If you’ve heard that the best time to visit Goa is during the Dec-Jan period, it’s not for nothing. Given that these months are peak season, a whole array of music and arts festivals set up shop here — Goa Sunsplash in January is one we recommend you check out if reggae music is your thing!
The three-day festival is India’s largest celebration of reggae music and culture and is all set to get you swaying to those groovy beats between January 10 and 12. Sunsplash began in 2016, and since has become one of the much loved festivals in India’s festival circuit. While the main festival will be held at Riva Beach Resort in Mandrem, the stages are split across three distinct spaces — Arambol Grove, the largest stage where audiences are treated to live bands and iconic performers; Lions Den — powered by the hand-built 10,000 Lions Sound System — which will host selectors and MCs, and Mandrem Verandah, which overlooks the Arabian Sea and will see DJs keeping the party going till 10 pm every night.
Over the last few years the festival has hosted several reggae legends and this year, the line up is no different. One of Britain’s most influential reggae singers, Macka B — a veteran rastaman, will play the main stage. Another key attraction is the first all-female reggae sound system in Australasia, cheekily called Housewife’s Choice, that will make its debut in Goa this year. Britain based fusion band, The Turbans (who also closed the Goa Jazz Festival) are sure to get you dancing, with their eclectic music. That apart, O.B.F (Original Bass Foundation) from France, London-based Earl Gateshead, as well as other stellar bands and musicians who will indulge you in various sub-genres of reggae and dub music.
Another big up for the festival for bolstering the cause of the environment and climate change. Following up on its initiative to introduce reusable cups at the festival in 2019, the fifth edition will see a collaboration with ‘CarryYourOwnBottle’ a local Goan initiative which help eliminate the sale of plastic bottles at the venue. Plans are also afoot to organise a beach clean-up in Mandrem ahead of the festival.
