If you’re a first-time visitor to India’s shores, you might not be wholly aware of the variety of live entertainment options on the subcontinent. As a matter of fact, India is one of the most vibrant places on the planet when it comes to live events and attractions.
Even if you’re a local who’s keen to broaden your horizons, this article is designed to showcase the fantastic recreational opportunities open to tourists and citizens alike.
The Indian Premier League (IPL)
If you weren’t aware, Indians live and breathe cricket. It’s the national sport. You’ll find children and local communities playing cricket on every street or patch of grass they can find. Many are hoping to be scouted as the next Sourav Ganguly or the world’s most complete batter, Sachin Tendulkar. What’s really catapulted Indian cricket back into the mainstream lately has been the success of its Indian Premier League (IPL) format.
The IPL is now the world’s most iconic Twenty20 cricket tournament, bringing audiences of millions to the television and packed stadia for live IPL games. Founded by the Board of Control for Cricket in India in 2007, the competition involves ten teams representing seven major cities and three additional Indian states. The games create a live atmosphere that’s second to none. IPL tickets sell out fast so, if you want to get your hands on some, keep your eyes peeled on IPL-partnered ticketing platforms like Book My Show, Insider, Event Now and Paytm.
Delhi’s live theatre productions
Live theatre productions have a heritage in India dating back as far as 200 BC. Back then, productions were staged in languages like Prakrit and Sanskrit. Although India’s theatre scene underwent some changes leading up to the 19th century, it then re-emerged to triumph once again.
As an independent nation, India began to flourish on the theatrical front and the city of Delhi is now home to multiple impressive theatres to be explored. One of the most awe-inspiring is the open-air Sur Tal Open Theatre. This intimate auditorium welcomes performers from across the country and is situated within Talkatora Garden. The Falaknuma and Hamsadhwani Theatre is another exceptional open-air auditorium which also plays host to live recitals and dramas in Pragati Maidan.
Goa’s gaming scene
Goa is not only home to many breath-taking beaches, but it’s also a hub for gaming in India. Goa is one of only three regions in the country that regulate casino gaming. Here, you’ll find all manner of table games, including domestic favourites like Teen Patti and Andar Bahar.
There are also multiple slot gaming zones, with hundreds of slot machines to choose from. Slot machines often carry a different return-to-player (RTP) percentage than table games. If you’re unfamiliar with this concept, the RTP meaning relates to your expected return over the long-term. When we say long term, we really mean it. It’s calculated over hundreds of thousands, even millions, of spins to get an accurate figure. Typically, a slot RTP will range between 92% and 97%, which means you can expect to lose between 3%-8% for every $100 wagered over time. Naturally, it’s savvy to find those slots with the highest RTP to help you try and preserve your bankroll for longer.
Undoubtedly the number-one casino resort in Goa right now is the Deltin Royale. It’s not strictly a land-based casino – it’s an offshore resort aboard a cruise liner. That shouldn’t take away from the fact that this place is one of the premier casino destinations in the entire country. Dubbed the continent’s “largest gaming and entertainment destination”, the Deltin Royale offers 50,000 sq. ft of casino floor space, including almost 1,000 slot machines and tables. It’s one of six Deltin-branded casinos across Goa, Sikkim and neighbouring Nepal, but the Royale is certainly the best for game choice and the decadence of its casino environment.
Shillong’s Dylan Music Festival
Shillong is a region synonymous with music. It’s long been a hub for rock, jazz and blues musicians and it even holds a Guinness World Record for the highest number of people playing the guitar simultaneously in sync. Its very own Dylan Music Festival, founded by Lou Majaw, is a great place to immerse yourself in Indian guitar music. The festival is named after Bob Dylan, so obsessed is the area is with the American star.
Majaw himself is a well-renowned musician across the North East region of India and he turns out for each Dylan Music Festival to put on a show himself.
As a starter for ten, this should help provide you with an immediate flavour of popular culture throughout India.
