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It is that time of the year when everyone’s planning their holidays if they aren’t already on one. Booking.com curated a list of all the festivals where people can enjoy unique experiences be it classical folk dance, art camp to <keyword id="535396" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="hot-air-balloon">hot air balloon</keyword> rides or a crash course on ancient tribal lives. Here’s a list of all the festivals Feast of Francis Xavier, Goa <div type="image" title="St. Francis Xavier&amp;#39;s Church" msid="72490439" hostid="261"></div>

 Goa hosts one of the biggest Christian festivals called the Feast of St Francis Xavier in the first week of December every year. It honours the memory of the saint on the date he died. For nine days, Goans from all over the state participate in the festivities and events. The Church services begin at 4 am and thousands of people come together at the Basilica of Bom Jesus to participate in the mass and enjoy the local delicacies and music afterwards. <keyword id="8439247" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Galdan-Namchot">Galdan Namchot</keyword>, Ladakh <div type="image" title="Galdam Namchot" msid="72490420" hostid="261"></div>

 The Galdan Namchot festival in Ladakh commemorates the day of Buddhahood of a Tibetan saint-scholar, Tsongkhapa. It is celebrated on the 25th day of the 10th month of the Tibetan lunar calendar. In 2019, the festival will begin on 21 December. During the festival, Ladakh glitters as monasteries, public and residential buildings are lit up beautifully. Ladakhis begin to celebrate the New Year with this festival which continues till the Dosmoche festival in February. So pack your winter clothes and get ready to relish traditional dishes such as vegetable and chicken noodle soup or thupkas. <keyword id="851515" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="HORNBILL-FESTIVAL">Hornbill Festival</keyword> Kohima, Nagaland <div type="image" title="550da9e3159856bba8735155b022d2cd" msid="72490473" hostid="261"></div>

 Hornbill Festival is celebrated from December 1st - 10th every year in Kohima, Nagaland to promote the richness of Naga culture. People can explore tribals life by living in tribal huts. The dated lifestyle is dated includes using drums and gongs and wearing costumes and wooden carvings. <keyword id="3116802" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="hot-air-balloon-festival">Hot air balloon festival</keyword> in Hampi, Mysore and Bidar <div type="image" title="photo-1549740425-5e9ed4d8cd34" msid="72490492" hostid="261"></div>

 Karnataka hosts one of the most exciting Hot air balloon festival in December. People can attend the festival at three places in Karnataka simultaneously – Bidar and Mysore, as well as the historically significant village of Hampi. Usually, adventurers paraglide in Bidar or bungee jump in Mysore or zipline in the rich ruins of Hampi, and other palaces of Mysore. To add to the fun, every participant of the balloon rides, is given free insurance. <keyword id="91958" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sunburn-festival">Sunburn Festival</keyword>, Goa <div type="image" title="Sunburn festival stage" msid="72490459" hostid="261"></div>

 If you want to dance through the New Year, then Asia’s biggest electronic dance music festival, the Sunburn Music Festival might be the place for you. Held at Vagator beach in Goa, the Sunburn Festival is a three-day experience of amazing music and unmissable lineup with DJ Snake, Chainsmokers and Martin Garrix this year. It will take place from 27th - 29th of December.

From Sunburn Music Festival to Hot Air Balloon Festival -- here are all the places where you can live it up in December

When the winter is right upon us and holidays are back with a bang, can festivals be far behind? It is <keyword id="24087" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="carnival">carnival</keyword> time across India – a time to celebrate and share all things good in true Yuletide spirit. So we bring you seven offbeat <keyword id="6385705" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="events">events</keyword> – a mix of modern concepts and traditional happenings that celebrate the varied and vibrant art and culture of the country. And then there will be Christmas <keyword id="192" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Celebrations">celebrations</keyword> all over India. Let go of your toil &amp; care, and connect to retune your life. Happy holidays! 
 
Life at its exotic best – <keyword id="78069" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rann-Utsav">Rann Utsav</keyword> (<keyword id="6354766" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gujarat">Gujarat</keyword>) It’s a desert <keyword id="58" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Festival">festival</keyword> with a difference. The white salt marsh, spread across some 7,000 sq km in Gujarat, attracts thousands to the Great Rann every year, revealing the many-hued life and culture of <keyword id="6361801" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kutch">Kutch</keyword>. The journey from Bhuj will take you to the colourful Tent City at <keyword id="1967990" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dhordo-village">Dhordo village</keyword> and other exotic locations such as <keyword id="1967991" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Hodko">Hodko</keyword>, <keyword id="1967994" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bhirandiyara">Bhirandiyara</keyword>, <keyword id="144766" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Khavda">Khavda</keyword>, <keyword id="476012" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalo-Dungar">Kalo Dungar</keyword> (<keyword id="226408" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Black-Hills">Black Hills</keyword>) and the <keyword id="656787" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mandvi-beach">Mandvi beach</keyword>. The great white saltpan in the distance looks mesmeric and nearby, you can catch the haunting tunes played by the locals on their jodia pava (twin-flutes). While you are here, <keyword id="76631" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Folk-music">folk music</keyword>, dances, camel safaris and wildlife viewing will fill your days. A stay at the bhunga (egg-shaped mud huts), a taste of the Kutchi cuisine and the exquisite local art will enthral you further. In mid-January, Kutch celebrates the traditional <keyword id="4062388" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kite-festival">kite festival</keyword> <keyword id="90750" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Uttarayan">Uttarayan</keyword> and you can watch the spectacular view as thousands of flying beauties dot the sky. 
When: Dec 15-March 18 
What it costs: Rs 7,900-22,500 plus taxes per person on twin sharing basis. 
Image: Rann-utsav.com 
 
 
 
Shake a leg at <keyword id="91958" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sunburn-festival">Sunburn Festival</keyword> (<keyword id="826" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Goa">Goa</keyword>) If the <keyword id="24879" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sun">sun</keyword>, seas and <keyword id="6354530" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="music">music</keyword> allure you to distraction, it’s time to head for the coastal capital for a rocking experience. Sunburn is the coolest <keyword id="881528" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="electronic-dance-music-festival">electronic dance music festival</keyword> to invade the <keyword id="1834821" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="indian-beaches">Indian beaches</keyword>, now entering Season 7 with pomp and style. With custom stages in the making, numerous genres of music on offer and some world famous DJs &amp; <keyword id="49237" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Artistes">artistes</keyword> debuting, it is surely going to be an electrifying extravaganza that could be the party of parties in Goa. Get ready for some fun, frolic and froth even as the music captures your soul and you can’t stop dancing. 
When: Dec 27-29 
What it costs: Rs 9,250-15,500 per person. 
Image: Wikimedia Commons 
 
 
 
Super fun at <keyword id="1968003" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Vh1-Supersonic">Vh1 Supersonic</keyword> (Goa) Another electrifying <keyword id="6356630" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="EDM">EDM</keyword> (<keyword id="42249" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="electronic-dance-music">electronic dance music</keyword>) event that will be held in Goa this year. A super line-up of artistes and DJs from all over the globe will keep you spellbound with some rocking music while dancing gets even better when you are grooving on the <keyword id="8688" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="SEA">sea</keyword> shore. And guess who is leading the super fest? None other than the electronic music promoter <keyword id="135873" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nikhil-Chinapa">Nikhil Chinapa</keyword> who has left Sunburn and is now starting his own show. The <keyword id="1968004" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Debut-edition">debut edition</keyword> this year is purely for <keyword id="6355317" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Dance">dance</keyword> music fans, but it could be a <keyword id="1968005" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Multi-genre-festival">multi-genre festival</keyword> within the next year or two. So let’s wait and watch the magic happen. 
When: Dec 26-30 
What it costs: Keep a tab, the organisers will soon come up with the ticket pricing. 
Image: Gosupersonic.in 
 
 
 
Wellness fest at Zambhala (Goa) If you are seeking wellness and harmony this <keyword id="6389817" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-year">New Year</keyword>, the <keyword id="1968009" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Zambhala-Yoga">Zambhala Yoga</keyword>, <keyword id="1968008" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Music-and-Life-Spirit-Festival">Music and Life Spirit Festival</keyword> could be the <keyword id="1968010" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Lifestyle-event">lifestyle event</keyword> for you. Debuting this December, it is going to be an annual festival that brings together <keyword id="1968011" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Yoga-experts">yoga experts</keyword>, <keyword id="551676" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="spiritual-teachers">spiritual teachers</keyword>, <keyword id="25205" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="doctors">doctors</keyword>, <keyword id="21324" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Therapists">therapists</keyword>, <keyword id="145052" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="healers">healers</keyword>, <keyword id="6367711" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Musicians">musicians</keyword> and <keyword id="1792" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="artists">artists</keyword> from all over the globe. So that one may nurture the power of self and live with positive energy. The yoga part of the festival is especially interesting as it will focus on various methods of yoga and <keyword id="6388212" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="meditation">meditation</keyword> – all curated to ensure a better and <keyword id="1968013" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Healthier-living">healthier living</keyword>. Then there will be talks and workshops on <keyword id="639756" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="life-skills">life skills</keyword> and <keyword id="1968014" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Alternative-healing">alternative healing</keyword>. Overall, quite a new concept and could be worth joining. 
When: Dec 21-22 
What it costs: Rs 2,800 per person for participation; day passes available at venue for Rs 1,600 while kids under the age of 12 can attend for free. Event to be held at Bardo, Morjim, in North Goa. 
Image: Zambhala.in 
 
 
 
Melody, masti at <keyword id="1968016" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mt-Abu-Winter-Festival">Mt Abu Winter Festival</keyword> (<keyword id="6355588" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Rajasthan">Rajasthan</keyword>) Come December and this hill resort in the heart of Rajasthan pulsates with festive notes. A grand procession marks the beginning, diyas are set floating on the <keyword id="455501" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Nakki-Lake">Nakki Lake</keyword> in the evenings and spectacular <keyword id="54214" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fireworks">fireworks</keyword> light up the night sky. <keyword id="29645" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Performers">Performers</keyword> and <keyword id="6360759" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="artisans">artisans</keyword> from all over the state assemble here, bringing to life the rich culture and traditions of this princely state. Give in to the serene magic of music – the folk, the shehnai and the <keyword id="6401082" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Sufi">Sufi</keyword> strains. Or join the Rajasthani dancers with full zest. The thrilling <keyword id="1968020" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fire-dance">fire dance</keyword> of Bikaner, the graceful <keyword id="1968022" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Ghoomer">Ghoomer</keyword> and <keyword id="1968023" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Terahtali">Terahtali</keyword>, the lively <keyword id="1288524" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kalbelia">Kalbelia</keyword> and the fascinating <keyword id="1622221" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Gair">Gair</keyword> of Mewar are sure to take your breath away. For the adventurous, there’s a long list of contests – rowing, horse races, tug-of-war, gilli danda, <keyword id="6799761" type="SPORT" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kite-flying">kite flying</keyword> and even 20-20 cricket. Shop for exquisite <keyword id="6502685" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Handicraft">handicraft</keyword> and taste the delectable local food to make the most of this colourful carnival. 
When: Dec 29-31 
What it costs: A trip to <keyword id="434732" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mt-Abu">Mt Abu</keyword> suits every budget and starts from Rs 7,000-8,000 per person on twin sharing basis. 
Image: Wikimedia Commons 
 
 
 
The beat of sun, surf &amp; ruins – <keyword id="1968024" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mamallapuram-Dance-Festival">Mamallapuram Dance Festival</keyword> (<keyword id="12864" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Chennai">Chennai</keyword>) If you missed the Konark dance festival in Odisha earlier this month, travel south to the beach town of <keyword id="385028" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mamallapuram">Mamallapuram</keyword> (also known as <keyword id="73041" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Mahabalipuram">Mahabalipuram</keyword>), around 60 km south of Chennai, and soak in the <keyword id="1968025" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Open-air-dance-festival">open air dance festival</keyword>. One can never find a more majestic backdrop with the <keyword id="1968028" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Monolithic-rock-sculptures">monolithic rock sculptures</keyword> and temples rising above the golden shore and the endless waves breaking nearby. This ancient port town of the Pallava dynasty hosts a month-long festival that brings to life classical and <keyword id="522230" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="folk-dances">folk dances</keyword> from all over India – <keyword id="14944" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Bharatanatyam">Bharatanatyam</keyword>, <keyword id="6386949" type="COMPANY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kuchipudi">Kuchipudi</keyword>, <keyword id="255053" type="CITY" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kathakali">Kathakali</keyword>, <keyword id="1300412" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="mohini-attam">Mohini Attam</keyword>, <keyword id="6354459" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="Odissi">Odissi</keyword>, <keyword id="210" type="PERSON" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kathak">Kathak</keyword> and more. The exact venue is close to <keyword id="1968030" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Arjunas-Penance">Arjuna’s Penance</keyword>, a bass relief sculpted on the face of two gigantic adjacent rocks. While in Mamallapuram, you must visit Cholamadal artists’ village and shop for some exquisite handcrafted items. 
When: Dec 27-Jan 26 
What it costs: Most tour operators offer customised pricing, depending on itinerary and package; may cost around Rs 7,000 per person on twin sharing basis. 
Image: Tamilnadutourism.org 
 
 
 
A symphony of Indian traits – <keyword id="1968032" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Cochin-Carnival">Cochin Carnival</keyword> (Kerala) This is one colourful carnival that calls for fun, feasting and revelry. It’s an age-old event and dates back to the colonial days when the Portuguese held <keyword id="9735" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="new-year-celebrations">New Year celebrations</keyword>. Now it offers loads of <keyword id="1783440" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="carnival-games">carnival games</keyword>, <keyword id="1968033" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Beach-games">beach games</keyword>, races (how about some dirt biking), dancing and fireworks. Locals dress up in <keyword id="1968034" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fancy-costumes">fancy costumes</keyword> and the grand finale includes a huge procession on New Year’s Day – complete with drum beats, music and embellished elephants. But just like a full-blooded carnival, it has more to offer that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the globe. While the North and <keyword id="1968035" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="South-Indian-folk-dances">South Indian folk dances</keyword> set the stages on fire, a three-month-long <keyword id="1968037" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="International-exhibition-of-contemporary-art">international exhibition of contemporary art</keyword> (they call it <keyword id="1055137" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kochi-Muziris-Biennale">Kochi-Muziris Biennale</keyword>) was also held across the state in 2012-13. So it should be back next December to delight <keyword id="1643" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Art-lovers">art lovers</keyword> and Aspinwall in <keyword id="6361494" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="Fort-Kochi">Fort Kochi</keyword> is expected to be the main venue for the second edition. 
When: Dec 25-Jan 1 at Fort Kochi. 
What it costs: A week’s vacation in Kerala may cost around Rs 16,000 per person on twin sharing basis (excluding airfare). 
Image: Keralatourism.org

Seven
Indian Festivals You Must Not Miss This December

Starting July 23, fans of electronic dance music festival '<keyword id="6404681" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sunburn">Sunburn</keyword>' and EDM at large, can bid for non fungible tokens (NFTs) by the festival, offered as part of an association with <a href="https://wazirx.com/signup?invite=2kpah6gr&amp;utm_source=business-insider&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=microsite" data-type="tilCustomLink">WazirX</a> Marketplace. Since the pandemic, <keyword id="4668945" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="nft">NFT</keyword>s have been all the rage in the electronic music community, providing a new outlet with several benefits of digital ownership. Empowering individual artists and taking a step towards revolutionizing the music industry at large, the interest in NFT marketplace has exploded tremendously. At par with their global counterparts, there has been a rising interest in <keyword id="3658" type="COUNTRY" weightage="20" keywordseo="India">India</keyword> towards unique digital collectibles, creating an artistic community of creators and collectors via NFT. In a recent survey done by Sunburn among its social media community, 49 per cent of their fanbase expressed their interest to invest in NFTs and are keen to learn more about their upcoming NFT launches. The Sunburn NFTs drop will begin with a round of open editions designed around music and art. NFT collectors can purchase Sunburn NFTs on <a href="https://wazirx.com/signup?invite=2kpah6gr&amp;utm_source=business-insider&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=microsite" data-type="tilCustomLink">WazirX</a> Marketplace with the help of their native <keyword id="4090915" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="WRX">WRX</keyword> tokens, said the two in a joint statement. According to the organisers, the first of Sunburn NFTs on WazirX NFT marketplace will include an extensive lineup of artists and spectacular stage images of the Sunburn festival/Goa over the years and the visual arts of <keyword id="11653206" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="sunburn-ball">Sunburn Ball</keyword>. "NFTs are revolutionizing the music industry by creating new possibilities and experiences for both artists and collectors. Prior to the pandemic, artists relied heavily on touring to break even, but with live music continuing to face an uncertain future, the potential of NFTs hold a huge appeal. As the <a href="https://wazirx.com/signup?invite=2kpah6gr&amp;utm_source=business-insider&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=microsite" data-type="tilCustomLink">NFT</a> community grows, we have understood the landscape better, especially when it comes to music, art and culture. Thus, partnering with Asia's biggest music festival is a step to showcase the unique creations by these independent artists while also reaching out to a wider target audience of music aficionados," says Vishakha Singh, <keyword id="45171" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="VP">VP</keyword>, WazirX NFT Marketplace. As per Karan Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Percept Live, "The music industry is in a rapid state of flux and evolution. We see NFTs and digitization of our business as a giant leap forward and a mainstay to engage with our new age fans." NFTs allow artists to cut out expenses and risks that result from intermediaries and save time by selling directly to their fan base, thus increasing the popularity of crypto-collectibles exponentially. <a href="https://forum.businessinsider.in/">For a more in-depth discussion, come on over to Business Insider Cryptosphere</a> — a forum where users can deep dive into all things crypto, engage in interesting discussions and stay ahead of the curve. SEE ALSO: <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/visa-crypto-debit-cards-are-coming-to-australia-where-the-government-is-mulling-over-new-crypto-laws/articleshow/84441699.cms">VISA crypto debit cards are coming to Australia amid regulatory uncertainty</a> <a target="_blank" class="c-link c-message_attachment__title_link" href="https://www.businessinsider.in/cryptocurrency/news/one-of-canadas-largest-bitcoin-mining-farms-sees-a-50-jump-in-production/articleshow/84437300.cms">Canadian crypto mining company is eyeing Bitcoin worth ₹96.6 crore this month after China’s crypto crackdown</a>

Asia's largest music festival is launching music and art NFTs on July 23

<ul><li>Given the current market scenario, it is essential that event companies approach the project as a focal point instead of the brand. </li><li><keyword id="9867678" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Janak-Vora">Janak Vora</keyword>, CEO, <keyword id="4506560" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="event-capital">Event Capital</keyword> suggest a few ways in which launching a virtual event by utilizing innovative technology can lead to recreating effective consumer experience, all through the comfort of their homes. </li></ul>The <keyword id="9291054" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="event-industry">event industry</keyword> in recent months has undergone a virtual revolution. With the companies looking for increasingly innovative and engaging ways to bring their events to life, it is now the perfect time to explore technological tools/ XR (extended reality) solutions such as - AR (<keyword id="6369782" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="augmented-reality">augmented reality</keyword>) and VR (<keyword id="6369781" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="virtual-reality">virtual reality</keyword>) and create the new generation of <keyword id="9084093" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="virtual-events">virtual events</keyword>. The technologies powering virtual and augmented reality experiences is now more accessible than ever, and are becoming an essential proponent when devising a virtual event. According to Statisca, consumer spending on augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technology is expected to reach around 7 billion U.S. dollars. Total AR/VR spending worldwide is projected to amount to 18.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2020. According to another projection, the overall XR market globally is expected to touch USD 220 Billion by end of 2022. Given the current market scenario, it is essential that event companies approach the project as a focal point instead of the brand. There are various ways in which launching a virtual event by utilizing innovative technology can lead to recreating effective consumer experience, all through the comfort of their homes. <ol><li>3D Merchandise/ Digital Avatars </li></ol>Event organizers can create 3D merchandise or digital avatars that can be used as mascots. These can be available for the consumers to purchase from online stores and act as a great way to build interactivity and can be personalized according to one’s preference. 2. 3D Landscape Event organizers can create a sense of space through- exhibition/stalls/stages. It helps viewers connect with the theme of the event and gives a make-believe feel to them actually attending the event, even as they are restricted at home. 3. 3D Assistance for Guidance A virtual assistant guiding through the landscape or the event can take the viewers for a tour. This can also be a sales assistant or of any other form, depending upon the nature of the event. We recently witnessed these 3D formats being put to use by Event Capital through its IP- ‘The Edutainment Show’. We, at Event Capital, are now taking one step forward and building a Virtual Funtown for our IP WindMill Festival. Utilization of these elements has its own set of advantages that the event organizers can benefit from 4. Creating interactive real-world experiences Event organizers need to find value in the property that they earlier created on-ground and re-create similar spaces (i.e. exhibition stands or experience zones) in the virtual world. Creating hyper-realistic experiences increases realism and also enables the audience to explore and interact with them is the perfect way to make a virtual event a successful one. Consumers have the liberty to explore the virtual space even as their physical mobility is restricted due to distance or any other reasons. This is what our valued community will witness with the upcoming WindMill Festival – Virtual Funtown. 5. Make virtual spaces more interactive and immersive Unique AR tools have the power to provide an engaging ‘try-before-you-buy’ experience to consumers, hence becoming a key element in their purchasing journey. Although the experiences offered through the events is virtual, consumers are interacting within their own real-world and can avail some of these services offline too. Such events present a chance to event organisers to showcase their ideas in a more artistic and rewarding way. An example – Ikea offers its customers the chance to place furniture into their homes with the simple use of a smartphone. 6. Using 3D element as a visualization and executional tool In order to present a graphic representation of a product or a dynamic understanding of an event, organizers can make use of the 3D tool. This would help present a better idea to brands or consumers that they are catering to. We have noticed some unique innovation done by IIFA Stomp, Sunburn Festival, the upcoming Unrated Music and Arts Festival and as the days go by, we are seeing major improvement in the quality of the XR experience being delivered by Event IP owners. However, a word of caution here before we all start anticipating and celebrating the addition of XR experiences into our virtual / on-ground events. The entire ecosystem both on demand side and supply side - products, devices, software, hardware, content etc. has to evolve into a user friendly and affordable solution…at a mass scale. Until that happens, we will have to settle for virtual 3D experiences and soon those will have no differentiators. But yes, I must confess that the events industry in India is working aggressively towards unique virtual innovations and going by the track record, we have hope and positivity.

How can event companies utilize unique 3D elements while creating virtual events

The land of multi culture, technology and neo-rich generation that is well below the age of 28–29 years on an average; is it a surprise that <keyword id="6356630" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="20" keywordseo="EDM">EDM</keyword> is growing many times each year? For a country that is going through rapid urbanisation and comfortably lapping up monoculture, EDMs in India are a growing fad and how! 
 What’s EDM after all? The <keyword id="2927089" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Electronic-Music-Dance">Electronic Music Dance</keyword> (EDM) events are increasing on the Indian calendars and harmoniously blending into the traditional festivals that the country people celebrate. To think that India was never a great stop for international artists to perform or even accept a show in the metros of India till late, EDM scene has really grown manifold. Today, EDM is well a part of Indian psyche, and a <keyword id="825" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="DJ">DJ</keyword> has become somewhat a necessity for every event that involves groups and entertainment. 
 
Just about less than a decade ago, it was completely unimaginable for people to even think DJs could make a decent living and money. A country, which hinged on its traditional form of livelihood, had moved away from agriculture-based economy to urban professions that ensured economic safety such as engineering, medical or dentistry for better future. Choice of entertainment or something of performing arts turning into a career option or a way of earning livelihood was firmly ruled out. Living off entertainment was only for those who decided to take a different path. 
 
Today, all those who took that path are minting money and reaping benefits. All thanks to the changed entertainment scene in the country. With globalisation and economic empowerment, EDMs turned into a gig that aided entertainment and socialisation. This is where the young and middle aged let their hair down and enjoyed their heart out. Though initially, they were a social outcaste, the segment gradually grew to be most potent in India. 
 
How else do you explain the growth of EDMs in India that burst into the social scene less than a decade ago? Just about eight years ago, in 2007, the total capacity of EDM or any dance festivals in India was about a 10,000 people. Today, the number has shot up to more than 3,25,000 and it is simply growing with every passing day. 
 
These numbers don’t even come closer to what India holds as a potential in EDM industry. In the last couple of years, some of the highest paid DJs have moved to harness the vibrant potential of this sector in India. 
 
Home to biggest entertainment industry, India, for sure, is a land of contradictions. It isn’t easy to lay it thread bare and understand the growth. One thing is for sure, the power of new economy is something that fuels India. And it is the same economy that also keeps the fiscals in good health, despite concerns of global economic growth slowing down. 
 
Indian markets are where the world’s entertainment industry can come to breathe. The country is a bunch of contradictions. But, it also enjoys its identity of having been a vibrant culture complete with entertainment across different regions and faiths. 
 
Does this explain why Swedish House Mafia sold 18,000 tickets in Mumbai though they were priced at a premium of Rs 4000, which would have been enough to buy grocery for a small household? 
 
India is shining indeed, and it isn’t too guilty about having the cake and eating it too! 
 <keyword id="24691" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="snoop-dogg">Snoop Dogg</keyword>’s concert in Delhi and Pune was a runaway hit, along with old loyalists clamouring all over to catch a glimpse of their <keyword id="279360" type="POSITION" weightage="20" keywordseo="favourite-singer">favourite singer</keyword> at <keyword id="491551" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Guns-N-Roses">Guns ‘N’ Roses</keyword>. <keyword id="202338" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Carlos-Santana">Carlos Santana</keyword> had to make way for the newbie Tiesto. 
 
Goa’s Sunburn festival is a mega festival that draws crowds in huge numbers. It is no more a mere shack-beach-beer-fenny place with waves splashing on its dunes that would make the tourists happy. Today, Sunburn festival gives them a place to let their hair down and dance to their heart’s content without having a care about the world. Did we say EDMs also had a therapeutic effect on people’s minds as well? 
 Thanks to Sunburn which started in 2007, India today feels at home with names like Avicii, <keyword id="965747" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Dash-Berlin">Dash Berlin</keyword>, <keyword id="3369992" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Armin-Van-Buuren">Armin Van Buuren</keyword>, etc., who have been the most powerful entertainers in the recent times. Soon, this event will be held in Dubai and Sri Lanka too. 
 
The new economy and exploding night life, with Indian minds turning comfortable in their own skin, has helped the EDM scene go a long way in a culturally-strong country. This apart, no matter what the accusations of drug scenes prevailing at EDM events are; the entertainment has found a new path in the country. It is time to wake up, smell the coffee and realise its potential to harness it! 
 
(Image: www.edmmagazine.com)

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How can event companies utilize unique 3D elements while creating virtual events

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