FROM RAGA TO RIVER: MILAP’S LEGACY IN LIVERPOOL’S CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

For over four decades, Milap has been quietly but powerfully transforming Liverpool’s cultural landscape. As the UK’s leading Indian Arts and Culture organisation, Milap has championed classical and contemporary Indian music, nurtured emerging talent, and created space for South Asian voices to thrive in the heart of the city. As Milap reach their 40 year milestone, it’s worth pausing to celebrate the deeper story — not just the events on stage, but the community that’s grown around them.

Founded in 1985, Milap has never simply been a promoter of concerts. It’s a movement — a celebration of Indian heritage, artistry, and its place in the UK’s evolving cultural identity. Whether through large-scale performances, grassroots education programmes, or genre-defying collaborations, Milap has created a platform where tradition and innovation meet — and where Indian arts are not just preserved, but propelled into new futures.

Milap’s impact in Liverpool is both cultural and generational. Through its Arts School, it has introduced thousands of young people to Indian music and dance, helping to build confidence, creativity, and connection to heritage. Some have gone on to perform internationally; others have simply found joy and belonging. But all have been part of something bigger — a living, breathing cultural legacy.

Musically, Milap has hosted some of the world’s most revered Indian classical artists, including maestros like Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, Kaushiki Chakraborty, and Wajahat Khan. These performances — many taking place in Liverpool’s most iconic venues — have given local audiences access to world-class artistry. “Milap has played a significant role in spreading the joy of Indian classical music,” says Rakesh Chaurasia. “Sustaining this mission for 40 years is truly commendable… I am delighted to be part of this milestone season and extend my best wishes to Milap for its ongoing journey.”

Electronic music innovator and tabla pioneer Talvin Singh also paid tribute: “Prashant Ji is a visionary in the arts and music. He has always been so supportive and in touch with young musicians in the UK… great that Alok and Archana are taking Milap(fest) to even greater heights. My best wishes.”

But Milap’s work goes far beyond music. Its impact on Indian dance in the UK has been just as powerful. Programmes like Dance India have helped emerging dancers find their footing, make lasting connections with teachers, and stay rooted in their craft. “Milap was such a huge influence on me,” shares Apoorva Jayaraman. “The absolutely amazing platform Dance India gave me the space to stay connected to dance and my teachers. My relationship with Milap is very special.”

What makes Milap so unique is its deep-rooted presence in Liverpool. While other cities might boast larger stages or bigger budgets, Milap has built something more lasting: trust. Trust with artists. Trust with audiences. And trust with the South Asian communities who see their stories reflected, respected, and reimagined through its work. One audience member summed it up simply: “The standard of every Milap event I have ever attended has always been unfailingly world class. I have been performing in and around Liverpool all my life and this organisation is the jewel in the City’s cultural crown beyond any doubt.”

As Milap prepares for its upcoming season, the programme promises to reflect everything the organisation stands for: world-class excellence, artistic experimentation, and community connection. Events will spotlight the next generation of Indian musicians, alongside seasoned performers returning to Liverpool to share their evolving practice.

“In 1985, Milap launched as a bold new festival, bringing world-class Indian music to Liverpool. Forty years on, we’re proud to have evolved into a creative organisation that not only presents international artists, but also produces new music and nurtures young talent. Our ensembles, like SAMYO and TARANG, have helped shape a new voice for Indian music in Britain. This milestone lets us reflect on the risks, the turning points, and the people who’ve made it all possible. Most of all, it’s a call to keep pushing boundaries — and to keep Liverpool on the map as a global music city.”
— Alok Nayak, Artistic Director, Milap

In a time when conversations around cultural equity, representation and legacy are more important than ever, Milap stands as a shining example of what it means to do the work — not just for a season, but for generations.

To learn more about Milap’s legacy, future events, and how to get involved, visit milap.co.uk or follow @milapfest on social media.