Liverpool is set to host INDIKA, recognized as Europe's largest festival dedicated to Indian classical arts, for a 15-day celebration of culture, music, and dance. The event, organized by Milap, will run from October 17th to 31st across several of the city's most prominent venues.
Key Takeaways
- What: INDIKA, Europe's biggest festival of Indian classical arts.
- When: A 15-day event from October 17th to 31st, 2025.
- Where: Iconic venues across Liverpool, including the Philharmonic Music Room and The Tung Auditorium.
- Organizer: Milap, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year.
- Highlights: A diverse programme of music, dance, and cultural activities, with a special focus on Diwali celebrations.
A City-Wide Celebration of Indian Arts
The INDIKA festival will transform Liverpool into a hub of Indian culture for two weeks in October. Organized by the arts and culture organization Milap, the festival has been a significant event in the city's cultural calendar since its inception in 2012.
This year's festival holds special significance as Milap celebrates its 40th anniversary. The organization has been a cornerstone of promoting South Asian arts in the UK, and INDIKA stands as its flagship event.
Milap's 40-Year Legacy
Founded 40 years ago, Milap has been dedicated to showcasing the richness of Indian arts and culture to a global audience. The organization works to create platforms for artists and to make classical and contemporary Indian arts accessible to everyone, fostering connection and inspiration through cultural exchange.
A spokesperson for Milap shared the vision for this year's event, highlighting its importance during the anniversary year.
"This year’s INDIKA feels especially meaningful, as a celebration of how far we’ve come and a statement of where we’re headed; it’s a reflection of everything we believe Indian arts can be."
The festival aims to provide a space where audiences can feel inspired, moved, and connected through a shared cultural experience.
Diverse Programme and Featured Artists
The 15-day programme features a lineup of internationally acclaimed artists, showcasing a wide range of disciplines from classical dance to contemporary music.
Attendees can look forward to performances that blend traditional forms with modern interpretations. The schedule is designed to appeal to both long-time enthusiasts of Indian arts and newcomers eager to explore a new cultural landscape.
Featured Performers for 2025
The festival's lineup includes a variety of talented artists from across the globe. Some of the key performers include:
- Sanjukta Sinha: A renowned dance artist known for her expressive and dynamic performances in the Kathak style.
- The Tapi Project: A unique musical group that blends funk and folk influences, creating a distinctive and contemporary sound.
- The Stringmasters: An innovative collaborative project featuring musicians Anil Srinivasan and Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh, who explore the connections between different string traditions.
These artists represent just a fraction of the talent that will be on display, with the full programme promising a rich and varied experience for all.
Did You Know?
INDIKA is not just a series of concerts and performances. The festival is designed as a multi-sensory experience, incorporating food, storytelling, and interactive workshops to fully immerse visitors in the cultures of India.
Iconic Venues and Festival Highlights
Performances and events will be held at some of Liverpool's most prestigious cultural venues. This ensures high-quality production and provides beautiful settings for the artistic showcases.
The selected venues are central to Liverpool's cultural identity and include:
- Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room
- The Everyman Theatre
- The Tung Auditorium
The festival will also extend its reach to Manchester, with select events planned at venues such as the popular restaurant and bar, Bundobust.
Diwali as a Centrepiece Celebration
A major highlight of this year's INDIKA festival will be the celebration of Diwali, the festival of lights. With Diwali falling on October 20th, the festival programme will feature special events to mark the occasion.
According to the official programme, the Diwali celebrations will serve as a centerpiece, bringing people together through shared culture with special music, food, and storytelling events planned across the city.
Community Engagement and Workshops
Beyond the main stage performances, INDIKA is committed to community engagement and well-being. The festival includes opportunities for the public to participate directly in cultural practices.
As part of the festival's wider activities, free Sahaja Yoga meditation sessions will be offered. These sessions provide a space for relaxation and mindfulness, aligning with the festival's goal of promoting connection and well-being.
Event Details: Sahaja Yoga Sessions
- Location: Liverpool Central Library
- Dates: Monday, October 20th and Monday, October 27th
- Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- Cost: Free to attend
These sessions offer a quiet and reflective counterpoint to the vibrant energy of the main performances, ensuring the festival programme has something for everyone.
Booking Information and Further Details
The INDIKA festival will run from Friday, October 17th, to Friday, October 31st. The comprehensive schedule includes a wide array of both ticketed and free events.
For a full breakdown of the programme, venue details, and to book tickets for specific performances, the public is encouraged to visit the official MILAP website. The website contains all necessary information for planning a visit to this significant cultural event.