phaphamau, Prayag Junction, Jhunsi, Rambagh, Chheoki, Prayagraj Sangam and Subedarganj now display exquisite art works depicting Hindu mythology and Indian traditions. "The art works showcase themes such as the Ramayana, Krishna Leela, Lord Buddha, devotion to Lord Shiva, Ganga Aarti and women empowerment, introducing pilgrims and tourists to the cultural and spiritual heritage of Prayagraj," it said in a statement. This initiative is not limited to beautification but also reflects the historical and cultural traditions of Prayagraj, it said. "The art works illustrate the legacy of sages, the guru-disciple tradition and the significance of knowledge and sacrifice, highlighting the city's deep spiritual essence," it stated. Also Read: From travel to health, know all about the special provisions at Mahakumbh 2025 This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 January,2025 03:33 PM IST | Prayagraj | PTIRang De Neela is hosting an art exhibition titled 'ART for HEALTH', which is part of their larger initiative that aims to harness the power of art in improving health literacy, promoting positive health behaviour, and helping individuals and communities manage chronic, acute, and mental health conditions. The exhibition will be on display at Jehangir Art Gallery till January 13, starting today. The art exhibition will showcase a variety of real-world narratives related to health issues, including experiences from cancer survivors, individuals who have undergone organ transplants, pediatric health concerns, general health topics, mental health matters, and women's health. This first-of-its-kind exhibition will feature a unique collection of 45 works produced by skilled artists drawn from across India by integrating health into art that brings hope to several with subtle colours and courageous stories. Rang De Neela’s past initiatives include rural art workshops, the Music for Health Concert, the Walk of Confidence show, and Puppetry for Health Education. A brainchild of the doctor-duo, Dr Ami Shah and Dr Rajiv Kovil, the initiative is inspired by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) scoping report that recognised the instrumental role art can play in healing. Tireless champions of patient and community wellbeing, this duo began by integrating art into their healthcare practice in Mumbai. They are also building and leading an intersectional community of artists and doctors through the HEARTIST Programme. This mission gained invaluable support from senior doctors (including Padma awardees), corporate leaders, philanthropists, leading members of the media, and conscientious celebrities. Over centuries, artists have brought the world face-to-face with the horrors of war and celebrated magnificent victories on the battlefield. But few have brought to life the ‘high-stakes’ conflicts taking place in our everyday lives that is battles against disease and often fatal ailments. Now, this one-of-its-kind art exhibition will depict true inspiring stories through art and creativity that will touch millions of lives. Dr Kovil, who is also the head of diabetology, Zandra Healthcare, shares, “As many as 45 works of art are on display at the Jehangir Art Gallery, each inspired by a true story. These pieces reflect the journeys of individuals, narrated alongside their doctors and caregivers, who share their experiences of hope, courage, and resilience. The exhibition aims to inspire viewers not only to survive but to thrive, even when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. This unique collection is produced by skilled artists drawn from across India, and slated to grace art galleries all over the country, starting with Mumbai.” Dr Shah, who is a co-founder of Zandra Healthcare, added, “The exhibition is a must-see for art lovers, individuals and families struggling with a health condition, and even the general public. Eventually, the exhibits will find a permanent home in a museum of Healing. This exhibition will highlight the importance of art in healing and well-being. It will provide a platform for patients and caregivers to share experiences and inspire others, fosters a sense of community among art professionals, healthcare providers, and recipients of healthcare.” Where: Auditorium, Jehangir Art Gallery, Fort Date: January 7 - 13
07 January,2025 02:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAcclaimed vocalist Raghunandan Panshikar will perform at a tribute concert 'Unsung Kishori' in memory of celebrated Indian classical vocalist and composer Kishori Amonkar on January 11 at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Mumbai at Nariman Point. In 'Unsung Kishori', Panshikar, who is a protégé of Amonkar and Mogubai Kurdikar, unveils unheard compositions. The concert promises to be a unique confluence of music and storytelling. As Panshikar humbly presents Amonkar’s rare compositions, he will weave in personal anecdotes and reflections from his years of training under the legendary artiste. The vocalist's open voice, intricate layakari (rhythmic play), and distinctive taans reflect the Jaipur-Atrauli tradition, while his anecdotes and insights offer a rare glimpse into Amonkar’s world. Kishori Amonkar (1931–2017) redefined Hindustani classical music, leaving an indelible mark as both a vocalist and composer. Her artistry combined profound mastery with unmatched emotional depth. From khayals to thumris and bhajans, Amonkar’s performances were a testament to her belief that music without bhava (emotion) is incomplete. Besides being a vocalist of extraordinary calibre, she was also one of the great composers of her time. Her conviction that there can be no music without 'bhava' (feeling), was unfailingly reflected in her performance and the compositions she created. Compositions like ‘Sahela Re Aa Mil Gaaye’, ‘Nainawa Barase’ or ‘Ganapata Vighan Harana’ left an impression on listeners long after she stopped performing them. Interestingly, a vast corpus of compositions exists which the legendary musician composed, but never performed. These include several bandishes in various ragas as well as bhajans, abhangas and even ghazals. When: Saturday, January 11 Where: Experimental Theatre at NCPA, Time: 6:30 pm Age: Above 6 years; Late entry not permittedDuration: 120 minutesTickets (Inclusive of GST): Members - Rs 315 – Rs 450; non-members: Rs 350 – Rs 500
07 January,2025 12:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI), organisers of the prestigious MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, has announced the second edition of its highly anticipated ‘MAMI Select – Filmed on iPhone’ initiative, expanding its commitment to supporting and showcasing four new filmmakers from across India. Expanding on the success of its inaugural edition, the 2025 programme intensifies its commitment to democratising filmmaking and cultivating emerging talent from across India's diverse regions. Through the provision of exceptional resources and mentorship, the initiative empowers filmmakers to produce compelling short films, thereby fostering a more inclusive and representative cinematic landscape. MAMI Select significantly expands its reach in this edition, opening a nationwide call for applications to discover four emerging filmmakers (applicant filmmakers) from diverse Indian regions. This initiative will showcase the richness of regional cinema through four short films, each between 20 and 40 minutes long and presented in four languages: Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, and Tamil. The broadened scope reflects a commitment to inclusivity and the amplification of diverse cinematic voices across India. The four selected filmmakers will be mentored by an illustrious panel, including multiple National Award-winning actor and director Konkona Sen Sharma, highly acclaimed Malayalam filmmaker Lijo Jose Pellissery, eminent director and producer Vikramaditya Motwane and renowned Tamil filmmaker Vetri Maaran. From pre-production to post- production, these mentors will guide the filmmakers in pushing the boundaries of storytelling using cutting-edge technology.In order to create their short films, the four selected filmmakers shall be provided a grant along with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, MacBook Pro and invaluable guidance throughout the entire filmmaking process from the distinguished panel of mentors. These mentors will provide comprehensive support, from pre-production conceptualisation to post-production refinement, empowering the filmmakers to explore innovative storytelling techniques using cutting-edge accessible technology.The completed short films will premiere at a special screening event, followed by their release on the MAMI YouTube channel, ensuring widespread accessibility and audience engagement. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Festival Director, MAMI states, “As we embark on a new year with a new inclusive vision for MAMI to encourage independent cinema and fresh voices, I am delighted to announce MAMI Select – Filmed on iPhone where for the first time we have opened the call for applications across the country to make films in four regional languages. Selected filmmakers will have the incredible opportunity to work closely with the four outstanding mentors that we have carefully selected from different regional film industries, each of whom are celebrated filmmakers in their own right, making films in diverse languages. I would like to thank our four mentors – Vikramaditya Motwane, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Konkona Sen Sharma and Vetri Maaran for generously agreeing to make time to mentor these filmmakers. I would really like to build on this great initiative so that we can extend this opportunity to many more emerging filmmakers next year.” Vikramaditya Motwane states, “I am delighted to be returning as a mentor for the MAMI shot on iPhone venture. I was completely blown away by the quality of the storytelling and the technical finesse of the short films last year and I cannot wait to see what kind of magic the new batch of filmmakers create this year. I’m also honoured and excited to be working with my fellow mentors and genius filmmakers Konkona, Lijo and Vetri Maaran.” Konkona Sen Sharma states, “I am excited to partner with MAMI on this initiative especially given its focus on enabling and providing a platform to fresh young filmmaking voices.” Lijo Jose Pellisserry states, “MAMI Select – Filmed on iPhone is an excellent initiative to foster the talent of budding filmmakers across India. Given the diversity of Indian cinema, I was so happy to hear that the aim of this programme is to identify and support filmmakers from different regions of India and to give them a platform to show their films. I am honoured that I was invited to be a mentor for the Malayalam film and I look forward to my interactions with the filmmaker and sharing my knowledge and experience. In filmmaking, we are learning every day and I am sure that I will learn as much from this mentorship as the selected filmmaker. I hope to continue my association with MAMI Mumbai Film Festival in the future” Vetri Maaran states, “For every aspiring filmmaker, the words, “yes, you get to make your film now” from a production house or an investor is the biggest moment of their lives until that point and that’s one of the hardest to hear. When MAMI select - filmed on iPhone says that it comes with honour as well! There is a great deal of untapped talent in filmmaking in every part of our country and an initiative like this will amplify new voices that will enrich Indian cinema enormously. I am proud to be invited as a mentor for the Tamil film and am excited to work with the selected filmmaker and see what emerges from our interaction. My best to MAMI Mumbai Film Festival for this programme that will cultivate and promote the filmmakers of tomorrow from every geographic, cultural and ethnic scape in India.” The call for entries is now open, inviting applications from aspiring filmmakers across India. The deadline for submission is January 19, 2024. Detailed guidelines and application procedures are available on the official MAMI website: www.mumbaifilmfestival.com
06 January,2025 03:34 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs the fireworks lit up the sky on New Year’s Eve and several people gathered in public places to ring in the new year, others hosted or attended house parties or just chilled at home. And what are the absolute essentials while bringing in a celebration at home? Well, food and beverages, of course! As per data shared by quick commerce platforms like Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart, potato chips, cold drinks, ice cubes and grapes were among the most-ordered items on December 31. In a post on X, Blinkit CEO Albinder Dhindsa informed that 2,34,512 packets of aloo bhujia and 6834 packets of ice cubes were being delivered around 8:00 PM on Tuesday. Taking to X, Swiggy co-founder Phani Kishan also revealed that “ice hit its peak at 7:41 PM with 119 kgs delivered in that minute”. Another post by Dhindsa revealed that potato chips, crisps, popcorn, soft drinks, chocolates, grapes, etc., were among the top orders of the day on Blinkit. On Swiggy Instamart, the top 5 trending searches were milk, chips, chocolate, grapes, paneer. What caught eyeballs was the number of orders placed for grapes, as social media went abuzz with a growing trend showcasing people around the world pledging to eat 12 green grapes at midnight. Dhindsa revealed that they had already delivered 7 times more grapes by 7:30 PM on Tuesday than they do on a regular day. We've already delivered 7x more grapes than we do on a regular day 🤯And thank you to everyone who explained the tradition in the replies! https://t.co/HOshQuOotK — Albinder Dhindsa (@albinder) December 31, 2024 The tradition of eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve may be traced to an age-old Spanish custom and is believed to manifest good luck and prosperity for the coming year. Several netizens also took to social media to post screenshots of “out of stock grapes” on quick commerce platforms, reflecting the popularity of the tradition. (With inputs from PTI) Also Read: Locals begin new year at century-old ice skating rink in Shimla; climate challenges persist
01 January,2025 08:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPeople from all over the country gathered in large numbers in temples and churches to mark the new year.Whether it was Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Mathura, Varanasi, Ajmer, Tirupati, or Guwahati, people flocked to iconic religious spots to celebrate the day.Amid inclement weather conditions in the national capital Delhi, people commenced their day with morning prayers and 'aarti' at the famous Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place. Similar visuals were there from the Jhandewalan temple in the capital city.Devotees thronged in large numbers to the Kalkaji temple while Chhatarpur temple and Birla Mandir witnessed a mesmerising morning aarti.Visuals from Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh showed a huge large number of people visiting Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple to offer their prayers on the very first day of 2025.The holy city Varanasi and its residents started their day with majestic Ganga Aarti which was performed at Assi Ghat.A significant number of people flocked to Mathura's Banke Bihari Temple to celebrate the day.Prayers were also held at San Thome Church in Chennai, on the very first day of the year.Devotees gathered in huge numbers at Khwaja Gareeb Nawaz Dargah in Ajmer after Jannati Gate opened on the first day of the year.The iconic Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple in Tirupati and Meenakshi Temple in Madurai witness a huge throng of devotees as the day commenced.Devotees also thronged at Mata Mansa Devi Temple in Panchkula, Haryana and Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam to offer their prayers.In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, devotees took a dip in the Ganga river to initiate their first day of 2025.India welcomed the year 2025 with celebrations across the country, as people in various cities marked the occasion with joy and enthusiasm. New Year celebrations began in many cities with parties, cultural events, live music performances, and themed decorations.In Delhi, famous spots like Hauz Khas, Connaught Place, and Lajpat Nagar were filled with large crowds celebrating the New Year. To ensure a safe celebration, Delhi Police made prior security arrangements.In Punjab's Amritsar, people gathered at the Golden Temple to welcome the New Year. Hotels in many cities also hosted special celebrations for the occasion. In Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, people were seen dancing in the streets as they welcomed 2025. Similarly, in Lucknow, people danced and celebrated as the clock struck midnight.As the New Year arrived, many cities witnessed spectacular fireworks displays. In Mumbai, beaches like Juhu Beach, Chowpatty Beach, and Versova Beach were packed with revellers. People also gathered at Marine Drive to watch the fireworks.Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh's Manali, a popular tourist destination, crowds danced and cheered in the streets. In West Bengal, people celebrated with lights flashing from their mobile phones. In Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, fireworks lit up the sky, marking the arrival of the New Year.In Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam, people also celebrated by cutting cakes. In Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore, percussion instruments were played in the streets, while Chennai witnessed a huge crowd celebrating the occasion. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
01 January,2025 11:02 AM IST | Mumbai | ANIAs the world steps closer to 2025, major planetary movements are poised to bring significant changes to careers, relationships, and personal life. Scientific astrologer Greenstone Lobo has provided startling insights into what the new year has in store. In an exclusive interview with midday.com, Lobo shares how distant planets like Pluto, Neptune, and Uranus will dominate the cosmic landscape, shaping everything from global economies to family decisions. Take a look at what to expect in 2025 and how to navigate the challenges ahead: Careers and the economy are set for a year of transformation Economic turbulence and job market disruptions are on the horizon. "Artificial intelligence, which is ruled by Neptune, will continue to rise and replace many jobs, leading to widespread unemployment," warns Lobo. Trade wars and sanctions, particularly involving the US, may further destabilize economies. "Expect economic war and trade sanctions as the US imposes stricter policies," Lobo says, predicting a potential 20% market crash. While economic instability may hit the US hard, emerging economies like India are positioned for growth. Lobo notes, "The US is at a high risk due to economic instability. Countries like India, and many other Asian nations, stand to benefit. While initial irritations may occur, these regions will ultimately see growth." Careers will face unprecedented challenges. "Careers, across the globe, is the sector that will affect everyone," says Lobo. He highlights that individuals born in specific periods (1958-62, 1972-75, 1997-2001) may find success, but adaptability is crucial. "Upskill, stay ahead of the curve, and look for opportunities in emerging fields," he advises, adding that the gig economy and AI mastery are keys to staying relevant. The bright side of economic disruptions offers unique opportunities Economic downturns, while daunting, offer opportunities for growth. "History shows that those who invest during a recession often see the greatest rewards when markets bounce back," Lobo emphasizes. He encourages long-term investments, saying, "If there’s a crash in 2025, the same opportunity to buy at a low price will present itself again. Mutual funds and systematic investments will prove wise." As AI continues to reshape industries, Lobo stresses the importance of embracing new technologies. "The rise of AI and other technological advances means that upskilling is crucial. Career prospects are no longer confined to local markets," he says, encouraging individuals to explore global opportunities. Family and relationships may face significant challenges For those considering expanding their families, Lobo recommends waiting. "With the grey lizard patch in play and Uranus weakening, it may be a challenging year for relationships," he explains. "If you’re planning to have children, it might be wise to delay. The planetary influences aren’t favourable for bringing new life into the world in 2025." With challenging planetary alignments, relationships may face heightened stress. However, awareness and preparation can help individuals navigate these turbulent times.
31 December,2024 05:13 PM IST | Mumbai | Katyayani Kapoor | Joy ManikumarIt was a year of lot of live music for Mumbaikars as they not only witnessed Maroon 5 but also Bryan Adams apart from Ed Sheeran this year. With that, live music grew so much that the buzz around Coldplay intensified to the point where tickets were sold out before you knew it. Being at the forefront of the music scene, here are some of the insights shared by the experts in the city: Anil Makhija, COO - Live Entertainment & Venues, BookMyShowLive entertainment, whether it is through music concerts and festivals, or any other performance acts, have become a mainstay in the social and cultural fabric of India and are certainly seeing a massive resurgence. Over the past few years, there has been a seismic shift in India's live entertainment landscape, with a resounding resurgence of real-life experiences peaking 2022 onwards. As per BookMyShow’s year ender report- #BookMyShowThrowback, 2024 saw BookMyShow offering a wide platter of an extraordinary 30,687 live events across 319 cities, marking a remarkable 18 per cent growth in India's live entertainment consumption in 2024. Interestingly, music tourism surged, becoming one of the defining trends of the year. Over 4,77,393 fans travelled outside their cities to attend live music events. Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour in India saw fans from over 500 cities and 28 States making their way to Ahmedabad, a testament to the magnetic pull of live entertainment. Tier 2 cities experienced a dramatic 682% growth in live events, including markets like Kanpur, Shillong and Gandhinagar, signalling a democratisation of entertainment access across the country. We have seen pent-up consumer demand for live entertainment experiences in India and the desire to be a part of such compelling experiences, has grown significantly with Indians willing to pay for a premium experience when it comes to leisure time. In fact, 2024 saw a 123 per cent increase in fans who opted for premium experiences at live events and a rise in curated event elements - from gourmet food to bespoke merchandise - BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment experiential division of BookMyShow, redefined what it means to truly experience entertainment. VG Jairam, Founder Hyperlink Brand Solutions, Mahindra Blues Festival2024 was a remarkable year for music and festivals in Mumbai and India. There was a significant surge in support for independent and regional talent, with artists singing in languages like Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Punjabi finding major audiences alongside English and Bollywood acts. Festivals leaned heavily on collaborations between international and Indian artists, creating unique fusion performances that resonated with younger audiences. These partnerships helped globalise Indian music while staying rooted in local traditions. With increasing focus on climate change, festivals embraced eco-conscious practices such as zero-waste initiatives, solar-powered stages, and sustainable merchandise. Consumers showed greater preference for brands and events committed to green solutions. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) elements transformed live music experiences, from interactive stages to gamified festival zones. Fans could engage with music and artists like never before, both on-ground and digitally. Smaller, highly curated festivals that focused on niche genres such as blues folk, percussion, jazz, techno gained traction. This trend reflects a shift toward personalized and immersive music experiences, appealing to audiences seeking depth over scale. Electronic Dance Music (EDM) and techno festivals saw a resurgence, with Mumbai emerging as a hub for underground techno movements and all-night raves, pushing the boundaries of India’s nightlife culture. Aman Kumar, co-founder, White Fox, AVA Experiences & Grub Fest2024 was the year Punjabi music ascended to unparalleled heights, redefining the global music landscape. Each artist and promoter elevated the genre, delivering once-in-a-lifetime experiences that transcended boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide. This global takeover wasn’t just about music it was a movement that united our part of the world, radiating pride, cultural richness, and a shared sense of identity. Punjabi music became a beacon of inspiration, proving that our roots hold the power to conquer the world stage. Mohit Bijlani, founder, Team InnovationIn 2024, music tourism emerged as a significant trend across India, particularly in metropolitan areas like Mumbai. Concerts and music festivals became more than just entertainment; they transformed into cultural experiences that attracted audiences from various regions. The combination of live performances and travel opportunities encouraged music lovers to explore new destinations, both within India and internationally. This trend was fueled by the increasing accessibility of events in Tier 2 cities such as Pune, Jaipur, and Kochi, which began hosting unique music festivals that appealed to younger audiences seeking diverse experiences. The presence of international artists significantly impacted the Indian music scene in 2024. High-profile concerts by global stars like Coldplay generated substantial buzz on social media platforms, indicating a strong interest among fans. Additionally, performances by artists such as Dua Lipa and Maroon 5 further emphasized the growing appetite for international acts among Indian audiences. While international acts gained popularity, there was also a notable rise in the recognition of local artists. Events like Karan Aujla’s It Was All A Dream Tour and Diljit Dosanjh’s Dil Luminati Tour and and Arijit Singh’s tour reached millions of fans, showcasing the appeal of homegrown talent on a global stage. The success stories of local musicians contributed to a more inclusive narrative within the Indian music industry. Social media played a crucial role in shaping conversations around music and festivals throughout 2024. Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook and Instagram saw significant engagement during festive seasons with brands leveraging these channels for marketing purposes. The year also marked an increased focus on inclusivity within the Indian music scene. Events celebrated diverse genres and aimed to create spaces where different communities could come together through shared musical experiences. This shift was evident not only at major festivals but also at smaller local events that embraced various musical styles.
31 December,2024 01:48 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoJust when the world has started understanding the differentiation, and unique opportunities and challenges of generations that have come so far, a new generation is already on the horizon. Children born from 2025 to 2039 will be a part of Generation Beta, which succeeds Gen Alpha (people born between 2010 and 2024). As revealed by social researcher Mark McCrindle, who is known for his work on these generation labels, in a blog post, Gen Beta will make up 16 per cent of the global population by 2035. Additionally, many will also live to see the 22nd century. Gen Beta and technology While Gen Z was the first generation who grew up with technology and digital tools and Gen Alpha further deepened this connection by experiencing rise of smart technology and artificial intelligence, Gen Beta’s lives will be shaped even more closely and deeply by advanced tech. They will live in an era where “AI and automation are fully embedded in everyday lives”. According to the blog post by McCrindle, their formative years will be marked by a greater emphasis on personalisation—AI algorithms will tailor their learning, shopping, and social interactions in ways we can only begin to imagine today. Challenges for Gen Beta Technology is a double-edged sword. While this generation will get to experience tech like never before, it can also pose several challenges. Additionally, they will also have to navigate societal challenges like climate change, rapid urbanisation and global population shifts. Additionally, growing up in a hyper-digital world, they will experience social connections differently and will have to prioritise digital safety and maintain balance between online and offline world. “We predict Generation Beta will embody the balance between hyper-connectivity and personal expression. They’ll redefine what it means to belong, blending in-person relationships with global digital communities,” wrote McCrindle. Which generation do you belong to? Silent Generation: Born between 1928 to 1945 Baby Boomers: Born from 1946 to 1964 Generation X: Born from 1965 to 1979 Generation Y (Millennials): Born from 1980 to 1994 Generation Z: Born from 1995 to 2009 Generation Alpha: Born from 2010 to 2024 Generation Beta: Born from 2025 to 2039
31 December,2024 12:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
