Photo above – VARADARĀJAM UPĀSMAHĒ, a solo thematic presentation on at the Unity on November 3rd

Milap events are special. Electrifying and intimate explorations of a country’s musical heritage and vision. They began their journey in the 1980s in Liverpool with an aim to provide a platform for communities across the region to share Indian culture. From simple ambitions, the success of their projects led to concerts, albums and careers being launched. They have become the leading Indian Arts and Culture company in the UK. In 2012 they introduced the first Indika Festival to the city.

The Indika Festival returns to Liverpool in November to bring 12 days of breathtaking performances. There will be dance and spoken word events to entertain and educate, food that will delight, while the music events remain an extraordinary treat for all those who attend.

India is a vast country of creativity and diversity. Flavours change from city to village. A country of 22 official languages. So, its stories are carried by music. These stories need structure, And Indian classical music has that. It has rules. To learn these rules takes passion and patience. But if you master them, they provide the foundation for mesmerising freedom and expression.

The Sarod Sisters, playing the Music Room, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on November 2nd

Indian music can be created to entertain and engage, but enlightenment is a core principle. Musicians study how compositions sit within nature and philosophy. Each performance then allows a story to be retold. And it will be unique. This is what you will experience during Indika’s musical programme.

Indika provides the perfect setting to learn more about Indian culture. There will be amazing fusions of Indian classical and folk music with jazz, electronic and other contemporary western styles. Performances include Shakir Khan and Shahbaz Hussain, The Sarod Sisters, Talvin Singh, Vedanth Bharadwaj and SJ Downes. These events will sit alongside dance, readings, yoga and discussion. A presentation by artist Harinie Jeevitha, an exploration of the moral meaning behind snakes and ladders, and the spectacular dance fusion of The Forest Dream, all promise unforgettable experiences.

Indika Festival runs from 1st to 12th November across the city.

For the full programme: https://milap.co.uk/experience/indika/