Shankra Festival, the well-known psychedelic trance gathering in the Swiss Alps, has officially cancelled its 2025 edition after severe flooding at its site in Lostallo. The announcement was made in an open letter from festival founders Mahi and Madu Murugar, who described a series of setbacks that have made it impossible to move forward with next year’s event.
The most recent blow came in June 2024, when intense storms caused the nearby river to overflow, flooding the festival grounds in minutes while the team was on-site preparing. “It was an infernal nightmare of the most violent torrent,” they wrote, recalling the sudden evacuation and the destruction of the infrastructure.
This follows an already difficult few years for the festival. After two cancellations during the pandemic, Shankra returned in 2022 under financial strain. In 2023, just hours before the festival was due to begin, a landslide forced the closure of one of the main dancefloors and resulted in significant losses. Despite those challenges, the 2023 edition went ahead and was seen as a step toward recovery.
The team had hoped 2024 would mark a full comeback. Instead, the flood damage and lack of insurance coverage pushed the organization into deeper financial trouble. According to the statement, all ticket revenue had already been used to cover past expenses, and no aid or reimbursement has been received from insurance or government sources.
In an effort to save the 2025 edition, the organizers explored multiple alternatives. They negotiated with over 35 landowners across three towns in the canton of Graubünden to host the event at a new location. However, despite what they described as promising discussions, none of the necessary permits were approved by local town councils.
With no viable venue and no funds to rebuild, the team ultimately made the decision to cancel the 2025 festival.
They acknowledged the long silence and delays in issuing refunds, asking for continued patience and vowing to repay ticket holders. “Even in the event our company goes bankrupt, we will privately take it upon ourselves to reimburse each and every one of you,” the founders stated.
Shankra Festival has been a favourite among the global psytrance community for its intimate setting, scenic backdrop, and accessible pricing. While there is still hope for a return in 2026, the future remains uncertain.
Further information regarding refunds is expected to be shared with ticket holders in the coming weeks.
