At the end of October, Milap are spearheading the Liverpool city region’s celebrations for Diwali – the iconic Hindu Festival of Lights. Building on last year’s successes, 2024 sees an expanded programme of events.
Featuring children’s storytelling and craft workshops in association with The Reader; and a weekend long festival of Desi food, drink and culture at Bundobust Liverpool; Milap will also – for the first time – collaborate with River of Light. This year’s programme will bring the “surreal, joyful, loud and unapologetic” work of artist Murugiah to the city’s outdoor trail, accompanied by a series of performances from Indian musicians.
River of Light + Milap
A highlight in Liverpool’s arts and culture calendar, River of Light is an annual free event that provides an outdoor illuminated gallery on Liverpool’s Waterfront, featuring light and sound from local, national and international artists. This year’s instalment will feature 12 large-scale installations of Visual Art centred around the theme ‘Play’.
This Autumn sees a debut collaboration between River of Light and Milap, as the internationally renowned Sri-Lankan artist Murugiah displays a stunning Indian inspired light installation on the Liverpool Waterfront – perfectly timed for Diwali. Commissioned by Greenwich Peninsula, his highly acclaimed piece ‘Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos’ is a vivid three-dimensional sculpture, representing the interconnectivity of existence.
Meet the performers
To mark Diwali celebrations in Liverpool, Milap are also bringing a series of Indian performances to the art installation on 1st November from 5:00pm – 8:00pm.
Europe’s leading Indian brass band Bombay Baja Brass will perform three live sets of dance and music performance, combining popular Indian melodies with the powerful rhythms of the Dhol. The performance will be interactive with a carnival atmosphere of colour and fun. Expect Bollywood and Bhangra dancing as they ring in the joy of Diwali.
Accompanying the spectacle this year, the incredibly talented Piano Baav will prepare a selection of some of the most beautiful Bollywood melodies to play alongside the installation. Baav’s music will be an integral part of your experience, taking you on a journey into the cosmos in Murugiah’s work.
Murugiah’s ‘Rangoli Mirrored Cosmos’
Friday 25th October – Tuesday 5th November / 5:00pm – 9:00pm / Mann Island Atrium, 25 Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP
Free Admission — MORE INFORMATION
A debut collaboration sparks for River of Light and Milap as the internationally renowned Sri-Lankan artist Murugiah displays a stunning Indian inspired light installation on the Liverpool Waterfront. Absorb the magic of Diwali and celebrate the Festival of Lights by immersing yourself in River of Light this autumn.
Outdoor Performances
Friday 1st November / 5:00pm – 8:00pm / Mann Island Atrium, 25 Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP
Free Admission — MORE INFORMATION
To mark Diwali celebrations in Liverpool, Europe’s leading Indian brass band Bombay Baja Brass will perform three live sets of dance and music performance. Expect Bollywood and Bhangra dancing as they ring in the joy of Diwali.
Accompanying the spectacle this year, the incredibly talented Piano Baav will also prepare a selection of some of the most beautiful Bollywood melodies to play alongside the installation.
The Reader + Milap present Diwali at The Storybarn
Saturday 2nd November / 10:00am & 12:30pm / The Mansion House, Calderstones Park, Liverpool, L18 3JB
The Reader and Milap come together again to present Diwali at The Storybarn. Following on from last year’s sell-out event, The Reader’s Story Hunters are back with the spirit of Diwali exploring the Indian festival of light.
There’ll be time to explore the magical Storybarn, share Diwali inspired stories and crafts, and create your own magical tale. Best suited for 4-9 year olds, younger siblings welcome.
Bundobust + Milap present Diwali at Bundobust
Thursday 31st October – Sunday 3rd November
Bundobust Liverpool, 17-19 Bold St, L1 4DN &
Bundobust Manchester, 61 Piccadilly, Manchester M1 2AG
Free Admission (Booking Recommended)
BOOK A TABLE
After last year’s sold-out events, Milap will join forces with Liverpool & Manchester’s favourite Indian street food restaurant, Bundobust, to celebrate Diwali with a special set menu of nostalgic dishes. £1 from every Chaat Deluxe will be donated to Milap as a registered charity.
Expect a weekend long, family-friendly festival filled with Desi food, drink, arts, crafts and culture — the perfect occasion to come together and celebrate Diwali, a festival that symbolises joy, new beginnings, and hope, fostering togetherness and renewal.
Rajhesh Vaidhya
The Tung Auditorium, Liverpool
This Saturday, 26th October, Rajhesh Vaidhya – a maestro of the veena and world-renowned Indian classical musician – will take the stage at Liverpool’s state-of-the-art venue, The Tung Auditorium.
Rajhesh’s unique style, characterized by exhilarating speed and the use of electric and amplified strings, has earned him critical acclaim. He has collaborated with illustrious musicians and film composers, including Sir Elton John.
Joining Rajhesh on stage are two powerhouse Indian percussionists: Sai Giridhar on mridangam and Kousic Sen on tabla, both known and admired for their ability to elevate any musical performance to new heights.
Workshop: The 10 Commandments of Indian Music
The Shed, Baltic Creative
On 14th November, world-renowned Indian classical musicians Dr. Rajeeb Chakraborty & Kousic Sen distill the essential building blocks of Indian music in this open workshop.
Indian music, and especially Indian classical music can seem extremely complex and daunting. In this session, Rajeeb and Kousic demystify it all for you, breaking it down into 10 simple fundamental basics of Indian music.
If you’ve ever wondered how Indian Music is structured, how it’s played and more importantly, how to enjoy the Indian music experience, this workshop is for you. Feel free to bring any instrument you like along with you to try things out, or just come along and listen, enjoy and take it all in.
Rajeeb Chakraborty
The Music Room, Liverpool Philharmonic
On 15th November, the soulful sounds of the sarod return to Liverpool with the world renowned Dr. Rajeeb Chakraborty.
A celebrated musician, composer, and educator, Rajeeb’s mastery over the instrument is unparalleled. His performances are renowned for their emotional depth and technical brilliance, effortlessly transporting listeners to the heart of Indian classical music.
Joining Rajeeb is highly acclaimed tabla maestro, Kousic Sen, whose intricate beats and dynamic range perfectly complement Chakraborty’s sarod, making their collaboration a true musical journey that celebrates the timeless beauty and rich traditions of Indian culture.
