Milap, the UK's leading Indian arts and culture organisation, has announced the complete programme for INDIKA 2025. The festival will run for 15 days, from October 17th to 31st, presenting a wide array of Indian music, dance, and cultural events across the Liverpool City Region. This year's festival is particularly significant as it coincides with Milap's 40th anniversary.
Key Takeaways
- What: INDIKA 2025, a 15-day festival celebrating Indian arts and culture.
- When: October 17th – 31st, 2025.
- Where: Events will take place at multiple iconic venues across the Liverpool City Region.
- Highlights: The programme includes music, dance, yoga, storytelling, and special events for the Diwali celebration on October 20th.
- Special Occasion: The festival marks the 40th anniversary of the organising body, Milap.
A Milestone Celebration for Indian Arts in Liverpool
INDIKA 2025 is set to be a landmark event, celebrating four decades of Milap's work in bringing Indian arts to UK audiences. The festival aims to connect people with the rich traditions and contemporary expressions of India, offering a programme that reflects both heritage and innovation.
The festival's timing is notable, with the Hindu festival of Diwali falling on October 20th, right in the middle of the schedule. This alignment will make Diwali celebrations a central feature of INDIKA, providing an authentic and immersive experience for all attendees.
Four Decades of Cultural Connection
Founded 40 years ago, Milap has been instrumental in promoting Indian arts and culture in the United Kingdom. The organisation works to create memorable experiences that showcase the depth and diversity of Indian traditions, fostering greater understanding and appreciation among a wide audience.
Diverse Programme Across Multiple Venues
The INDIKA 2025 programme is designed to be accessible and engaging for everyone, from long-time enthusiasts of Indian arts to newcomers. Events range from classical music and dance performances to modern interpretations and interactive family activities.
Performances and workshops will be held at some of the most prominent cultural venues in the Liverpool City Region. This city-wide approach ensures that the festival reaches diverse communities across Merseyside.
Participating Venues Include:
- The Tung Auditorium
- Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room
- Unity Theatre
- Future Yard in Birkenhead
- The Everyman Theatre
- The Reader at Calderstones Park
- The Studio in Widnes
- Williamson Art Gallery
- Liverpool Central Library
In addition to these venues, Milap is once again partnering with the popular restaurant Bundobust for a special Diwali celebration, with further details to be announced soon.
Artistic Director Shares Vision for INDIKA 2025
Alok Nayak, the Artistic Director of Milap, expressed his excitement for this year's festival, highlighting its importance in marking the organisation's 40th anniversary.
"As Milap turns 40, 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. It is a space for everyone – whether you’ve grown up with these traditions or you’re discovering them for the first time – to feel inspired, moved, and connected."
Nayak emphasized the blend of established and emerging talent featured in the lineup. "I’m excited that we’re welcoming back some incredible artists loved by audiences over the years, who’ve shaped our story, while also showcasing bold, boundary-pushing work that’s shaping the future of Indian music and dance," he added.
A Multi-Sensory Festival Experience
INDIKA is curated to offer more than just performances. With a combination of music, dance, food, poetry, and storytelling, the festival aims to provide a multi-sensory experience that fully immerses audiences in the culture of India.
Full INDIKA 2025 Festival Schedule
The 15-day event is packed with a variety of performances and activities. Below is the complete schedule of events for INDIKA 2025.
Week One: Festival Opening and Diwali
- Friday, Oct 17th: Flute J.A. Jayanth & Debasmita Bhattacharya at The Music Room, Philharmonic Hall (7:30pm).
- Saturday, Oct 18th & Sunday, Oct 19th: Diwali Storytelling at The Storybarn, Calderstones Park (10am).
- Monday, Oct 20th: Sahaja Yoga at Liverpool Central Library (6pm).
- Wednesday, Oct 22nd: The Tapi Project at Downstairs at the Everyman (7:30pm).
- Thursday, Oct 23rd: Dancing with the Divine at Unity Theatre (7:30pm).
- Friday, Oct 24th: The Idea of God at Unity Theatre (7:30pm).
- Friday, Oct 24th: Rohan Roy Collective at The Music Room, Philharmonic Hall (7:30pm).
Week Two: Music, Dance, and Workshops
- Saturday, Oct 25th: The Stringmasters at The Tung Auditorium (7:30pm).
- Sunday, Oct 26th: Yoga & Live Sitar at The Storybarn, Calderstones Park (10am & 1:30pm).
- Sunday, Oct 26th: Shared Reading at Indika Festival at The Storybarn (11am & 1pm).
- Monday, Oct 27th: Sahaja Yoga at Liverpool Central Library (6pm).
- Tuesday, Oct 28th: Ashim Chowdhury & Kousic Sen at The Studio, Widnes (7:30pm).
- Tuesday, Oct 28th: Stories of the Ramayana at Unity Theatre (2pm).
- Tuesday, Oct 28th: Mohiniattam Workshop for Dancers at Unity Theatre (4:30pm).
- Wednesday, Oct 29th: Sarathy Korwar at Future Yard, Birkenhead (7:30pm).
- Wednesday, Oct 29th: A Carnatic Quartet – Concert for Children at The Music Room (2pm).
- Wednesday, Oct 29th: ‘Together’ by A Carnatic Quartet at The Music Room (7:30pm).
- Friday, Oct 31st: Resonance – Strings Across Borders at The Tung Auditorium (7:30pm).
Tickets and further information for all INDIKA 2025 events are available through the official Milap website. The festival offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to explore the vibrant arts and culture of India right here in Merseyside.