IPRS Opens Registrations For Soundscapes Of India 2026, Returning To New Delhi

The Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS), in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has announced the return of Soundscapes of India, India's flagship Music Market & Showcase Festival. Scheduled to take place from August 29–31, 2026 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, registrations are now open for artists, music industry professionals, students and music enthusiasts.

Positioned as India's premier music market, Soundscapes of India is designed to connect Indian artists with festival programmers, booking agents, record labels, publishers, promoters and international buyers. Unlike a conventional music festival, the showcase format focuses on creating professional opportunities through performances, networking and business collaborations.

This year's edition is centred around the theme "The Joy of Discovery," celebrating India's rich musical diversity while creating pathways for artists to access global audiences, international touring opportunities and cross-border collaborations.

The festival is supported by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Sangeet Natak Akademi and MusiConnect India, reflecting a collective effort to strengthen India's creative economy, preserve its musical heritage and expand its cultural influence globally.

Over three days, the festival will feature more than 25 curated showcase performances, a dedicated Breakout Stage, and One-to-One Pitch Sessions that will enable artists to interact directly with festival bookers, promoters and key industry decision-makers from India and overseas. These engagements are expected to open doors to festival bookings, publishing partnerships, international tours and collaborative projects.

The 2026 edition will also host one of its largest international delegations to date, bringing together representatives from leading festivals and cultural organisations across Europe, Africa, North America, Asia-Pacific and Australia. Delegates from renowned events including Celtic Connections, Manchester Folk Festival, Ethno Port Festival, She Arts Festival and Bushfire Festival will participate alongside programmers and cultural leaders from countries including the UK, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, Hong Kong, Egypt, Australia, Tanzania and Nepal.

Several of India's leading festivals, including Ziro Festival, Hornbill Festival, Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, Serendipity Arts Festival, Echoes of Earth, BLR Hubba and Mahindra Blue, will also be represented. The event will feature 30 Festival Spotlight sessions, offering insights into how artists are selected and booked for festivals across India and internationally.

Beyond live performances, Soundscapes of India will offer mentoring sessions and professional development programmes covering international touring, export readiness, artist branding, networking and sustainable career building. Participants will also receive guidance on international grants, artist residencies, co-production opportunities and government-supported funding schemes.

The festival will open with an inaugural ceremony featuring senior officials from the Ministry of Culture, followed by a keynote on India's growing role in the global music economy. A key highlight will be the launch of India's Music Creator Economy: It's a Good Time to Be in Music, a report prepared by Ernst & Young, examining the country's evolving music ecosystem.

The programme will also include a series of policy discussions, keynote sessions and roundtables exploring topics such as cultural exports, music tourism, festival ecosystems, indigenous music, artist mobility and the role of music in strengthening India's cultural diplomacy.

Adding to the experience, the Discovery Pavilion will showcase live busking performances, rare Indian musical instruments, interactive cultural exhibits, networking spaces and immersive installations celebrating India's diverse musical traditions.

Scheduled from August 29–31, 2026, Soundscapes of India will bring together artists, industry stakeholders and cultural leaders from more than 20 countries, featuring 50+ performances and 30 Festival Spotlight sessions, reaffirming its position as a key platform for showcasing Indian music on the global stage.