LaLaLand presents: a diverse Indian programme at Amsterdam Roots Festival

For three years, LaLaLand Festival filled Ruigoord with the scents, sounds and art of India. This year, LaLaLand Festival comes to Amsterdam Roots Festival. A varied programme where tradition and new forms move side by side. From the experimental listening concert by Pause.dxa to centuries-old puppet theatre from Jaipur, where marionettes come to life to live music. And from the immersive qawwali of Ravi Bhatt & troupe to dynamic Bollywood dance in the workshop by Vyju’s Bollywood Dance.

Pause.dxa

An experimental sound and music project by Sahitya and Harsh, both rooted in South India. Their work moves between tradition and innovation, weaving classical musical forms with contemporary sounds into a layered and exploratory sonic landscape.
Puppet theatre from Jaipur
Colourful and playful, this traditional puppet theatre brings age-old stories to life. Finely crafted marionettes dance to live qawwali music — intense, devotional and immersive. A captivating encounter between visual storytelling and musical traditions from North India.

Ravi Bhatt & ensemble — Qawwali

Ravi Bhatt and his ensemble invite you into the world of qawwali, a musical tradition rooted in the Sufi culture of South Asia. Through voice, tabla, dholak and harmonium, they build an intense shared experience. Music, emotion and devotion merge into an almost trance-like atmosphere.

Vyju’s Bollywood Dance Amsterdam

Led by Vyjayanthi Iyer, Vyju’s Bollywood Dance presents a performance and workshop inspired by dance from Indian cinema. Bollywood dance blends classical and folk traditions with modern influences. Subtle facial expressions and expressive hand gestures play a central role — alongside energy, joy and playfulness.

Lalaland’s Indian programme is made possible in part by Indigo Airlines, the Gandhi Centre and the Indian Embassy.