Three years in, Lollapalooza India has ironed out its wrinkles and settled into its own. The first edition in 2023 was exciting but chaotic—dust everywhere, never-ending drink queues, transit issues. 2024 felt like the festival had hit its stride, and by 2025, it had truly found its groove. The production was tighter, the sound sharper (mostly), and the crowd felt like it was truly there for the music rather than just the spectacle. People dressed up, people showed up. I’d spent the weeks leading up to the festival convincing myself to try something new, fashion-wise. I ended up at H&M, picking out a loose linen set and layering on jewellery I snagged at the checkout line on discount, something I’ve never really done before. Loose linen pants are a godsend for any outdoor event in Mumbai—breathable, comfortable, and surprisingly put-together when paired with sneakers. Day two was a different story: all black, tank top, jeans, sneakers, sling bag. I wanted something I could move in, and by the time Green Day took the stage, I was grateful for it.
Speaking of Green Day—it was hands down the festival’s peak. Watching Billie Joe Armstrong hand a random guy in the audience his Les Paul after playing Dilemma was surreal, but what really got me was the sea of people in red ties and smudged eyeliner, paying tribute to his signature American Idiot look from the mid-2000s—a friend of mine showed up with his partner in matching fits, and I couldn't help but squeal. Between the bunny mascots hyping up fans, some jaw-dropping production value and even a blimp, this was the closest to the likes of Glastonbury and the like I've ever seen in India—a proud moment for the country on a trophy winning night, it seemed.
Conversely, day one had been more about discovery for me. Glass Animals was the set I had circled on my schedule, but I found myself drifting to new sounds—Dot’s set was hypnotic, Jonita Gandhi had the crowd eating out of her hand—during her late afternoon set as well as while sharing the stage with Cory Wong—who in turn paid Zedd a visit onstage during Day 1's closing hours. There was something about this year’s curation that made exploring effortless. The only minor letdown was the sound quality at the Johnnie Walker Stage—muffled in parts—but the Corona Stage delivered. The best part of Lolla, though, is what happens beyond the stages. I met someone who had the exact same tattoo as me, completely by chance. We compared stories, laughed about how weirdly small the world is, and by the end of the night, we were making plans for the next gig we’d attend together. It’s moments like these—fleeting but strangely significant—that make festivals feel magical.
H&M leaned into this exact kind of magic with The Sound of Style, an activation that blurred the lines between fashion and music. Their megaphone-shaped runway was impossible to miss, offering attendees a chance to step up and own their moment. Festival-goers could also design their own album covers, merging personal style with their love for music. Even Lisa Mishra and Kayan (Live) dropped by for acoustic performances, making the space feel less like a brand setup and more like an organic part of the festival.
Logistically, this was the smoothest Lolla India yet. Entry, exit, and crowd management were all on point. The March heat was brutal, though, and I still think the festival desperately needs more shaded seating areas. Mumbai isn’t getting any cooler, and with the shift from January to March, that’s something they’ll have to address.
Sustainability and accessibility took a step forward this year—misting stations, shaded zones, and improved PWD access were noticeable improvements. The Tag Your Kid initiative was a thoughtful family-friendly touch, as was the streamlined refund system for festival band balances. The effort was there, and it showed.
Now that the dust has settled (literally), I can confidently say this was the best Lollapalooza India yet—even with last year's Sting-fronted excitement. But there’s still room to grow. More experimental acts, a return to cooler months, and even more space for the unexpected—whether it’s artists pulling off impromptu collabs or just fans finding new ways to make the festival their own. Who’s next for 2026? My money’s on Foo Fighters. Or Linkin Park. Why not both?
