Memorable, musical and magical

Sunburn, one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals, came to life at Goa with thousands of dance music enthusiasts from across 50 countries congregated at Vagator beach to celebrate Electronic Dance Music

Heralded as party destination of India, Goa in its true sense throws people in a jubilant mood. And with the dash of events like Sunburn makes the land of sun, sand and spirits an ultimate party cocktail for the motley crowd.

The 4-day music fiesta started on December 27 and saw thousands of people from all over the world coming together to celebrate the movement electronic dance music has created world over. Dance music aficionados were spoilt for choice with a huge line of international celebrity artistes like Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Martin Garrix, Kygo and David Guetta.

A picturesque sunset, cool breeze, high spirits and musical extravaganza is all one needs to bid adieu to 2015 and usher in the New Year in all musical fervour. Stellar stand-out sets from a number of different dance genres pulsed through Vagator Beach throwing people into trance.

There were spectacular gigs by the world's finest electronic artists who performed alongside their Indian counterparts to give music fans the experience they seek as an annual ritual. Genres like trance, house, electro, techno, drum & bass, psychedelic, experimental – Sunburn Goa covers all these giving people a varied choice to have a gala time.

With more than 150 artists and about 248 hours of music spread across 5 high octane stages including Main Stage, Label Stage, Experimental Stage, Techno/Deep House Stage and Psy Stage gave music enthusiasts completely varied and individualistic experiences within the overall festival.

The event also had an on-site camping, artist and fan village. The campers were positioned atop the hills and had a panoramic view of the tranquil land. The animated flea markets, multiple adventure sports and lip smacking gastronomical delights added to the mega celebrations. People were soaked in spirits and were immersed in the music. Ferris wheel and bungee jumping increased the adrenaline rush for the campers and music aficionados.

The EDM fest is known for its huge sets. An astonishing 200 feet plus Main Stage was erected this year. The larger than life stage – a sanctum sanctorum for the artists – was titled ‘Empire of the Sun’ and it drew inspiration from Indian ethnicity with the cranium of Ashoka taking centre stage on a chariot. It was a delight to watch international DJs performing on such a mammoth stage and it added another feather in the cap of Sunburn.

Apart from the eye pleasing main stage, the event also had a ‘Star Wars’ themed stage giving that extra oomph to the fans of the epic saga. The event saw fans dressed as the eponymous Darth Vader to the storm troopers making the event more iconic.

Sunburn is just not an EDM festival but the biggest party of the year with a larger than life experience. India’s favourite international DJ’s like Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, 19-year-old music prodigy Martin Garrix and Grammy winning DJ, David Guetta left the audience in frenzy. The fans stomped and raised hands to cheer for their much loved DJs.

The ninth edition of Sunburn marked the debut of Norwegian DJ and record producer Kygo in India. In his first performance in the country the young artist with his tunes swept the people of the floor. Kygo started his performance with the deep house, down tempo hit maker “Firestone” and “Habits”. It was an overwhelming sight to watch thousands of people chant the lyrics and dance their cares away to tropical house beats. Amazing laser works, lights and confetti made the performance even more special.

Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn said, “Sunburn Goa 2015 was truly magical in every aspect. The event witnessed a colossal turnout with some of the biggest headliners. The event was streamed live and watched by over a million of fans across the globe with on-ground participation from more than 50 countries. Sunburn 2016 will get only bigger as we will enter our 10th anniversary celebrations next year.”