MUMBAI: Listed as one of the world’s best festivals to experience in 2018 by USA Today, Holi Moo! has announced its line-up for 2 March edition that features BLOT!, hip-hop stage takeover by Azadi Records featuring rap star Prabh Deep, a percussion ensemble curated by Ethno India founder Suchet Malhotra and a special, never-seen-before tribute to Old Monk featuring some of Delhi’s favourite musicians, among other acts.

Now a tradition for music fans in Delhi, Holi Moo! has grown from a modest, informal, jamming session at a farmhouse among a few musicians in 2006 to a multi-genre, multi-stage music festival.

Inspired by the festival Holi, which signifies the end of winter and the start of spring, Holi Moo! combines the traditional revelry and irreverence of the festival of colour, Holi, with a mix of music, art and culture that finds lots of takers with audiences from around the world. Foreign visitors comprise 60 per cent of the Holi Moo! audience, with people travelling from as far as Colombia and Australia.

Four stages: THIS, THAT, WHICH, WHAT

Like every year, there will be multiple stages showcasing different genres – world music, indie, electronica and hip-hop. Each stage has been curated by industry tastemakers, ensuring names and sounds that are exciting and established.

The opening act of the festival, on THAT stage, will feature percussionists from different parts of the world, introducing people to some of the world’s oldest instruments from the Peruvian cajon and the Aboriginal didgeridoo beating to the chants of ‘Anke dje anke be’ (everyone gather together in peace) on the West African Djembe. Curated by Ethno India founder Suchet Malhotra, the World Drum Ensemble will feature drums and India (Rajasthan and Punjab), Cuba, Peru, Spain, Iran, Egypt, Guinea, West Africa and Ghana.

Performances on THAT stage will also include The Breathpulse Trio, headliners of the World Mouth Harp Festival in India and Tritha and Friends, wherein Baul artists collaborate with French musicians and classical dancers to weave a unique, colourful, world-folk musical story.

The indie stage named THIS stage, which has over the years showcased new sounds and collaborations, will feature a special tribute to Old Monk, curated by Paul Schneiter and Sarabjit Chadha. An ever-evolving collaboration, Jacques in the Box will feature with writer/poet Palash Krishna Mehrotra, pianist Stefan Kaye, vocalist Dhawal Mudgal and many more.

The electronica stage, called WHICH stage is set against the backdrop of a 13th century monument and will be headlined by one of India’s most popular dance music DJ and producers, BLOT! as well as a back-to-back set featuring Tech Panda and Kenzani, Galelio Goggle and Which Brew?

The fourth stage or WHAT stage, will introduce a colourful smattering of the sounds of hip-hop via a takeover by musically conscious Azadi Records. Artists scheduled to perform on this stage include one of India’s fastest rising rap talents, Prabh Deep, new kids on the block Seedhe Maut, accompanied by MC Soopy.

Also scattered around the festival will be singers, artists, dancers, puppeteers, storytellers, jugglers, magicians, movers and shakers of status quo curated by Puneet Sikka’s ARTEREE.

What else to expect at Holi Moo!

It’s not just genre-defying music that one gets to savour at Holi Moo! The essential Holi Moo! to-do list includes playing with eco-friendly, organic gulaal (available in abundance) and taking a dip in the inflatable pools dotted around the venue. Stilt walkers, roving minstrels and dhol performers add to the festive fervour, while attendees get to savour traditional Holi delicacies and international culinary favourites in an environment that’s safe, secure and welcoming for all age groups. Specially-crafted colourful cocktails for the weekend are always a big draw at the bars, as are the herbal concoctions that the festival is known for.

Details

City: Delhi

Date: 2 March

Day: Friday

Venue: Holi Moo Barn, Asiad Village Lawns

Tickets: Rs 2,500. Tickets are available at http://www.holimoofestival.com/

Timings: Noon to 7 pm