The countdown to the highly anticipated CULTR 2026 festival officially begins this February with an electrifying pre-event celebration in Kochi. Ahead of the main extravaganza—an initiative of Mathrubhumi—the Kappa CULTR pre-party is scheduled to take place on February 7, from 5 pm onwards at Casino Hotel, Wellington Island, Kochi.
Designed as a curtain-raiser to CULTR 2026, which is scheduled to be held from 20th -22nd February 2026, at Bolgatty, Kochi. The pre-party promises an immersive journey into underground dance music, bringing together a powerful lineup of industry heavyweights. The night will feature performances by Ash Roy, DJ Dawn, and Klanganoid, each known for pushing sonic boundaries and shaping India’s electronic music landscape.
Pre Party Artist spotlight: Kappa CULTR 2026
Ash Roy On Decks
Leading the night is Ash Roy, a trailblazer in India’s underground electronic movement. From his work with Jalebee Cartel and Soupherb Records to headlining global festivals like Awakenings and Esoteric, Roy has made his mark internationally. Splitting time between India and Berlin, he brings a signature minimal-techno and techno sound that has seen him perform alongside icons like Carl Cox and The Chemical Brothers, promising Kochi an electrifying night.
DJ Dawn: Beats That Captivate
Kochi-born and Bangalore-based, DJ Dawn is celebrated for his signature hypnotic minimal techno sets that create immersive, groove-driven experiences. As co-founder of Off the Moon Records, he has nurtured emerging talent and pushed the boundaries of India’s electronic music scene. His recent mixtapes have garnered over 20,000 plays in just a few months, solidifying his growing influence on the digital music landscape.
The Immersive Sound of Klanganoid
Rounding out the trio is Klanganoid (Manu), a master of hypnotic and immersive electronic soundscapes. With a Sound Engineering background and a passion for electronic music since 2007, he has crafted a signature style described as “wildly deep and hypnotic.” A seasoned performer at venues like Casino Hotel, Pepper House, and Le Meridien, Klanganoid has shared the stage with international acts such as Andrea and Stenny, delivering technically precise and creatively powerful sets that captivate audiences.
Mayura Shreyams Kumar, Festival Founder & Director, Digital Business Mathrubhumi Group, said, “CULTR 2026 is all about bringing world-class electronic music to Kerala and creating unforgettable experiences for our audience. The pre-party in Kochi is the perfect way to kick off the celebrations, and we’re excited to feature Ash Roy, DJ Dawn, and Klanganoid for a night.”
Devika Shreyams Kumar, Festival Founder & Director – Operations, Mathrubhumi Group, said, we at CULTR aim to curate the best experience for everyone who is a part of the festival. The pre party on the 7th is just a mere glimpse of what the festival offers – great music, people and a night of absolute fun”.
With tickets priced at ₹2,000, it promises music enthusiasts a high-octane experience that sets the tone for the main festival. Pre-party tickets are now live, https://tickets.thekappa.com/preparty.html. For the latest updates, announcements, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, follow Kappa CULTR on Instagram