Organised by Arya Hospitality & Entertainment, the Bir Music Festival (BMF) is Himachal Pradesh’s largest independent music and art festival — a 48-hour non-stop celebration of music, mountains, and mindful living. Founded in 2020 by Alakhananda Sharma, BMF has become one of India’s most soulful cultural experiences, blending creativity, sustainability, and community into one powerful movement.
Over 12 successful seasons, the festival has grown from a small local gathering into a nationally recognized platform for original music and art. Accredited by Himachal Tourism and Incredible India, Bir Music Festival stands as a proud example of India’s emerging sustainable-tourism model — a festival that doesn’t just entertain but also empowers.
Bir Music Festival was born from a vision — to create a cultural platform that rejuvenates the spirit of Bir while promoting responsible tourism and local livelihoods. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Dhauladhar mountains, the festival provides a sanctuary for independent artists, conscious travellers, and mountain lovers.
Unlike mainstream commercial events, BMF focuses purely on independent and original music — no covers, no EDM raves. Every performer brings their unique sound, story, and soul. Over the years, the festival has hosted hundreds of musicians, poets, artists, and creators who represent the best of India’s indie scene.
The festival’s ethos is rooted in sustainability and inclusivity. Each edition features zero-plastic initiatives, waste management collaborations, biodegradable setups, and a strong emphasis on local sourcing. BMF has partnered with environmental and waste-management organizations to ensure a low-impact celebration, setting an example for how festivals can coexist with nature responsibly.
One of the most inspiring aspects of BMF is that it is run almost entirely by volunteers. Each year, over 200 young volunteers from across India join local villagers, artisans, and entrepreneurs to build and run the festival. From stage design and artist coordination to eco-zones and food stalls, every corner of the event reflects collective creativity and teamwork.
This model makes BMF not just a festival but a learning ecosystem — empowering young people with real-world skills in hospitality, event management, and sustainability. For the residents of Bir, it brings both livelihood and pride, transforming the village into a symbol of creative tourism done right.
Bir Music Festival proudly carries the endorsement of Himachal Tourism and Incredible India, underlining its alignment with the Ministry of Tourism’s vision of sustainable and cultural travel. This recognition reinforces BMF’s role as a responsible tourism brand that promotes Himachal’s culture and creative economy with integrity.
The festival has received widespread media acclaim, being featured in The Hindu, Travel + Leisure Asia, Air India Magazine, Curly Tales, Tripoto, and Travelxp, among others. Each story highlights how BMF is different — an experience that celebrates authenticity, not excess.
In a world of mass-produced events, BMF has carved its identity as an art-first festival, where music meets mindfulness, and every element — from décor to design — is inspired by the mountains and local life.
BMF is deeply committed to responsible partying and eco-sensitivity. Plastic is banned across the venue, vendors use compostable packaging, and waste is segregated and recycled. The festival collaborates with NGOs and local waste-management groups to ensure that the beauty of Bir remains untouched.
Every edition also promotes conversations around mental health, gender equality, and conscious living through curated workshops, storytelling circles, and wellness corners. BMF isn’t just about music — it’s about finding connection, balance, and inspiration in the Himalayas.
The upcoming 13th edition, themed “Pahadon Ka Tyohar”, is set to take place on 26–27 December 2025 in Bir, Himachal Pradesh. The two-day, 48-hour non-stop celebration will bring together over 100 independent artists, art installations, live workshops, sustainability experiences, and immersive wellness spaces.
New additions this year include “The Green Stage” — a fully sustainable performance stage made from recycled materials — and The Local Arts Village, dedicated to Himachal’s folk performers and craftsmen. With this, BMF aims to position itself not only as a leading indie festival but also as a platform where Himachal’s art and culture can shine on a national stage.
For sponsors and partners, the 13th season presents an unparalleled opportunity to engage with a pan-India youth audience passionate about music, travel, and conscious living. With government accreditation, a loyal audience base, and a strong sustainability record, BMF offers authentic value alignment for brands that believe in creativity, culture, and environmental responsibility.
Check out more music festivals here.
How to Get There
How to Reach Bir-Billing
1. By Air: There is no direct flight connectivity for the city of Bir. Kangra Airport, which is 67.6 km away is the nearest airport that connects Bir to the rest of the country. Other airports close to Bir are those of Amritsar (260 km), Chandigarh (290 km) and New Delhi (520 km).
2. By Rail: There is no direct rail connectivity to Bir. The nearest broad gauge station is in Pathankot, which is 112.4 km away, while the nearest narrow gauge station is in Ahju, which is just 3 km away. A toy train runs from Pathankot to Ahju.
3. By Road: Regular bus services ply to and from the city. They operate on a daily basis from places such as Shimla and Dharamshala. You can also hire shared taxis for the same route.
Source: Holidify





Items & Accessories to Carry
1. A sturdy water bottle, if the festival has refillable water stations, and if the venue allows bottles to be taken inside.
2. Comfortable footwear. Sneakers (a perfect option if it’s not likely to rain) or boots (but make sure they are worn in).
3. COVID packs: Hand sanitiser, extra masks and a copy of your vaccination certificate are things you should keep handy.




