Music, masti and a meeting of soulmates
If today’s generation has a rue then it is not being born in the 70s. The floral era of wild freedom, revolution and most importantly Woodstock. Though we haven’t worked out the formula for time travel, we can certainly let you in one of the best-kept secrets of this year. The Ladakh Confluence. A crazy melange of art, culture, music and eco-living, this festival is being held at 11,500 feet at the banks of the Indus River from July 15-18, after its runaway success the last year.
In collaboration with the UN Information Centre for India and Bhutan, The Confluence ’10 celebrates their international year of Rapprochement of Culture. From the power-packed line-up of Talvin Singh, Bauchklang, Terrakota and Rajasthan Roots, the festival returns with Karsh Kale, Manu Delago, Christoph Pepe Auer and The Supersonics this year. Rohan Srinavasan, who works with Parikrama Inc. is hoping to hear a lot of bands unplugged and listen to new music. “It is an opportunity to meet a new audience, hear the changed perspectives of the people and discover new music,” he says adding that even old bands are coming up with new stuff and live jamming happening all over the place makes the festival even more interesting.
Yeashu Yuvraj, who is a part of a Hindi progressive metal band called Anvesanah, says it is the only place where he can be himself. “Away from the pretentious Delhi crowd, this is place to meet like-minded people. Everyone who comes here appreciates music and that’s the best part,” he says. Khalid Wani, owner of an event management firm feels the beauty of the place makes the entire experience unforgettable. “It is one of highest locations in the world and camping out there and listening to wonderful music is a concept that can take one’s breath away.”
However, the festival is not all about music. With having gone organic, they have a waste management centre, local handicrafts kiosks, a camp for kids activities, a multimedia exhibition featuring artists, various seminars and happy planet initiatives assorted alongside. Chintan Kalra, the bass guitarist for Parikrama cites going there as a reason for visiting one of his favourite concert sites in the world. “We played once at the banks of the Indus River and going to Ladakh is always nostalgic. Apart from the music and meeting friends, it’s about having a totally spiritual experience,” he tells us.
To book your tickets log in to theconfluence.in and keep your rucksacks ready.
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