#BanSunburn Sees Religious Groups Target India's Biggest EDM Festival

Sunburn Festival is the target of recent backlash over concerns of substance abuse and noise pollution.

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Publish date:: Dec 17, 2019

Chetan Morajkar

Sunburn Festival is the target of recent backlash over concerns of substance abuse and noise pollution.

As one of the fastest-growing EDM markets, India must endure societal growing pains similar to those faced by electronic music hotspots worldwide over the years. Outcry over the negative impact of Sunburn Festival has recently reached a fever pitch, with the hashtag #BanSunburn trending as a result.

"Drug mafias, addiction and vulgarity" are among the concerns raised by Sunburn's detractors, many of whom belong to religious groups. Leading the charge was Sanskriti Raksha Mohim, a group who also cite noise pollution and other environmental impacts as grievances.

Sunburn has taken place annually since 2007. It was initially held in Goa's Vagator Beach but relocated to Pune, Maharashtra in 2016. Incidentally, the same year Indian lawmakers had discussed potentially banning the festival.

The 2019 edition of Sunburn Festival will return to Vagator Beach in Goa from December 27th-29th. Martin Garrix, Flume, The Chainsmokers and DJ Snake are among this year's headliners. Find tickets and additional information here.

H:T: EDMTunes