New Delhi, August 2026: India’s musical wealth is as vast and diverseas the country itself—from ancient classical traditions and indigenous sounds rooted in communities across the country to folk traditions and contemporary voices shaping today’s soundscape. Yet, with such abundance comes a fundamental challenge: discoverability.
Soundscapes of India (SOI) 2026, organised by The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Governmentof India, seeks to address precisely this challenge. Returning for its third edition from 29–31 August 2026 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, SOI is evolving beyond the conventional music festival to establish itself as India’s premier musicexchange and showcase platform-connecting the depth and diversity of Indian music with global opportunity.
Reflecting on SOI’s vision, Padma Bhushan Javed Akhtar, Chairman, IPRS, said: “Every region ofIndia has its own voice and musical tradition. Soundscapes of India creates an opportunity for this immense creative wealth to come together, be discovered and find its place on a larger global stage.”
Speaking on building global pathways for artists, Rakesh Nigam, CEO, IPRS, said:“India has an incredible wealth of musical talent and diversity. Soundscapes of India is designed to bring artists and the global music industry onto one platform, helping musicians get discovered, build meaningful connections and access opportunities beyondour borders.”
Through its partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, SOI reflects a broader effort to recognise music as both cultural expressionand a tool for global engagement. The platform brings together discussions on artistic discovery, cultural heritage, creative careers and international opportunities, while exploring how Indian music can build a stronger global presence.
Adding to this perspective, Secretary from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, said:“The Ministry of Culture is committed to preserving, promoting and projecting India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage on the global stage. Soundscapes of India is an important initiative in this direction, as it brings together traditional and contemporarymusical expressions and creates meaningful opportunities for Indian artists to engage with the world.”
At its core, SOI is built around a simple but powerful proposition: discovery should lead to opportunity.
More Than a Music Festival: A Platform Built Around Opportunity
SOI recognises that a showcase is an entry point, not an endpoint. A performance can create visibility, but its real value lies in what follows bookings,touring opportunities, collaborations, co-productions, international partnerships, audience development and sustainable revenue pathways.
This market-led approach is what sets SOI apart. It brings the talent and the business ecosystem into the same space, creating structured opportunitiesfor artists to move from being discovered to being considered, connected and ultimately engaged.
The 2026 edition brings together artists, festival programmers, music markets, showcase festivals, labels and publishers, booking agents, concertpromoters, live venues, government agencies, policymakers, international agencies, cultural institutions, industry leaders, media and influencers.
