This April, the rhythm of global jazz returns to India as Banyan Tree’s World Jazz Festival – Edition 6 embarks on an exciting five-city tour across New Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad.

Launched in 2020 with the vision of enriching and expanding the jazz landscape in India, the festival is presented in collaboration with the internationally acclaimed musician paradise— one of Europe’s most celebrated jazz festivals that attracts over 100,000 visitors annually and has played a significant role in promoting global jazz collaborations.

Over the years, the festival has grown into a vibrant platform that brings together exceptional jazz musicians from around the world, creating unforgettable musical encounters and celebrating jazz as a truly universal language.

A Global Jazz Journey

The 2026 edition promises an exhilarating musical journey, presenting a dynamic lineup of international jazz artists who represent diverse styles and traditions from across continents. From the soulful sounds of American jazz standards to vibrant influences from Africa, Europe and Latin America, audiences will experience a rich tapestry of rhythms, improvisations and musical storytelling.

This year’s lineup features:

• Michael Varekamp Quintet feat. Alexander ‘The Hurricane’ Beets – Taking audiences on a nostalgic journey through the golden era of jazz with tributes to legends such as Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis.
• Wiboud Burkens Trio – A brilliant trio presenting the timeless swing tradition inspired by the iconic Hammond organ sound of Jimmy Smith.
• Georgie Aué Quintet – A unique cross-continental ensemble bringing together influences from Australia and Brazil with beloved classics by Antônio Carlos Jobim, Burt Bacharach, Norah Jones and more.
• Titi Luzipho& Muneeb Hermans – A powerful musical collaboration celebrating the vibrant spirit of African jazz and paying homage to legendary voices like Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba.

Jazz Meets India

True to its spirit of cultural dialogue, the festival will also feature special musical interactions with Indian musicians, creating exciting cross-genre collaborations that celebrate the shared improvisational traditions of jazz and Indian music.

Over the years, this cross-cultural exchange has become a defining feature of the festival — creating moments where global jazz traditions seamlessly blend with India’s rich musical heritage.

A Celebration of Jazz Without Borders

With artists from across the world and audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds, Banyan Tree’s World Jazz Festival stands as a vibrant celebration of jazz as a living, evolving art form.

From electrifying improvisations and soulful melodies to powerful storytelling through music, this edition promises an unforgettable experience — bringing together cultures, traditions and generations through the timeless language of jazz.

Whether you are a lifelong jazz enthusiast or discovering the genre for the first time, the World Jazz Festival 2026 promises an evening of extraordinary music and global artistic collaboration.

Festival Schedule – April 2026:

New Delhi – 17 April - Bharat Mandapam

Pune – 18 April - Pune International Centre

Mumbai – 19 April - St. Andrew’s Auditorium

Bengaluru – 24 April - Chowdiah Memorial Hall

Hyderabad – 25 April - Shilpakala Vedika Auditorium

Tickets: Available on Bookmyshow

https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/world-jazz-festival/ET00488901