India’s iconic electronic dance music festival, Sunburn, will host its 2025 edition in Mumbai for the first time since its inception in 2007, signaling a major shift in the country’s music tourism landscape. The announcement was made by the organisers and supported by the Government of Maharashtra, which aims to position the state as a central hub for global cultural experiences.
The festival is scheduled to take place on December 19, 20, and 21, 2025, in Mumbai, and is expected to attract a massive footfall of music enthusiasts, industry professionals, and international talent. Known for drawing some of the world’s biggest names in electronic music, Sunburn has long been synonymous with Goa’s party scene. However, its move to Mumbai is being viewed as a bold step toward reimagining the future of music festivals in India.
Atul Patne, Principal Secretary of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra, highlighted the strategic intent behind the shift. According to him, Maharashtra has always played a pioneering role in shaping India’s cultural and entertainment economy, and music tourism is now a key component of that vision. By hosting events like Sunburn, the state hopes to boost tourism, fuel local enterprises, and elevate Mumbai as a global cultural capital.
The 2025 edition of Sunburn arrives in Mumbai at a time when the festival has achieved new international acclaim. It recently secured the #8 spot in DJ Mag’s prestigious ‘Top 100 Festivals of 2025’ list, cementing its reputation as one of the world’s top EDM gatherings. Since its inception, Sunburn has hosted world-renowned artists such as Martin Garrix, Skrillex, Swedish House Mafia, Armin van Buuren, DJ Snake, The Chainsmokers, and David Guetta.
Karan Singh, CEO of Sunburn, emphasized the festival’s journey over the last two decades. What started with the aim of delivering a world-class EDM experience in India has grown into a movement that has put India on the global entertainment map. According to Singh, while Goa has been a vital part of that journey, bringing Sunburn to Mumbai marks a new chapter, one that builds on legacy while expanding into fresh creative territory.
Singh added that Mumbai’s energy, youth culture, and infrastructure make it a natural fit for the next phase of the festival’s evolution. He also noted that the move has been made possible through strong support from the Maharashtra government, which is actively working to nurture a robust music tourism ecosystem. The collaboration is aimed at making Mumbai India’s definitive festival capital.
The 2025 edition is titled “RuPay presents Tuborg Sunburn Festival 2025, driven by Hyundai”, and is supported by major brand partners including Redbull and ITC. With top-tier sponsors and a line-up expected to include some of the biggest international names in the EDM scene, the festival is projected to deliver significant economic and cultural dividends.
For the city of Mumbai, the arrival of Sunburn is expected to energize local businesses, generate jobs in hospitality and logistics, and further boost the city’s global visibility as a creative and cultural powerhouse. Event planners, artists, tourism operators, and public authorities are expected to work in tandem to ensure the festival’s success.
As anticipation builds for the December event, Sunburn’s migration from Goa to Mumbai stands as a symbol of changing tides in India’s entertainment scene, one that embraces innovation, broader audiences, and dynamic urban settings.
