London will welcome the inaugural edition of Dakshin – An Ode to Margazhi, a four-day Carnatic music festival taking place from 3–6 December 2026, featuring some of India’s most celebrated classical musicians.
Presented by Laughing Water Entertainment, with artists curated by Kalanation, Dakshin draws inspiration from Chennai’s iconic Margazhi music season, bringing the richness, artistry and cultural spirit of South Indian classical music to the UK.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of London’s historic churches, St John’s Hyde Park and St Pancras Church, Euston, the festival brings together an exceptional line-up including Vidwan Dr L. Vidwan Subramaniam, Vidwan Ambi Subramaniam, Vidwan T. M. Krishna, Vidwan Shashank Subramanyam, Vidwan Abhishek Raghuram and Kum. Sooryagayathri, alongside distinguished accompanying musicians.
Bringing the spirit of Margazhi to London
In Chennai, Margazhi is more than a season of concerts. It is a cherished cultural tradition where musicians, teachers, students and audiences come together in a shared celebration of music, devotion and heritage.
Dakshin seeks to bring this spirit to London, offering intimate musical experiences while creating a new platform for the Carnatic music community in the UK.
Beyond the concerts, the festival will feature sessions, talks and workshops on 3 and 4 December at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (The Bhavan), London, encouraging artistic dialogue, learning and engagement among musicians, students and enthusiasts.
Envisioned as an annual cultural platform, Dakshin also aims to nurture emerging talent, strengthen India–UK cultural connections and introduce anannual award recognising a British-based musician for their contribution to Carnatic music in the UK.
A new cultural tradition for the UK
Speaking about the festival, Sunil Kumar Ramachandra, Director of Laughing Water Entertainment, said:
“Margazhi holds a special place in South India’s cultural identity, bringing together generations through music. With Dakshin, we hope to recreate that spirit in London and establish a meaningful annual platform that celebrates exceptional artistry, nurtures young talent and strengthens the Carnatic music community in the UK. Our vision is to build something that extends beyond the performances and leaves a lasting cultural legacy.”
Festival programme | 3–6 December 2026
Thursday, 3 December | St John’s Hyde Park
Dr L. Subramaniam (Violin), Ambi Subramaniam (Violin), V. V. Ramana Murthy (Mridangam), Tanmoy Bose (Tabla), Giridhar Udupa (Ghatam).
Dr L. Subramaniam (Violin), Ambi Subramaniam (Violin), V. V. Ramana Murthy (Mridangam), Tanmoy Bose (Tabla), Giridhar Udupa (Ghatam).
Friday, 4 December | St John’s Hyde Park
T. M. Krishna (Vocal), Sruti Sarathy (Violin), V. V. Ramana Murthy (Mridangam), Giridhar Udupa (Ghatam).
T. M. Krishna (Vocal), Sruti Sarathy (Violin), V. V. Ramana Murthy (Mridangam), Giridhar Udupa (Ghatam).
Saturday, 5 December | St Pancras Church, Euston
Shashank Subramanyam (Flute), Abhishek Raghuram (Vocal), Sai Giridhar (Mridangam), Tanmoy Bose (Tabla).
Shashank Subramanyam (Flute), Abhishek Raghuram (Vocal), Sai Giridhar (Mridangam), Tanmoy Bose (Tabla).
Sunday, 6 December | St John’s Hyde Park
Sooryagayathri (Vocal), Sruti Sarathy (Violin), Sai Giridhar (Mridangam), Harkiret Singh Bahra (Tabla).
Sooryagayathri (Vocal), Sruti Sarathy (Violin), Sai Giridhar (Mridangam), Harkiret Singh Bahra (Tabla).
Tickets and booking information
Tickets are now on sale.
Dates: 3–6 December 2026
Venues: St John’s Hyde Park and St Pancras Church, Euston, London
Booking Link: https://tinyurl.com/
Venues: St John’s Hyde Park and St Pancras Church, Euston, London
Booking Link: https://tinyurl.com/
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