What started off as a small music and harvest festival in 2008 with about 250 people, has now grown into one of India’s biggest music festivals with thousands of visitors. SulaFest has become a big attraction for tourists from all part of the country and presence of a huge number of foreigners. The boost to Nashik’s economy is tremendous in these few days as most hotels get sold out, travel agencies renting out cars for transport, restaurants in the city being full before and after the fest. This big boost also sees a lot of forex entering India and such events only help promote Nashik as a brand. SulaFest has not just remained a wine festival anymore but has become an identity for Nashik.
SulaFest partygoers enjoyed great music, wine, drinks, food, fashion and shopping in the idyllic environs of the winery’s beautiful open-air, Greek-style amphitheater.VERO MODA launched its Spring Summer Collection 2015 at the fest. An additional treat was a super cool fashion show that came with plenty of surprises.
This year’s artist line-up befitted a true ‘World Music Festival’ with the freshest acts – as always a mix of nationwide and internationally celebrated artists.
Headliner YOUNG THE GIANT – who opened for Kings of Leon’s worldwide summer tour – transported the crowd to indie-rock heaven. On the main stage: YOUNG THE GIANT (USA -Indie Rock), GENTLEMAN’S DUB CLUB (UK -Dub, Reggae, Dance), WILL AND THE PEOPLE (UK-Indie, Ska, Alt-Rock), NUCLEYA (India -Dub Step, Electronic), YES SIR BOSS (UK -Desert Blues/Mariachi Rock), CUBAN BEATS ALL STARS (Cuba, France, Spain -Latin, Hip hop, R&B), SPEED CARAVAN (France, Algeria -Oriental Rock, Electro, World), LUCKY ALI (India -Free Form, World), SWARATHMA (India -Folk, Fusion), BOMBAY BASSMENT (India, Kenya -Hip Hop, Reggae, DnB),KEFAYA (UK, Italy –World), SANDUNES (India -Live-electronic, Multigenre), HAMZA FEAT. MANU IDHRA (India, Portugal -Live-electronic, World) and RODNEY BRANIGAN (UK -Progressive Folk Fusion, Acoustic Rock, Texas Blues).
Back and way bigger this year was also the Atmaspherestage where super cool DJs spun some incredible house and techno. Steve Rachmad (NL), Peter Schumann (DE), Sashanti & Mescalito (RU),Ankytrixx (IN)Raimund (DE), Baba Robijn (NL), Jewlung (RU) and Christ Burstein (ARG) were the DJs on this stage.
World-class audio L’Acoustics K1 PA system and 3D visuals greatly enhanced the crowd’s audio and visual experience at the fest.
Rajeev Samant, Founder and CEO, Sula Vineyards says, “Wow – it doesn’t get better than this! 11,000 extatic people having the time of their life. See you next year!”
Commenting on the success of the festival VineetGautam, Country Manager, VERO MODA says, “Every year SulaFest keeps getting bigger and we strive to offer a unique experience to our audience. With an actual on ground VERO MODA store and a stunning fashion show to showcase our spring summer collection, we had two spectacular days. True to the spirit of the brand and the festival, we had a splendid time and will come back to SulaFest next year with much more to offer.”
Alexander Sashanti Sukhochev, Curator of Atmaspherestage, SulaFest says, “What a rocking fest and how exciting it was to see so many beautiful atmas at the Atmasphere stage! Thrilled to have played an important role in creating what was truly The Festival Line-up of the Year!“
Cecilia Oldne, Global Brand Ambassador, Sula Vineyards says, “Cheers to the SulaFest team and our partners! Our 8th edition delivered on all fronts and we were sold out! Trust me – you don’t want to miss the next one!
Few Attractions of SulaFest 2015
- Merchandise Bazaar at SulaFest
SulaFest also saw some good shopping opportunity for festgoers. There were 16 merchandise stalls in the bazaar, which sold everything from neon t-shirts, Warli handicrafts, lamps, jewellery and lots more. All of them were happy with the audience and the turnover. These vendors are looking to come back to the fest!!
- Food at SulaFest!
SulaFest has also become a Gourmet World Music Festival. Some of the best names and offering about 12 cuisines! With names like Café Zoe (Mumbai), Maroosh (Mumbai), Biryani and kebabs from B&BBQ (Prahlad Kakkar, Mumbai), icecream from Dairy Don (Nashik), juices from Good Juicery and lots more!
- NGOs at SulaFest
SulaFest once again gave space to people working for a good cause. NGOs from Nashik were given space for them to interact with the thousands of people who came to the fest. The NGOs included, Sharan (Nashik), Prabodhini (Nashik), iMAD (Nashik), Arpan and PETA. Their feedback has been positive and they are looking being a part of more such events at Sula.
- Tent City
With almost 200+ tents set up, the tent city just besides Sula was the preferred option for many to stay and enjoy the fest. The camp side, surrounded by rolling hills and the fabulous weather in Nashik, made the visitors feel secure and happy of taking the decision to stay there. Camping can become a big attraction for tourists coming to Nashik and this can be explored even more.
- Sangria Room (Activity Zone)
With a day to spend at SulaFest, people need more things to do. The activity zone had tattoo artists, sketch artists, tarot card reader, Grape Stomping, Foot spa and lot games and fun things to do.
Just Nashik 
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