India’s first women-only festival announced

India is set to gain its first-ever women-only festival called Sonic Tigress later this month.

The one-day event, launched by media entrepreneur Darshan M, will take place at Phoenix Marketcity in Bangalore on 29 March with performances from several renowned female artists from the country.

Acts set to perform include Sukriti and Prakriti Kakar, Nikhita Gandhi, Aditi Mittal, Wild Wild Women, Meg and the Miracles, Tipriti Kharbangar & Chie Nishkori and Niveditha Ode Linda.

“We live in a world where acronyms like DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) are thrown around a lot, but in reality nothing has changed at the ground level,” Darshan told local press. “Women are still fighting for opportunities. So the whole thought behind this festival is not to give women a seat at someone else’s table, but to build a full table just for them. Sonic Tigress isn’t about inclusion; it’s about owning the stage.

“We live in a world where acronyms like DEI are thrown around a lot, but in reality nothing has changed at the ground level”

“I have personally been to too many events where I witnessed drunk men harass women, and I hope Sonic Tigress would be the beginning of a new experience for women who just want to be able to enjoy themselves without unwanted attention.”

Darshan and his team have gone to extreme lengths to ensure that the festival is 100% women, even asking performing artists to rework the band lineup. “Artists have been very accommodating of our idea and intention,” he said. “Additionally, we will make sure all the support staff, usher, hosts and even security guards are all women. We have also requested the police to provide women constables.”

In addition to music, Sonic Tigress will feature interactive installations, immersive spaces where technology and artistry meet and homegrown boutique brands.

Tickets for the festival are split across three categories: general admission Rs 999 (€10), fan pit Rs 4999 (€53) and VIP Rs 9999 (€105).

Female-focused festivals have popped up around the globe in the last decade, from Brandi Carlile’s annual Girls Just Wanna Weekend gathering in Mexico to Ocesa’s newly launched Hera HSBC in Mexico and All Thing’s Go increasingly popular Washington DC event.

Get more stories like this in your inbox by signing up for IQ Index, IQ’s free email digest of essential live music industry news.

Read More Like This

News|23 Jan 2025

New Polish festival announced, NZ fest relocates

Scooter will headline the inaugural Fajer Festival, while Homegrown festival is moving to a new home in 2026 after 18 years

News|06 Jan 2025

“Women are dominating both the music and live industries”

CAA agent Chris Ibbs analyses the global rise of powerhouse acts such as Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter and Tate McRae

News|07 Mar 2025

Women are driving the future of live music but change is needed

On International Women's Day, The O2's Sam Oldham discusses how to accelerate action on gender equality

News|27 Jan 2025

TCT lineup, Highways fest return announced for RAH

The annual fundraising concert series and Country and Americana festival represent two of the Royal Albert Hall's flagship events

News|28 Jan 2025

Festival Focus: Ruisrock, Finland

In an excerpt from IQ and Yourope's European Festival Report, Ruisrock promoter & co-owner Mikko Niemelä gives his festival health check