5 reasons why you should experience INDIKA 2025

Milap’s INDIKA Festival is bringing Indian culture and creativity to Liverpool, giving people the chance to discover everything from spectacular music and dance performances to yoga, storytelling and gorgeous food.

Milap, which celebrates its 40^th anniversary this month, is all about breaking down barriers to share the best of Indian arts with the widest possible audience.

The INDIKA Festival is a big part of that, with a diverse programme and something to suit everyone at venues across the city region.

The 15-day festival got off to a fabulous start with a sold-out performance at Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room and now, coinciding with Diwali celebrations, there’s another week of events to look forward to.

Here are 5 reasons why you should experience INDIKA 2025 …

It’s really family friendly

The festival has events specifically created for families that are perfect to take kids to during half term. On Tuesday October 28 at 2pm, Milap and Unity Theatre present Stories of the Ramayana, a dance performance full of storytelling magic, followed by a free-to-join workshop by Upahaar Dance Company.

The 30-minute hands-on session, from 3pm-3.30pm, is an opportunity for all ages to try out Mohiniattam dance together. On Wednesday October 29 at 2pm, the Philharmonic Hall Music Room hosts a special concert for children and families by Carnatic Quartet. Expect a high-energy performance featuring South Indian classical music, fun rhythm games, and plenty of chances to get involved!

Hear Indian music like you’ve never heard it before

This year’s programme spotlights lots of cross-cultural music collaborations, with shows blending Indian traditions with different genres including Western jazz, futuristic folk and funk.

On 29 October «Together» by A Carnatic Quartet will bring 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.

Try some delicious Indian food

Milap and Bundobust have partnered in a Diwali celebration, so head to Bold Street until Sunday to try traditional favourites like homemade crispy samosas, served with chutneys, a deluxe samosa chaat sharer, plus Desi sweet shop treats Fafda & Jalebi, and hot, fresh Methi Khalwa. £1 will be donated to Milap from every Chaat Deluxe sold.

Take yoga sessions with a difference

Everything about INDIKA encourages positive energy and wellbeing, and that definitely includes its yoga sessions. On Monday October 27, 6pm-7.30pm, Liverpool Central Library has a free Sahaja Yoga session, based on meditation and breathing techniques which help reduce stress, and increase wellness and health. On Thursday October 30, 11.30am, at the at The Williamson Art Gallery & Museum, you can have a unique 90-minute immersive experience of yoga with live sitar music and crystal singing bowls.

There’s going to be an extraordinary finale!

If you thought Indian music was always peaceful and meditative, prepare to think again because INDIKA Festival has a rock gig-style energetic finale on Friday October 31, 7.30pm, at the Tung Auditorium. Resonance – Strings Across Borders brings together Indian music and contemporary guitar in what promises to be an innovative dynamic concert to remember.