India, Dec. 21 -- "Echoes is for the people," Roshan Netalkar, Festival Director of Echoes of Earth Music Festival tells me during the festival's 8th edition at the Artist's brunch on Day 2. He says it without a shred of doubt - with a candid honesty that seeps through his smile. I can't seem to deny.

Over the last eight years, I've been coming to Echoes of Earth quite often - drawn to its inclusive energy, and unique festival environment. As I walked the winding forest trail to get to the festival, the faint hum of jazz filtering through the trees - Derek & the cats are on - I can't help but reminisce and simultaneously feel the anticipation in my chest. After all, 2025 is different. This year has seen a massive spike in Music Festival ...