Mention Saarang, Strawberry Fields, Rocktaves or Manfest to any guitar-trotting youngster and one you’re bound to be met by reactions of ‘awesome’ and ‘amazing.’ Often regarded as the Mecca of Indian rock, these college rock festivals have been instrumental in shaping independent music in the country. Indus Creed, Parikrama and Pentagram have all been a part of this circuit, before making it big on TV channels like MTV. Providing not just the perfect platform for young talent to battle it out, the festivals are synonymous with great music and spectacular headlining acts.

While amateur bands rough it out with competitions, seasoned gurus like Raghu Dixit Project, Bhayanak Maut or Avial entertain with their performances. Raghu Dixit, who performed at Strawberry Fields this year, says, “Such college rock fests are incredible to play at. With a ready and encouraging audience, it’s the perfect place to sow seeds of your music. Many big bands of today have gone through the grind of college music fests and competitions.”
Venkatesh of Bangalore-based Illuminati, says, “Competing in such college rock competitions is tough. Participation by the best of amateur bands and good judges, ensure quality and the experience of a ‘performance’.” All great Indian bands today have Strawberry Fields or Saarang on their resume.
While this creative system has been in place for more than a decade now, rock festivals of these institutions –– in an effort to stand out –– are taking things up a notch. A. Sanjeev Rao, a member of Saarang’s organising team, says, “While ‘Decibels’ is the festival’s biggest rock competition, ‘Power Chords’ provides the winning band with a chance to open for the headlining act.” Saarang in the last few years has made an effort to be different with performances by foreign bands like Opeth and Hammerfall. Swedish band, Pain of Salvation, will perform in Saarang 2011.
Strawberry Fields, of NLSIU, Bengaluru, is considered the country’s most prestigious rock festival, and prides itself on being unbiased. Arvind Srinivas of the festival’s organising committee, says, “We allow participation from the first 50 bands to register. This ensures different genres of music are heard. While preparations start nearly six months in advance, IIM Luncknow’s Manfest is drumming up excitement on Twitter and YouTube for their festival next year.
Meanwhile, IIT Kharagpur’s Wildfire is leaving no stone unturned to ensure good participation. “This year the winning band will sign a record deal with Sa Re Ga Ma HMV,” says Himanshu Singhal of the organising committee. Taking a leaf out of reality shows, Wildfire is also conducting preliminary rounds around the country.
While these festivals have undoubtedly contributed to rock music in India, there still is room for improvement. Chris Avinash of Retronome, is the longest-serving jury member at several rock competitions. He says, “These rock competitions are part of the evolution of Indian rock music. Nurturing as they are, I find them lopsided towards metal. A lot of honing and tuning is required to channel the talent that participates.”