SulaFest is back after a five-year hiatus

The venue for SulaFest
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

When I attended SulaFest in February 2020, the world felt carefree, brimming with energy. Little did I know that a month later, the pandemic would alter life as we knew it. Looking back, those two days at Sula Vineyards stand out — not just for the music but for the festival’s charm: its setting on a working vineyard, rolling hills, and a community of like-minded revellers coming together to celebrate music, wine, and life itself.

Unlike sprawling music festivals that overwhelm with size, SulaFest has always been intimate. The location, with its amphitheater, offers a unique indie vibe far removed from the commercial frenzy of larger festivals. And yes, there is always wine tasting and grape stomping — a playful reminder of its roots.

A patient return

While many festivals rushed back after pandemic restrictions eased, SulaFest’s organisers took their time. After a five-year hiatus, it is making a thoughtful, much-anticipated comeback on February 1 and 2, 2025, bringing fresh energy.

RITVIZ
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

This year’s lineup focusses on showcasing India’s thriving music scene, with acts such as DIVINE, Ritviz x Karan Kanchan, Oaff & Savera, When Chai Met Toast, Dualist Inquiry, and Madboy/Mink taking the stage. The shift from heavy international headliners to homegrown talent reflects a conscious decision. “By highlighting local talent, we aim to create a platform that not only resonates deeply with our audience but also supports and celebrates creativity within our own borders,” says Rajeev Samant, CEO of Sula Vineyards.

New twists on an old favourite

SulaFest 2025 is not just about music. This edition introduces wine cocktails and the innovative Sula in Cans, catering to both convenience and style. For wine enthusiasts, interactive tasting sessions with sommeliers provide a deeper appreciation for Sula’s wines and perfect pairings.

When Chai Met Toast
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Rajeev notes that these innovations reflect their goal to enhance the guest experience: “We wanted to balance our festival’s timeless charm with new ideas, ensuring that regulars and first-timers find something memorable.”

Over the years, SulaFest has built a reputation as a must-attend event on India’s festival calendar. Nirmika Singh, founder of MOX Asia and former executive editor of Rolling Stone India, fondly recalls catching performances by Jungle in 2019 and Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv in 2017. “It created a sense of community. You’d see septuagenarians and teens enjoying the same space — a rare feat for festivals.”

For journalist Amit Gurbaxani, SulaFest stood out for programming unexpected international acts like Bloc Party and Young the Giant, which drew fans who travelled solely to catch their sets. “They had this knack of surprising attendees with an unexpected international act — artists you wouldn’t typically see performing anywhere else in India. Six years ago, Jungle’s set had a bunch of us renting a bus just to be there. It was that rare mix of discovery and celebration that made it special.”

SulaFest’s return is more than a comeback; it is a celebration of resilience, community, and culture. By blending music, wine, and immersive experiences, SulaFest 2025 offers not just an event, but a moment to savour — a perfect harmony of the familiar and the new.

Festival passes start at ₹2,999, and tickets are now available on BookMyShow