Punjabi bhangra at Coachella. / H Hutchinson

The first weekend of Coachella 2025 featured high-energy performances from Indian and Indian-origin artists, bringing a vibrant kaleidoscope of South Asian sounds and culture to the wildly popular global music festival. Here are some of the top Indian moments and some audience reactions.

The New York-based DJ-producer duo, Kunal Merchant and Armaan Gupta (also known as Kahani), who form Indo Warehouse, made a spectacular debut closing the Gobi state on Friday, April 11. Their signature ‘Indo House’ sound, a blend of traditional Indian instruments, vocals, and rhythms with deep house and techno beats, crafted an electrifying ambiance. Their vibrant set also included the rhythms of Punjabi dhol beats and the captivating tempo of Gujarati Garba.

For their Coachella appearance, Indo Warehouse collaborated with creative teams High Scream and Frameworx for a large-scale, eye-catching, on-stage production. The original music, striking stage design, immersive storytelling visuals, and dance choreography included more than 25 performers spanning two sets of dance teams (including two regional South Asian folk dance styles—Bhangra and Raas), drummers, and multiple vocalists. Anvaya, composed of singer and songwriter Sonia, and producer and multi-instrumentalist Kaushal, dance teams Raas Ruckus and Baaghi Bhangra, singers HYDR and PDNY, and drummer Nihal Singh and his dhol drumline.

The dancers dressed in traditional Punjabi and Gujarati outfits made a huge impact. Their energetic Bhangra and Garba moves, perfectly synchronized with the music, converted the festival grounds into a celebration of Indian culture. This marriage of music and dance was hailed as a distinctive and memorable experience, with many calling it ‘IndoChella.’

“Playing Coachella was a cultural milestone for South Asian representation in global music,” said Kunal Merchant. “This opportunity shows the world that South Asian stories, sounds, and creativity belong on the biggest stages — not just as guests, but as headliners. We’re grateful for the chance to do it again, and promise the second weekend will be just as powerful.” Added Armaan Gupta, “Every Indo Warehouse show is an immersive celebration of culture and community, and we are so proud to have brought all of that to one of the world’s most important music festivals.”

Additionally, Kerala-born rapper Hanumankind made a powerful debut, delivering his one-of-kind brand of Indian hip-hop. His performance was enhanced by the inclusion of live Chenda drummers, age-old cylindrical percussion instruments from Kerala. This collaboration created a fusion of hip-hop energy and the rhythmic power of Kerala's traditional music, especially during an unplugged version of his well-loved track ‘Run It Up.’

Lastly, singer-songwriter Shannon K, daughter of Bollywood legend Kumar Sanu, made history as the first independent Indian-origin artist to perform at Coachella. 

The performances by Indo Warehouse and Hanumankind, in particular, were celebrated as important moments for South Asian representation on a global platform. Indian creatives like Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Raja Kumari were among those who took to social media to applaud the artists for spotlighting Indian culture.

Several attendees expressed their excitement and appreciation for the captivating display of Indian music and dance. Nirjary M. Desai said: “This right here is everything and so much more than anything that has been on this stage! To see our Indian/South Asian Culture be represented by a collaboration of fierce artists and maestros is so gratifying and emotional. This type of representation is why our families came to this country from all corners of the globe to see their kids demolish such a global stage with such grace and flare! Keep shining and taking our culture to every corner of this universe.”

“After Diljit bringing India to the Coachella map, YOU GUYS HAVE KILLED IT Indo warehouse, thank you for representing the REAL India, for showing the world what we are and how far we can go. You guys are incredible!” added blogger Niki Chawla.

“Watching Indo Warehouse be the final act at the Gobi Stage was so surreal. I had goosebumps! It was such a great feeling to watch the Bhangra and Garba dancers perform. I’m so grateful to the Indo Warehouse team for showcasing our culture so gracefully on the Coachella stage. This was a beautiful ode to our culture. Congrats to the entire team!” concluded attendee Rahul Mehta. 

These moments underscored the growing influence and diversity of Indian music and culture on the American stage, making the first weekend of Coachella 2025 an unforgettable one for festival goers and the South Asian community worldwide.