INDIKA 2025 makes its return to Liverpool this October, bringing a fresh, expanded line-up of events that will fill the city with the sights, sounds and stories of India. Presented by Milap, the festival will span 15 days across the Liverpool City Region, offering audiences an immersive journey through Indian music, dance, and culture.
Marking Milap’s 40th anniversary, this year’s INDIKA will feature a vibrant programme ranging from cutting-edge contemporary performances to deeply rooted traditional art forms. Alongside the music and dance, audiences can enjoy yoga, poetry, storytelling and hands-on activities for all ages.
Events will take place at some of the region’s most iconic venues, including The Tung Auditorium, Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room, Unity Theatre, Future Yard, The Everyman, The Reader, The Studio, Williamson Art Gallery, and Liverpool Central Library. Milap will also once again team up with Bundobust for a special Diwali celebration, details of which will be revealed soon.
INDIKA shines a spotlight on the richness and diversity of contemporary Indian arts and culture, with this year’s festival placing Diwali, which falls on 20th October, at its heart.
Audiences won’t just watch or listen — they’ll feel it. With mesmerising music, dance, food, and storytelling from across India, INDIKA offers a truly multi-sensory experience that brings people together through culture and creativity.
As Milap celebrates four decades of connecting people through Indian arts, INDIKA 2025 promises to be a landmark edition, a celebration of India’s vibrant traditions and its powerful influence on the world stage, right here in Merseyside.
INDIKA 2025 – FULL LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT
Milap + Liverpool Philharmonic Hall present
Flute J.A. Jayanth & Debasmita Bhattacharya with Kousic Sen & Bangalore Prakash
Friday 17th October 2025, 7.30pm – The Music Room, Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP
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.
Milap + The Reader present
Diwali Storytelling
Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th October 2025, 10am – The Storybarn, Calderstones Park, Calderstones Rd, Liverpool, L18 3JB
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.
BOOK TICKETS
Milap presents
Sahaja Yoga
Monday 20th October 2025, 6-7.30pm – Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW
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.’
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 + Mellowtone present
The Tapi Project
Wednesday 22nd October 2025, 7.30pm – Downstairs at the Everyman, 5-11 Hope St, Liverpool, L1 9BH
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.
Their music is an emotional journey that speaks to the challenges faced by everyday people today.
Milap + Unity Theatre present
Dancing with the Divine
Thursday 23rd October 2025, 7.30pm – Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
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.
BOOK TICKETS
Milap + Unity Theatre present
The Idea of God
Friday 24th October 2025, 7.30pm – Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
A solo Bharatanatyam performance by Dr. Apoorva Jayaraman
Is 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.
Milap + Liverpool Philharmonic Hall present
Rohan Roy Collective
Friday 24th October 2025, 7.30pm – The Music Room, Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP
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.
BOOK TICKETS
Milap + The Tung Auditorium present
The Stringmasters
Saturday 25th October 2025, 7.30pm – The Tung Auditorium, Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, 60 Oxford St, Liverpool, L7 3NY
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.
BOOK TICKETS
Milap + The Reader present
Yoga & Live Sitar
Sunday 26th October 2025, 10am & 1.30pm – Theatre Room, The Storybarn, Calderstones Park, Calderstones Rd, Liverpool, L18 3JB
Join yoga practitioner Sian Griffin and sitar artist Jonathan Mayer for an immersive 90-minute session combining movement, breath, and sound.
SOLD OUT
Milap + The Reader present
Shared Reading at Indika Festival
Sunday 26th October 2025, 11am & (1pm – SOLD OUT) – Blue Reading Room, The Storybarn, Calderstones Park, Calderstones Rd, Liverpool, L18 3JB
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, 6-7.30pm – Liverpool Central Library, William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EW
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.’
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 presents
Ashim Chowdhury & Kousic Sen
Tuesday 28th October 2025, 7.30pm – The Studio, Lacey Street, Widnes WA8 7SQ
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 present
Stories of the Ramayana
Tuesday 28th October 2025, 2pm – Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
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 present
Mohiniattam Workshop for Dancers
Tuesday 28th October 2025, 4.30-6pm – Unity Theatre, 1 Hope Place, Liverpool, L1 9BG
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 present
Sarathy Korwar
Wednesday 29th October 2025, 7.30pm – Future Yard, 75 Argyle St, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 6AB
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.
Milap + Liverpool Philharmonic Hall present
A Carnatic Quartet – A Concert for Children and Families
Wednesday 29th October 2025, 2pm – The Music Room, Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP
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).
BOOK TICKETS
Milap + Liverpool Philharmonic Hall present
‘Together’ by A Carnatic Quartet
Wednesday 29th October 2025, 7.30pm – The Music Room, Philharmonic Hall, Hope St, Liverpool L1 9BP
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.
BOOK TICKETS
Milap + The Tung Auditorium present
Resonance – Strings Across Borders
Friday 31st October 2025, 7.30pm – The Tung Auditorium, Yoko Ono Lennon Centre, 60 Oxford St, Liverpool, L7 3NY
Experience an extraordinary fusion of musical traditions in this captivating concert, where Indian music meets contemporary guitar.
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.
Milap launched INDIKA in 2012, and the festival has continued to grow ever since, with performances from artists such as Pandit Birju Maharaj, Rakesh Chaurasia, Aditi Mangaldas, Talvin Singh OBE, Lalgudi GJR Krishnan, Jayanthi Kumaresh, Priyadarsini Govind, Shashank, Rama Vaidyanathan, The Singh Twins, Mythili Prakash and Patri Satish Kumar!
Alok Nayak, Artistic Director of Milap, said:
“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. 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. For me, INDIKA is where tradition meets imagination – and every performance is designed to leave a lasting impression on you. I hope you’ll join us this October for a festival of experiences that are rich in spirit, depth and meaning!”
INDIKA is a multi-arts festival packed full of exciting events and experiences; whether you’re an Indian music and dance aficionado, or eager to experience new art forms, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy. This Autumn, INDIKA will present some of the UK and India’s most exciting emerging talent, legendary performers, and Milap favourites who have wowed audiences in previous years.
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