INDIKA, Milap’s festival of Indian Arts, returns to Liverpool this October with a fresh, expanded lineup of events. The 15-day celebration of Indian music, dance, and culture, will take place across the entire Liverpool City Region, bringing the best of Indian arts to an even wider audience.
Chiming with Milap’s 40-year anniversary, this October, the INDIKA festival will feature a programme of Indian music and dance, ranging from cutting-edge contemporary to deeply rooted traditional forms, plus yoga, poetry, storytelling, and participatory activities for all the family. Events will take place across iconic Liverpool City Region venues, including The Tung Auditorium, Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room, Future Yard, The Everyman and more!
INDIKA showcases the best of contemporary Indian Arts and Culture, presenting a bold and varied programme that celebrates India’s diverse cultural traditions. With Diwali falling on 20th October this year, Milap’s Diwali celebrations will feature as a centrepiece of this year’s INDIKA.
Audiences won’t just watch and listen to performances – they’ll feel them. With music, dance, food and storytelling from across India, INDIKA offers a multi-sensory experience that brings people together through culture and leaves audiences moved. Milap continues its work to connect audiences with the vibrant sounds and compelling stories of India, showcasing its enduring influence on the world stage – right here in Merseyside!
INDIKA 2025 – FULL LINEUP
Milap + Liverpool Philharmonic Hall presentFlute J.A. Jayanth & Debasmita Bhattacharya with Kousic Sen & Bangalore PrakashFriday 17th October 2025, 7.30pmThe Music Room, Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP
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This concert brings together four exceptional musicians, a unique combination of instruments – the Carnatic bamboo flute, Hindustani sarod, tabla, and mridangam – and a rare musical encounter across styles and traditions.Flute J.A. Jayanth is one of the leading Carnatic flautists of his generation, known for his remarkable virtuosity, rich tone, and inventive presentation. Sarod player Debasmita Bhattacharya is a rising force in Hindustani music, praised for her depth, sensitivity, and command of the Senia Shahjahanpur style. Joining them are two of India’s finest percussionists – Kousic Sen, an acclaimed tabla player known for his dynamic solo and collaborative work, and Bangalore Prakash, a highly respected mridangam artist whose playing blends precision and flair. Together, they offer an immersive, rhythmically rich concert that celebrates the best of Indian classical music.
Milap + The Reader presentDiwali StorytellingSaturday 18th & Sunday 19th October 2025, 10amThe Storybarn, Calderstones Park, Calderstones Rd, Liverpool, L18 3JB
TICKETS
Join us to celebrate love and light with a very special Diwali session. There’ll be time to explore the magical Storybarn, and share Diwali inspired stories and crafts.For families, best suited to 4-9 year olds.
Milap presentsSahaja Yoga Monday 20th October 2025, 6-7.30pmLiverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW
TICKETS
Sahaja Yoga is a method of meditation that takes you beyond mental, emotional, and physical activity and allows you to experience the true self which lies within. In Sanskrit, Sahaja means ‘born with’, and Yoga means union. The name, therefore, translates to ‘the union which one is born with.’This union is between your true self and the all-pervading power that permeates all elements of life. It is achieved through a process that awakens the dormant energy called Kundalini that exists within each human being. This process is known as Self Realisation. Once the Kundalini is awakened, the individual experiences a blissful state of thoughtless awareness, where the mind is silent and they simply witness the present moment.
Milap + Mellowtone presentThe Tapi ProjectWednesday 22nd October 2025, 7.30pmDownstairs at the Everyman, 5-11 Hope St, Liverpool, L1 9BH
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The Tapi Project’s is a continuous revival and retelling of stories that make up modern India – held together by their compelling songwriting and compositions. The ensemble blends funk and folk over a hypnotic tribal groove, powerful vocals and poetry exploring themes of urban life, lost roots, alienation, and the search for self.Influences from the worlds of jazz, folk and rock – filtered through the Indian subcontinent – all combine to create their unique and genre-defying sound. Their music is an emotional journey that speaks to the challenges faced by everyday people today.
Milap + Unity Theatre presentDancing with the DivineThursday 23rd October 2025, 7.30pm
Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
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Conceived and performed by Sanjukta Sinha.Inspired by the timeless figure of Krishna, Dancing the Divine is a journey through love, longing, and surrender — a personal exploration of devotion, presence, and the unseen.In this intimate solo, Sanjukta Sinha draws from recent work that reflects a quiet, internal dialogue with the idea of the divine — however one may imagine it. Krishna never appears, yet his essence is felt in every movement and stillness.Through Kathak, Sanjukta asks: Can love exist without form? Can absence still hold presence? This is not a retelling of myths, but a living inquiry — an experience where the dancer becomes the seeker, the beloved, the question itself. The stage becomes a space to experience something beyond words — whatever that may mean to you.
Milap + Unity Theatre presentThe Idea of GodFriday 24th October 2025, 7.30pmUnity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
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A solo Bharatanatyam performance by Dr. Apoorva JayaramanIs He the creator, or is He my creation? Does God reside in art, or is art a path to the divine? Do I seek Him, or is She already within me?The Idea of God is a full-length solo Bharatanatyam performance that traverses Indian thought and literature — from the ancient Vedas and Sangam texts to revolutionary writing of the 21st century.Through a series of powerful and rarely explored narratives, this evocative performance probes the evolving idea of the divine in Indian philosophy.Blending classical rigour with contemporary insight, Dr. Apoorva Jayaraman invites audiences to reflect on where the divine truly resides — in form, in feeling, or within the self. This is not simply a recital, but a layered enquiry into the many ways we imagine God.
Milap + Liverpool Philharmonic Hall presentRohan Roy CollectiveFriday 24th October 2025, 7.30pmThe Music Room, Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP
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A bold fusion of Indian classical and contemporary sound. Get ready for a fresh and fearless take on fusion as the Rohan Roy Collective brings Indian classical ragas into conversation with jazz, groove, and global sounds.Led by acclaimed violinist Rohan Roy, the group performs original compositions that are rich, soulful, and full of creative fire. Rohan is joined by a stellar line-up of musicians: Giuliano Modarelli brings his signature flair on guitar, Domenico Angrano lays down deep, expressive basslines, and Harkiret Singh Bahra weaves rhythm and emotion through the tabla.Together, they create an atmosphere that’s both immersive and unpredictable – where intricate melodies and dynamic improvisation open up new musical worlds. This is fusion at its finest – rooted in tradition, shaped by experience, and driven by pure artistic curiosity.
Milap + The Tung Auditorium presentThe StringmastersSaturday 25th October 2025, 7.30pmThe Tung Auditorium, Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, 60 Oxford St, Liverpool, L7 3NY
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Anil Srinivasan, an award winning Indian pianist, and Dr Jayanthi Kumaresh, a virtuoso of the Saraswathi Veena, have forged a remarkable musical partnership through their innovative collaboration, notably showcased in their project The Stringmasters.They were first brought together by Milap in 2013 for a concert at London’s Southbank Centre, where they discovered a natural synergy between the piano and veena, both string instruments. Their remarkable ability in blending Western and Carnatic classical traditions to create a unique ‘third space’ of musical expression has been winning fans worldwide.This partnership, marked by performances at venues as diverse as the Riverside Theatre in Sydney, the Habitat in Delhi, Bengaluru’s Jagriti Theatre and Chennai’s The ARTery, emphasises intuitive and genre-neutral explorations of ragas.
Milap + The Reader presentYoga & Live SitarSunday 26th October 2025, 10am & 1.30pmTheatre Room, The Storybarn, Calderstones Park, Calderstones Rd, Liverpool, L18 3JB
SOLD OUT
Join yoga practitioner Sian Griffin and sitar artist Jonathan Mayer for an immersive 90-minute session combining movement, breath, and sound.The first 45 minutes will be a guided yoga practice with Sian, focusing on pranayama (breathwork) and asana to ground and energise. In the second half, Jonathan introduces live sitar, creating an immersive soundscape as the session moves into deeper movement, rest, and meditative stillness.Expect guided relaxation, elements of Yoga Nidra, and a closing sound bath with sitar and crystal singing bowls — designed to calm the nervous system and invite deep rest.An intimate journey into stillness, presence, and connection — where sound and movement flow together, shaping the experience in equal harmony.
Milap + The Reader presentShared Reading at Indika FestivalSunday 26th October 2025, 11am & (1pm – SOLD OUT)Blue Reading Room, The Storybarn, Calderstones Park, Calderstones Rd, Liverpool, L18 3JB
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Together, we’ll explore the words of celebrated poets and authors with connections to India, including Rohinton Mistry, Arundhathi Subramaniam, and Debjani Chatterjee. Through their stories and poems, we’ll celebrate India’s rich heritage, vibrant diversity, and creative spirit. Everyone is welcome to share how the words make them feel, as well as their thoughts, ideas and memories. There is no pressure to talk or read aloud. Everyone experiences what is read in their own way, but the shared language found in literature can help us to understand ourselves – and others – better.
Milap presents Sahaja Yoga Monday 27th October 2025, 6-7.30pmLiverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW
TICKETS
Sahaja Yoga is a method of meditation that takes you beyond mental, emotional, and physical activity and allows you to experience the true self which lies within. In Sanskrit, Sahaja means ‘born with’, and Yoga means union. The name, therefore, translates to ‘the union which one is born with.’This union is between your true self and the all-pervading power that permeates all elements of life. It is achieved through a process that awakens the dormant energy called Kundalini that exists within each human being. This process is known as Self Realisation. Once the Kundalini is awakened, the individual experiences a blissful state of thoughtless awareness, where the mind is silent and they simply witness the present moment.Founded by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, Sahaja Yoga Meditation is a worldwide movement for peace and self awakening. Sahaja Yoga is always free and available across the UK and in more than 70 countries around the world.It is a simple technique. It helps reduce stress, increase wellness and health holistically. It brings better focus and helps people become more centered and better balanced.The free classes feature introductory talks, guided meditation, videos, practical workshops and Q&A. We share tips on how to help stay in balance during the day and how to meditate at home. In Sahaja Yoga, we normally sit on chairs to meditate; so no need for mats or special clothing!
Milap presentsAshim Chowdhury & Kousic SenTuesday 28th October 2025, 7.30pmThe Studio, Lacey Street, Widnes WA8 7SQ
TICKETS
Sitar maestro Ashim Choudhury and tabla virtuoso Kousic Sen unite for an intimate, immersive night of dazzling improvisation. This in-person event promises to be a night filled with music, rhythm, and soulful melodies.Expect energy, artistry, and unforgettable musical chemistry.
Milap + Unity Theatre presentStories of the RamayanaTuesday 28th October 2025, 2pmUnity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
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Performed by Upahaar Dance Company (London) Graceful, expressive, and full of storytelling magic — this vibrant performance brings to life stories from the Ramayana, the ancient Indian epic that celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the return of light over darkness. Closely tied to the festival of Diwali, the Ramayana explores themes of love, duty, courage, and the power of hope — universal ideas that continue to resonate today.Performed in the classical South Indian dance style of Mohiniattam, dancers from Upahaar weave together movement, music, and vivid expression in a show perfect for families and curious minds of all ages.After the show, families are invited to a free, fun, hands-on workshop from 3–3:50pm.
Milap + Unity Theatre presentMohiniattam Workshop for DancersTuesday 28th October 2025, 4.30-6pmUnity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
TICKETS
Delve deep into the elegant world of Mohiniattam — the classical dance style from Kerala, known for its fluid movement, subtle expression, and lyrical storytelling. Led by Upahaar Dance Company, this workshop is designed for experienced dancers of any background who are curious to explore the technique, gestures, and expressive vocabulary of Mohiniattam.You’ll be introduced to core movement principles, explore short choreographic sequences, and gain insight into the dance’s connection to narrative and emotion. Suitable for dancers of any background intermediate level and up.
Milap + Future Yard presentSarathy KorwarWednesday 29th October 2025, 7.30pmFuture Yard, 75 Argyle St, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 6AB
TICKETS
Experience a bold new soundworld with Indian percussionist, composer and producer Sarathy Korwar. In this live performance, Sarathy presents music from his upcoming album «There Is Beauty, There Already»— a striking, percussion-led exploration of rhythm, voice and electronics.Blending hypnotic, trance-like drum patterns with South Asian temple procession rituals, jazz percussion, and contemporary minimalism, this is futuristic folk at its most immersive.Blending hypnotic, trance-like drum patterns with South Asian temple procession rituals, jazz percussion, and contemporary minimalism, this is futuristic folk at its most immersive.A standout voice in the UK jazz scene, Korwar is known for fusing jazz, electronics, and Indian influences with themes of decoloniality, community and transcendence.His music has earned critical acclaim worldwide, with collaborations ranging from Anoushka Shankar to Shabaka Hutchings and praise from The Guardian, Pitchfork, and Rolling Stone.
Milap + Liverpool Philharmonic Hall presentA Carnatic Quartet – A Concert for Children and FamiliesWednesday 29th October 2025, 2pmThe Music Room, Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP
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An exciting introduction to the magic of South Indian classical music. Join us for a special concert designed just for children and families, featuring the dynamic Carnatic Quartet – Shreya Devnath (Violin), Mylai M Karthikeyan (Nadhaswaram), Praveen Sparsh (Mridangam), and Adyar G Silambarasan(Thavil).This interactive performance is a joyful, high-energy introduction to the fascinating world of Carnatic music. Expect stunning sounds, fun rhythm games, and plenty of chances to get involved – whether it’s clapping along to the beat or discovering how these powerful instruments work together.Perfect for curious young minds, budding musicians, and anyone ready to be amazed, this is a rare chance to see four incredible artists bring music to life – up close and unplugged. Let the rhythms spark imagination and the melodies open up a world of wonder.
Milap + Liverpool Philharmonic Hall present’Together’ by A Carnatic QuartetWednesday 29th October 2025, 7.30pmThe Music Room, Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP
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Experience Carnatic (South Indian Classical) music like never before.A Carnatic Quartet brings together four trailblazing artists – Shreya Devnath (Violin), Mylai M Karthikeyan(Nadhaswaram), Praveen Sparsh (Mridangam), and Adyar G Silambarasan (Thavil) – in a powerful exploration of sound, tradition, and collaboration.Curated by violinist Shreya Devnath, Together is a bold musical conversation between four instruments that rarely share the stage. The melodic grace of the violin meets the raw, majestic voice of the nadhaswaram; the intricate rhythms of the mridangam blend with the explosive energy of the thavil.Each instrument brings with it its own world – distinct histories, styles, and cultural roots – yet in this quartet, they unite to create something wholly unique. This isn’t just a concert. It’s a celebration of the Carnatic tradition – unfiltered, unbound, and alive with possibility.
Milap + The Tung Auditorium presentResonance – Strings Across BordersFriday 31st October 2025, 7.30pmThe Tung Auditorium, Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, 60 Oxford St, Liverpool, L7 3NY
TICKETS
Experience an extraordinary fusion of musical traditions in this captivating concert, where Indian music meets contemporary guitar.In the first half, acclaimed sarod maestro Dr Pandit Ranajit Sengupta, celebrated for his deep, introspective performances, joins forces with distinguished sitarist Ashim Chowdhury, a torchbearer of the Imdad Khani Gharana. Together, they present a dynamic jugalbandi (duet), showcasing the intricate interplay and profound depth of Indian classical strings. The second half welcomes the versatile and virtuosic German guitarist André Krengel, known for his unique style that transcends genres. Krengel’s contemporary guitar artistry converses with Sengupta’s sarod, creating a cross-cultural dialogue that bridges Eastern and Western musical landscapes. Accompanying them on tabla is the esteemed Kousic Sen, whose rhythmic mastery provides a solid foundation, enhancing the synergy between the string instruments. Join us for an evening where tradition meets innovation, and diverse musical worlds resonate in harmony.
