Lucknow is set to immerse itself in a vibrant cultural confluence as the 17th edition of the Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival unfolds. This five-day celebration, running from January 30 to February 3, promises to be a grand showcase of the rich heritage of Awadhi and Bengali traditions.
A Grand Cultural Confluence at Iconic Venues
The festival will transform three of Lucknow's prominent locations: Safed Baradari, Raja Rampal Singh Park, and the Amiruddaula Public Library. The venues will be adorned with thematic decorations featuring bamboo structures, wooden lamps, kites, mirrors, and strings of lights. A special highlight will be the entrance, designed to resemble a traditional Bengali pandal, offering visitors an immediate taste of the cultural fusion on display.
A Shopper's Paradise of Handicrafts and Jewellery
For enthusiasts of traditional arts and crafts, the festival will be a treasure trove. Over 110 stalls will offer an exquisite array of products. Shoppers can find authentic Bengali prints like jamdani, kantha, kadam hath, and pattachitra. The famed Awadhi craftsmanship will be represented through aari, zardozi, leheriya, and chattapati works.
The diversity extends to other renowned Indian art forms, including:
- Ikkat and Ajrakh
- Madhubani and Shibri
- Kalamkari and Bandhani
Jewellery lovers will have a wide selection, ranging from classic pearls and precious stones to tribal, oxidised, silver, and junk jewellery. Unique collections like Afghani jewellery and Jaipuri patwa jewellery will also be available.
Live Demonstrations and Interactive Experiences
Beyond shopping, the festival aims to educate and engage. Special stalls will feature live art demonstrations where visitors can watch master artisans at work and purchase pieces made on the spot. These demonstrations will include:
- Crochet and Laak bangle making
- Chikankari bloc printing
- Leheriya dupatta making
- Traditional kite making
A fun stall dedicated to hair braiding is also planned to attract the younger crowd.
Tasveer Hasan, the festival director, shared the vision behind this edition. "This 17th edition will bring together artists, scholars, and storytellers who have travelled between the two cities and still carry their intertwined memories," she said. The event will feature innovative installations and immersive exhibitions on the theme. Hasan added that over 100 artisans from across South Asia will present their distinct crafts, with each piece narrating its own tale of heritage.
The Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival Season 17 stands as a significant platform to preserve and promote India's intangible cultural heritage. It offers a unique opportunity for Lucknow's residents and visitors to experience the artistic dialogue between two iconic cultural realms, making it a must-visit event this winter.
