MAM
On World Music Day, Booking.com reveals Indian Travellers’ musical state of mind
Mumbai: Whether it’s seeking new adventures, taking in new sights and sounds, or just unwinding, there are many reasons Indians love to travel. One trend that has seen growth in recent years is music tourism with a growing number of travellers prioritising travel governed by cultural and significant events, including music festivals and concerts. This exciting fusion of travel and passion for music is experiencing a growth in interest among Indian travellers who are increasingly seeking experiences that resonate with their passions. According to Booking.com Travel Trends for 2024 data, 33 per cent of Indians are keen on taking a trip this year to attend an event like a music festival and concert.
On the occasion of World Music Day, which is celebrated around the world on June 21 to honour and rejoice in the spirit of music, Booking.com delves into the psyche of the Indian traveller to understand what is driving them to travel for music events.
Grooving to the beat: What’s inspiring Indian travellers to travel for music events
Music connects people across boundaries and inspires the journeys of those who are deeply immersed in it. According to Booking.com’s Travel Trends 2024 data, several motivators inspire Indians to travel for a music event.
Love for the music and artists: 69 per cent of Indians plan to travel for a music concert or festival event because of their unwavering passion for the musician and for the magic of a live performance
Connecting with loved ones: For 65 per cent of Indians, musical events are a catalyst for reunions or connecting with friends or family who live elsewhere.
Finding your tribe: Music creates communities. 58 per cent of Indians travel for a music event to connect with other fans and share their love for the artist or the band
An excuse to travel: For 54 per cent of Indians, travelling for music events becomes an enriching experience as the occasion becomes a perfect excuse to travel, immersing themselves in the destination’s culture and atmosphere.
Lack of a local option: 49 per cent of Indians travel for a music event unavailable near home.
Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): 45 per cent of Indians travel for a music event due to the inability to get tickets for local music events. The inability to source tickets and the fear of missing out on the event becomes a driving factor for many.
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Maharashtra panel orders Lodha to refund Rs 5 crore to homebuyers
Consumer court flags unfair practices in long-running property dispute case
MUMBAI: In a sharp rebuke to one of India’s biggest real estate players, the Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed Macrotech Developers to refund nearly Rs 5 crore to a senior citizen couple, Uttam and Anindita Chatterjee. The ruling, delivered on March 13, 2026, calls out the developer for “deficiency in service” and “unfair trade practices”, bringing closure to a dispute that has stretched over a decade.
The case traces back to 2015, when the couple booked a 3-BHK flat at World Towers in Lower Parel for Rs 12.22 crore, with possession promised within a year. What followed was a series of changes that complicated matters. After deciding to exit the project, they were persuaded to shift to a 4-BHK in another development priced at Rs 8 crore, with delivery scheduled for 2018. However, within months, the price was allegedly increased to Rs 10 crore. After demonetisation reshaped the market, similar flats were reportedly being offered at lower prices, but the couple were not given the benefit.
Despite paying over Rs 2.83 crore, the couple neither received possession nor clarity. Instead, in 2018, the developer unilaterally cancelled the booking, retained part of the amount as earnest money, and argued that the buyers were investors rather than consumers. The commission rejected this claim, observing that casual references to “investment” do not take away consumer rights when the purchase intent is residential.
The bench also held that the developer could not penalise buyers for payment delays while failing to meet its own delivery commitments. It noted the lack of formal documentation for revised terms and termed the prolonged retention of funds without delivering a home as exploitative.
As part of its order, the commission directed the developer to refund Rs 2.83 crore paid by the couple, along with interest at 10 per cent per annum, amounting to around Rs 2.12 crore. In addition, Rs 1 lakh has been awarded for mental agony and Rs 50,000 towards litigation costs, taking the total payout to over Rs 5 crore. The developer has been asked to comply within two months.
For now, the ruling serves as a reminder that in real estate, shifting terms and delayed promises can carry a significant cost.
