Music is often described as the most profound magic, a force that transcends barriers, stirs souls, and creates connections in the most unexpected ways. While festivals like Coachella and Tomorrowland dominate global headlines, and India boasts vibrant celebrations like Sunburn and the Ziro Music Festival, there’s one festival that feels like stepping into another realm altogether—a festival hidden in the desert, where music intertwines with heritage, and every note tells a story.
In the heart of Rajasthan, amidst golden sands and starry skies, lies a celebration unlike any other. Here, a 17th-century palace becomes the stage for an experience that feels both surreal and timeless. The air carries a mystical charm, the cold desert nights whisper secrets of the past, and the regal yet bohemian ambiance transforms every moment into something extraordinary. This is the Magnetic Fields Festival, where music meets magic under the vast desert sky. And the journey to this enchanting destination is as simple as booking a cab from Jaipur.
Magnetic Fields 2024 – A desert wonderland of music andmystique
Since its debut in 2013, Magnetic Fields has established itself as Indian Coachella because of its vibe. In its seventh year now, Magnetic Fields is a weekend music festival set not just in a 17th-century palace, but in a palace in the middle of a desert in a small village called Alsisar in Rajasthan. The festival extends way beyond music; it’s where history, tradition and talent come together to give visitors a surreal and magical escape.
This year the three-day Magnetic fields festival 2024 will take place from December 6 to 8 at Alsisar Mahal, providing the perfect backdrop for Magnetic Fields’ handpicked music and art showcase.
What to expect at Magnetic Fields?
The best underground music, a crazy three day party, lazing in the desert, making tattoos in a teepee, watching the sunset from the rooftop, flying kites, drinking in an underground dungeon, attending secret parties, star gazing, meditating with fellow travelers and dancing the night away in a heritage Rajasthani palace is just a part of the magic you can expect at this festival.
You can also find the scion of the royal family of the town, Abhimanyu Alsisar, dancing at one of the secret parties at the palace. Along with the music, expect engaging visuals, lots of fashion moments, food markets, several dedicated bars, handcrafted games, and possibly bumping into long-forgotten acquaintances.
Artists Performing at Magnetic Fields 2024: A Lineup Like No Other
Magnetic Fields 2024 boasts an eclectic mix of global and local talent, bringing a spectrum of sounds to the desert. This year’s lineup includes electronic heavyweights like Nicola Cruz and Sofia Kourtesis (Live) alongside soulful creators like David August (Live) and Midland, who’s set to deliver a marathon 5-hour set. The festival also celebrates milestones with acts like 20 Years of Hyperdub: Kode9 & Scratchclart and 10 Years of Rhythm Section: Bradley Zero, Wallace & Private Joy, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge beats.
Folk meets futurism with Fieldlines, where V.I.V.E.K (Live) collaborates with Rajasthani maestros like Bhanwari Devi and Kutla Khan, creating an unforgettable auditory journey. Rising stars such as Sid Vashi (Live Debut), PANELIA (A/V Debut), and Sublime Sound bring fresh sounds to the festival, while stalwarts like Jane Fitz, Gene On Earth, and The Ghost promise to keep the vibe alive. From the soulful performances of Cousin Kula and Shubh Saran to the electrifying energy of DJ Voices and Nikki Nair, Magnetic Fields 2024 offers something for every music lover.
With live sets, debuts, and boundary-pushing collaborations, this year’s lineup ensures that every moment resonates with magic and melody under the desert skies.
The Stages at Magnetic Fields 2024 – An Immersive Musical Experience
Magnetic Fields 2024 offers a stage for every musical soul, each uniquely designed to captivate and inspire. Here’s what awaits at this sonic paradise:
Left-Field Experimentation
For the brave and curious, this stage showcases avant-garde performances that push musical boundaries. Expect unexpected sounds and innovative artistry.
Straight-Edge Techno
The heartbeat of Magnetic Fields, this stage delivers unrelenting energy through the finest techno beats, designed for those who live to dance.
Lush Live Instrumentation
A harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, this stage celebrates live performances where instruments tell stories as vivid as the music itself.
Soulful Singer-Songwriters
An intimate escape into lyrical worlds, this stage is for lovers of heartfelt storytelling and soul-stirring melodies.
Crate-Diggers’ Delights
Home to DJs and collectors who thrive on the thrill of discovery, this stage is where rare gems and deep cuts come to life.
Authentic Folk Arts
Celebrate the essence of Rajasthan and beyond with performances steeped in culture and tradition, connecting the past with the present.
Escape to the World of Stories
Step into a sonic narrative where music and words intertwine, creating journeys that transport you to new dimensions.
The Room for Unwinding
Take a breather without missing a beat. This space offers chilled-out vibes and laid-back sounds, perfect for unwinding.
Magnetic Fields 2024’s stages are more than platforms—they’re experiences that embrace every nuance of music, culture, and creativity, making it a festival like no other.
Things to do at the festival
For the souls who are not satisfied with the musical sessions going up till 4 am, you can throw up yourself to secret after-parties or party-till-dawn, try your hands at kite flying to enjoy breathtaking views of the sunrise in the desert.
You can also indulge in early morning yoga sessions; immerse yourself in the legendary treasure hunt, get better acquainted with the night sky with stargazing workshops, find your own little pocket of paradise and lose yourself in our Bedouin dens; secret areas and feast on local delicacies that are given an alternative twist.
The crowd
Since the passes are not cheap, so is the crowd. You can expect gypsy souls, creative spirits and happy energies from different corners of India as well as from all around the world. These people are well-behaved and extremely fun to party with.
Accommodation
There are two types of accommodation provided by the festival.
1) Palace Stay:
The best way to experience Rajasthani royalty is to spend a night in one of these Palace Rooms. The grand courtyards and the magnificent heritage suites give you an opportunity to live like a king for three days. These rooms are likely to sell out first so make sure to book it well in advance.
2) Desert Camping:
Adjacent to the palace, about 100 meters away is this huge camping site where they have all sorts of lodging options. These tents are ideal if you want to explore the whole nomad experience in a desert. The luxurious tents, under the starlit sky accompanied by firewoods to keep you warm, is an option that beats any luxury suite! These are available for single, two-, three-, four-, or six-person sharing basis, with a choice of separate compartments within tents if needed. The prices range from Rs 13,000 to Rs 89,900.
3) Personal Tents:
You can bring your own tent and gear too or rent sleeping bags from the check-in counter.
How to Reach?
The fastest and the smoothest way to reach Magnetic Fields is to fly down to Jaipur and then drive down to Alsisar. For a hassle-free travel experience, book your cab from Jaipur here. You can also get there via train. Trains run on a daily basis from Sarai Rohilla, New Delhi to Sadulpur Junction. You can reach under 4 hours followed by a minimum time of 45 minutes in a taxi from Sadulpur to Alsisar.
What to carry?
- Lots of warm clothes and a portable heater because it gets extremely cold at night.
- Remember, you will be partying in the middle of the desert so there would be no ATMs around. It is wise to carry sufficient cash.
- Carry portable chargers because the phone battery drains faster in the cold weather.
- Pack your own toiletries and don’t forget medicines in case of emergencies.
- Carry all your luggage in a backpack as it’s compact and thus will occupy less space in your accommodation. Also, you can easily carry it around.
Step Into the Magic of Magnetic Fields 2024
Magnetic Fields 2024 isn’t just a music festival; it’s a transformative experience where music, art, and culture come together in a timeless desert setting. From the captivating performances to the enchanting stages, every moment at this festival is designed to leave you spellbound. Whether you’re dancing under the stars, soaking in the regal charm of a 17th-century palace, or losing yourself in melodies that transcend time, Magnetic Fields is a celebration of creativity and connection like no other.
And the best way to experience this unforgettable journey? Download the Savaari app for a seamless ride to the venue. With Savaari, you can travel comfortably to the festival and return home with ease after dancing the night away. Let your focus stay on the magic of the festival, while we take care of your travel.
Last Updated on November 21, 2024 by Shabari Shankar
