Kochi gears up for Electronic surge: CULTR 2026 pre-event party on February 7

The countdown to the highly anticipated CULTR 2026 festival officially begins this February. Ahead of the extravaganza -- a Mathrubhumi initiative -- a high-octane pre-event party is scheduled to be held for February 7 at the Casino Hotel on Wellington Island in Kochi.

With tickets priced at Rs 2000, the event promises an immersive journey into the depths of underground dance music, featuring a lineup of industry heavyweights: Ash Roy, DJ Dawn, and Klanganoid.

A Global Icon Returns: Ash Roy

Headlining the night is Ash Roy, a figure synonymous with the evolution of India’s underground scene. A founding member of Jalebee Cartel and the Soupherb records label, Ash Roy has spent his career performing at prestigious global stages, including the Awakenings festival in the Netherlands and the Esoteric festival in Australia.

Ash Roy, who splits his time between India and the "techno-mecca" of Berlin, has been named "Best Techno DJ" and "Producer of the Year" at various MyFav India awards. Attendees can expect a masterful set that navigates the genres of minimal-techno and techno, a style that has seen him share headlining space with legends like Carl Cox and The Chemical Brothers.

The Hypnotic Sounds of DJ Dawn

Joining the lineup is the Kochi-born, Bangalore-based DJ Dawn. Known for his signature blend of hypnotic and minimal techno, Dawn’s sets are designed to create immersive soundscapes that drive audiences with groove-heavy rhythms.

As the co-founder of Off The Moon Records, a techno label based right here in Kochi, Dawn has been a pivotal force in supporting talented artists and pushing the boundaries of India's electronic music scene. Having honed his skills under mentors at Music's cool Bangalore, his recent mixtapes have garnered significant digital traction, reaching 20k plays within mere months.

Sonically-Engineered Depth: Klanganoid

Klanganoid (also known as Manu) discovered his passion for electronic music in 2007. With a background in Sound Engineering, Klanganoid has crafted a signature style described as a "wildly deep and hypnotic auditory experience".

Klanganoid is no stranger to the venue, having previously performed at the Casino Hotel among other notable spots like Pepper House and Le Meridien. His experience sharing the stage with international artists such as Andrea and Stenny ensures a performance of the highest technical and creative caliber.

Event Details

The pre-event party serves as a vital precursor to the CULTR 2026 festival, offering fans a curated experience of world-class techno in an intimate setting.

• Date: February 7

• Venue: Casino Hotel, Kochi

• Ticket Price: Rs 2000

• Time: 5pm

• Featured Artists: Ash Roy, DJ Dawn, Klanganoid

Have you booked your pre-event party tickets? If not, CLICK HERE

Gearing up for CULTR 2026

Kochi's iconic Bolgatty Palace is set to host CULTR 2026, which will bridge the gap between traditional heritage and cutting-edge contemporary sound. The festival promises a curated spectrum of genres, featuring the rhythmic complexity of jazz fusion, the intimacy of indie-folk, and the high-octane intensity of global techno and hip-hop.

The lineup brings together a diverse collective of international and Indian artistes who have carved unique paths in the modern industry. This event is more than a concert; it is a showcase of musical evolution, designed for those who seek to experience the forefront of global sound in a setting of historic grandeur.

Have you booked your tickets for CULTR 2026? If not, CLICK HERE