After its inaugural edition in August 2024 in New Delhi, music showcase festival and conference Soundscapes of India returns for a second season in the capital, running from Nov. 10 to 12, 2025.
Conceived and presented by the Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) in collaboration with music company MusiConnect India, and supported by the Indian Ministry of Culture, the festival takes place at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre, New Delhi.
While you can check out the full schedule here, we’ve picked seven Indian artists to catch across venues.
Dashugs
Nov. 10, 6:30pm onwards at Unmukt, IGNCA
Leh Ladakh-based band Dashugs have, over the years, become synonymous with Ladakhi folk revival. Expect monastic chants, traditional folk tunes, and the spirit of the Himalayas distilled into a powerhouse set, one that includes instruments like daman, surna, and lingbu with guitars and synth. Members Tsewang Nurboo, Tsewang Phuntsog, Rigzin Norboo, Tsering Motup and Tsering Norbu continue to push the boundaries of what Ladakhi folk has to offer.
Uru Pannar
Nov. 11, 3pm to 6pm at Unmukt, IGNCA
Chennai-based Tamil music ensemble Uru Pannar brings in ancient instruments like the yazh, kudamuzha, and thudumbu and reimagine the sounds of the Sangam era, drawing from classic Tamil literature and thinai poetics. The multi-instrumental ensemble reimagines Tamil folk narratives with modern arrangements and electronic textures.
Younis Majid Rather
Nov. 11, 3pm to 6pm at Unmukt, IGNCA
In addition to being a santoor exponent from Kashmir, Younis Majid Rather is also an actor with the Himalaya Folk Theatre. Drawing from Kashmiri folk as well as Sufi music, his performances often evoke the serenity of the valley while addressing the challenges faced by traditional musicians in the modern industry. At Soundscapes of India, Younis is expected to blend classical Kashmiri compositions with subtle electronic layering, creating a set that connects the past and present.
Panchabhuta
12th November, 7:30 pm onwards at The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre
Fresh off their head-turning performance at Wacken Open Air in Germany earlier this year, Kolkata vedic metal act Panchabhuta will bring their fusion powerhouse concoction to Soundscapes of India this week. Winners of Wacken Metal Battle Indian subcontinent this year, Panchabhuta’s music is fueled by ancient Sanskrit chants, sarod, and ghatam with guitar riffs and stomping percussion. Expect a theatrical performance that dives into philosophies as well as channels the forces of earth, fire, water, air, and ether. “At Soundscapes of India – Season 2, Panchabhuta brings this rare convergence of ancient sound and modern metal to the national stage, a performance that promises to be raw, powerful, and profoundly rooted in India’s spiritual and sonic identity,” a press release adds.
Imphal Talkies & The Howlers
Nov. 12, 3 pm to 6 pm at Unmukt, IGNCA
Imphal Talkies and the Howlers are arguably torchbearers for socio-politically conscious folk-rock from Manipur, known for melding traditional Manipuri sounds with contemporary rock. Founder and bandleader Akhu Chingangbam’s songwriting brings together the stories, struggles, and spirit of the Northeast — often addressing themes of identity, conflict, and hope.
Rain in Sahara
Nov. 11, 2025, 7:30 pm onwards at The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre
Rain in Sahara is an eco-conscious, genre-defying act from Assam. Fusing bits of hip-hop, rock, electronica, nu-metal, and Indian and making it as grandiose and hard-hitting as it can be, the band’s messaging is often rooted in climate justice, social equity, and economic rights. “Their Soundscapes participation will spotlight India’s Northeast as a powerhouse of socially driven, multilingual music,” a press release says.
Black Sapphire
Nov. 11, 2025, 7:30 pm onwards at The Piano Man, Eldeco Centre
Goa-based band Black Sapphire’s songs blur the lines between pop, rock, country and disco in a fun and carefree way. Entrenched in Goa’s live scene as a wedding band. while also playing internationally in the U.K. in 2024, there are English, Hindi, and Konkani covers, including an original Konkani song titled “Rosalina.” “At Soundscapes of India – Season 2, expect Black Sapphire to bring their signature blend of rhythm, soul, and infectious charisma, turning the showcase into a dance floor that celebrates Goa’s vibrant spirit and India’s ever-evolving sound,” a press release adds.
Get tickets for Soundscapes of India – Season 2 here.
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