BOMBAY-ADDA

       It was an amazing place to be. The Sula vineyards at Nashik, was brought back to life as it celebrated its 6th annual festival- Sula Fest 2014. This music festival, held by India’s most accessible and popular winery was held on the 1st and 2nd of February. Nashik, a quiet district of Maharashtra which is a 2 hour drive from Mumbai city, suddenly became the buzz of the entire town as Jaguars, Ferraris and other luxury cars lined up the dusty approach to the entrance of the venue of the festival. People were pouring in from places near and far only to be part of this two-day affair.I checked in at the Royal Heritage hotel in Nashik and in no time, set off for Sula. While many visitors came to witness the tour, tasting sessions, courses and events offered by Sula, others of course, came for the love of music.

       Arriving much earlier than the fest hours, it disappointed me to see a small area that the fest was planned to take place in. Deciding to keep myself at it and have the best time irrespective of the initial dismay I headed to a place where people were allowed to engage themselves in the wine making process. The activity no doubt was captivating, but I was looking for more. My wait ended sooner than expected.In no time, the venue was flooded with people and the stage was all set to see performances of exuberant calibre. With the entire place lit up in the setting sun, the fest high creeped right back.

       The fest this year had some big artists lined up for performances. Performers included not only western bands like Deep Forest but also big Indian names in the field of music like Swarathma. These bands created beautiful magic and set the stage ablaze. To add to this, the festival had a separate stage set up for DJs specializing in EDM (electronic dance music) from all over the world. It was an enthralling sight as DJs were out give the young crowd a taste of what they knew best.

       Amazing contrasts, fun times, and not to forget that day two on main stage was opened by the legendary Saint Germain, with a mixed live and electronic set using multiple instruments, voice, and electronic dub beats. He had people dancing in the scorching sun at 3pm!That kind of music combined with gourmet food and heavenly wine from the vineyards of Sula, who would trade that for anything eh?

-Riviera Vaz