Goa Makes History as Candlelight® Launches India's First Fort Concert Series at Legendary Aguada Complex
The Candlelight® series by Live Your City has officially set a new benchmark for live music experiences in India with the successful launch of the country's first-ever Candlelight® series at the 17th-century Aguad Port & Jail Complex in Goa. On November 8th, the legendary Portuguese fortress—standing guard over the Arabian Sea for over 400 years—opened its ancient gates to audiences for an unprecedented evening of candlelit performances, marking the beginning of a new chapter in India's cultural landscape.
The sold-out inaugural concerts featured two distinct musical experiences: an electrifying Queen vs. ABBA face-off that brought rock anthems and pop classics to life, followed by an intimate tribute to A.R. Rahman's iconic compositions. Thousands of flickering candles transformed the weathered laterite stone bastions into a breathtaking amphitheater. What struck attendees most was how the venue itself became part of the performance. Guests described feeling transported—caught between eras as timeless melodies filled spaces that have witnessed centuries of history.
Pranjal Begwani, Candlelight Team Lead – India, shared, "Launching India's first fort concert series at Fort Aguad represents everything Candlelight® stands for—reimagining how and where we experience live music. Goa's response has been extraordinary, proving that audiences crave innovative cultural experiences that honor heritage while delivering world-class entertainment. The way the audience connected with both the music and the space exceeded our highest expectations. This success opens thrilling new possibilities for Candlelight® across India's incredible heritage landmarks, bringing accessible, premium musical experiences to locations that deserve to be celebrated as the cultural treasures they are."
The Fort Aguad launch establishes a new template for cultural programming in India, demonstrating that heritage sites can serve as vibrant, contemporary venues without compromising their historical significance. The intimate capacity ensured every guest experienced unobstructed views and a genuine connection to both performers and surroundings.
The success of India's first fort concert series signals Candlelight®'s commitment to discovering and activating extraordinary venues that tell stories while creating new memories. For those who missed the historic November 8th debut—or for those eager to relive the experience—Candlelight® is bringing two spectacular performances back to the fortress on December 13th- Candlelight: Coldplay vs. Ed Sheeran and Candlelight: Tribute to A.R. Rahman.
Following this triumphant launch, Candlelight® enthusiasts across India are eagerly anticipating announcements of future heritage venue activations and upcoming performances that continue pushing the boundaries of where and how live music can be experienced.