What's more perfect than good music in good weather? Away from the capital's heat, Manali is serving as the perfect getaway for music lovers with its summer sundowners, a month-long music festival, hosting some of the best folk, rock and fusion artistes.
The fest, to be held every Friday and Saturday of June, kickstarted at Manu Rangshala, Rambagh amphitheatre at the Mall here on Friday.
The first day offered refreshing tunes and some heady Indo-western fusion. It started off with Kashmiri singer Saim Bhat — voice behind the song "Dil sambhalja zara" from Bollywood film Murder 2.
A musician from Israel was mighty impressed.
"This is the first time that I am listening to Indian music live. I am in India for two months now but did not get a chance to enjoy such musical performances. I am loving my stay here and this cultural festival has brought life to this place," said Roi Fosh, a 28-year-old musician from Israel.
The extravaganza also hosts Soul film festival, art and photography, motorcycling tours, day excursions to temples and Tibetan monasteries, alternate lifestyle courses, hiking, nature walks and the like for travel enthusiasts.
"The objective for this festival is to promote the concept of responsible tourism and Indian music among tourists," said Vivek Binepal of Soul curators.
As part of the festival, the organisers have also started a cleanliness drive. Volunteers are motivated to make the hills cleaner, spread awareness about harmful plastics and other environmental dangers. Visitors from US, France, Germany and Israel along with locals have enrolled in the initiative to make it a success.