Pranav Birje | Senior Correspondent
The inaugural edition of the India Soul Fest took Mumbai on a transformative journey of wellness, music, and mindful living from October 26th to 27th, 2024, at Jio World Drive, BKC. This unique event seamlessly blended soulful experiences with vibrant celebrations, establishing a new era of holistic harmony.
Amidst the fast pace of urban life, the India Soul Fest served as a sanctuary for like-minded seekers, fostering self-discovery, healing, and inner peace. Through its thoughtfully curated lineup of workshops, musical performances, and community events, the festival created an immersive space for those seeking balance across mind, body, and soul.
The Wisdom Wave sessions featured insightful conversations with renowned personalities such as Jaya Kishori, Smita Jayakar, Terence Lewis, Ashdin Doctor, and Urmi Kothari (the founder of Kinetic Living). These sessions ignited meaningful reflection, laughter, and emotional healing, offering practical wisdom to inspire attendees on their personal growth journeys. Master Vani Kabir also brought her unique touch, enhancing the atmosphere with her philosophical insights.
The musical lineup stood out as one of the festival’s highlights. Kabir Cafe enchanted audiences with soulful renditions of Kabir’s poetry, blending traditional lyrics with modern melodies. The evenings came alive with Sufi rhythms and folk tunes, creating an atmosphere of joy and cultural celebration. As the day transitioned into night, DJ Mihir Chandan took over with electrifying beats and live percussion, transforming the open-air venue into a dancefloor beneath the stars. The energy, amplified by the backdrop of the mystical Western Ghats, resonated with the audience long after the performances ended.
Visitors immersed themselves in the enchanting world of the Oracle Oasis, which offered Tarot readings, coffee divination, angel messages, pranic healing, and crystal therapy. This space provided attendees with opportunities to gain clarity, align spiritually, or simply indulge in the mystical environment, leaving them feeling refreshed and recharged.
The Fun and Flashback Zone provided storytelling sessions and creative outlets, especially for children. Art therapy and dance workshops allowed young attendees to express themselves freely, creating artworks and cherished memories to carry forward.
In the Transformation Zone, wellness experts like Abundantly Anushka, Lavanya Rastogi, Tianna Khambatta, and Aditi Chandanani led workshops on stress management, mindfulness practices, and nutrition. Visitors also explored the Zen Den Arena, where they engaged in breathwork, sound therapy, and Japanese healing therapies, helping them reconnect with their inner calm and restore emotional balance.
The Creative Expression Studio allowed participants to heal through painting, drumming, and crafting. Interactive installations, including the Manifestation Wall, Doodle Wall, and Gratitude Wall, encouraged creativity, introspection, and appreciation, deepening the festival’s transformative impact.
The Soulful Souk offered a vibrant flea market featuring handmade treasures, sustainable fashion, and holistic products. In parallel, the Soulful Bites food arena served a variety of healthy meals, ensuring that attendees stayed energized throughout the two-day experience.
At its core, the India Soul Fest celebrated the themes of balance, joy, and self-reflection. Attendees had the opportunity to meditate, dance, heal, or simply absorb the festival’s vibrant energy. The event was not just about wellness but about embracing life mindfully and joyfully, setting a new benchmark for holistic festivals in India.
Kinjal Makwana, Joint Managing Director of OMCPL and the curator of the event, reflected on the festival’s success _“India Soul Fest was a dream turned into reality — a space where people paused, reflected, and reconnected with their inner selves. Our goal was to create an experience that celebrated wellness, creativity, and conscious living while building a community that uplifts and inspires. It was about finding joy in balance, harmony in chaos, and growth in every moment, and we were thrilled to witness the soulful journey unfold”_
