Music
Electronic music festival taking place in Parvati Valley from Dec. 29 to 31, 2024 has partnered with techno community SheLikesTechno in the hopes of creating a safe space for women
A female concert-goer at hip-hop artist Russ’s Mumbai show in 2022. Photo: Courtesy of Avrik Live
The upcoming debut edition of techno-focused music festival Eden of Sounds is bringing over 65 artists on stage across three days at Palm Bliss Riverside Resort & Spa in Parvati Valley, Himachal Pradesh to mark the new year, but they’re also introducing a new area – a lounge area specifically for women festival-goers.
Teaming up with techno community SheLikesTechno, the festival – which runs from Dec. 29 to Dec. 31, 2024 – will have a women-only lounge that has a separate bar, a “relaxation zone” with foot reflexology and head massages, a thrift shop, plus merch counter. The lounge also promises “Women Essentials” that includes complimentary sanitary products, warmers and firms offering everything from artisanal candles to face art and tattoos.
The SheLikesTechno festival pass for females is currently priced at ₹6,999, likely an incentivized fare compared to the current phase three general festival pass, which is priced at ₹9,999. A couple pass for all three days of Eden of Sounds, however, is priced at ₹12,999.
While safety of women – and the general public, regardless of gender – has often been overlooked or not nearly given enough attention by big-ticket music festivals in India, a separate section for women has been adopted by other countries, like Soundstorm festival in Riyadh. Whether attendees fully utilize these sections remains to be seen.
SheLikesTechno founder Aparajita Misra says in a statement, “This partnership with Eden of Sounds is about creating a cultural shift in how festivals can empower and celebrate women. Together, we’re offering a space that’s not only safe but deeply inspiring for women to explore and enjoy electronic music without limits.”
Eden of Sounds organizers Techno Takeover India added in a collective statement, “Our mission has always been to create experiences that go beyond music—where connection, nature, and community thrive. Partnering with SheLikesTechno for the women-only lounge is a step toward making women feel safe, valued, and celebrated at our events. At TTI, we’re committed to creating inclusive spaces built on trust and shared joy. This New Year’s celebration marks a meaningful step toward a safer, more connected community.”
Held across three days and two stages, Eden of Sounds brings in DJ-producers such as Miami-based Stan Kolev, Spain-origin Linear System, Germany’s Jonas Saalbach, Indian veteran Ash Roy, Los Angeles/Tel Aviv duo Silver Panda, Germany-based Paji, Avantika, Sao Paulo-origin Black Hertz and more.