The cultural landscape of Lucknow is set to come alive with the much-anticipated 10th edition of the Kabir Festival, scheduled to take place from November 28 to 30, 2025. This three-day extravaganza will transform the UP Sangeet Natak Academy campus in Gomtinagar into a vibrant center of artistic expression and spiritual exploration.
A Fusion of Traditional Wisdom and Contemporary Creativity
This year's festival promises a unique blend of the eternal philosophy of 15th-century mystic poet Kabir with modern creative forms. The event will feature an impressive lineup including theatre performances, cinema workshops, Sufi music sessions, youth expression activities, and mental wellness discussions. Festival coordinator Upasana Tripathi emphasizes that the Kabir Festival represents more than just entertainment—it serves as a platform for deep reflection and connection with Kabir's enduring spirit of questioning and compassion.
Highlight Events and Performances
The festival opens with 'Bahurupiya', a compelling Hindi solo play written by Rajesh Kumar and brought to life by performer Lucky Gupta. This powerful production examines the decline of the centuries-old Bahurupiya tradition while portraying its practitioners as artistic warriors challenging established power structures.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to 'Mohabbat Ke Maayne', an evening dedicated to soulful Sufi and Kabir-inspired vocals. Through Kafi and Sufi musical forms, this session will explore the multifaceted nature of love—from divine and human connections to rebellious and compassionate expressions—all echoing Kabir's philosophy of unity and inner awakening.
A special combined tribute titled 'Memories of Guru Dutt & Zubeen Garg - Singing Out Loud' will honor the legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt and the unforgettable vocal artistry of Zubeen Garg. This nostalgic journey will combine live musical storytelling with reflections on their artistic legacies.
Contemporary Theatre and Cinema Education
Adding depth to the festival programming are three contemporary theatre productions from Mumbai: Mezok, MAAS, and Dance Like a Man. These works tackle relevant contemporary themes including migration, aging, identity formation, gender roles, and generational conflicts through modern dramaturgical approaches.
Film enthusiasts have a special opportunity with Samjho Cinema-Season II, a comprehensive three-day certificate course designed for emerging creators, film lovers, and anyone curious about cinematic craft. The curtain raiser performance 'Maa Mujhe Tagore Banado' has already generated significant excitement among festival attendees.
A private closed event called 'Besharam ka Paudha' will occur separately on Constitution Day, November 26. The festival will also feature dedicated programming for both children and adults daily from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, ensuring engaging activities for all age groups and making this a truly inclusive cultural experience for the entire Lucknow community.
