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Strawberry Fields is an annual independent music festival held in Bangalore, India. The event is organised through the National Law School of India University, primarily by the student body, but with the official support of the university authorities. The event is usually held on the university campus, although it was held in the Bangalore Palace grounds in 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2013.
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History
The festival was established in 1997 by a committee led by Rahul Cherian, and has been repeated every year since then. The scope of the festival has grown annually, and it has now become the primary showcase for up and coming musicians from across south Asia. The Rock Street Journal has rated Strawberry Fields as "India's best college rock festival". Entry to the festival has been free for audiences since its inception.
The festival was founded as a platform for independent grassroots musicians in India, and has been a stepping stone to success for several Indian musicians including Thermal and a Quarter, Pin Drop Violence, Kryptos (band) and many others.
Current event
It is India's largest student-organised music festival, and attracts participants and audiences from across India and neighbouring countries. Many current leading Indian bands have begun their professional careers through performances at Strawberry Fields, and it was the launch pad for groups including Moksha, Thermal and a Quarter, Motherjane, Zero, and Medicis.
Competition
Although primarily a festival, there is also an element of competition, with a large cash prize provided for the winning band. Following the death in 2013 of the festival founder, this is now known as the Rahul Cherian Prize. The value of the prize in 2013 was 25,000 Indian rupees and has steadily grown. Prizes are also provided for individual excellence.