The cultural heart of Lucknow is beating vibrantly once again as the 13th edition of the renowned Repertwahr festival opened its doors on Thursday. The event was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh's Culture Minister, Jaiveer Singh, who emphasized the critical role such gatherings play in sustaining the living cultural fabric of the historic city.
A City Alive with Art and Expression
Minister Singh stated that festivals like Repertwahr are essential to keep the cultural spirit of Lucknow thriving. The coming days promise to transform the city into a dynamic confluence of talent, featuring well-known artists, writers, and cultural icons from across India. These personalities will represent a diverse spectrum of creative fields including theatre, music, literature, and humour.
The opening day was a microcosm of this celebration, bursting with energy and colour. The venue buzzed with dedicated areas like a lively Kids Zone and an Artisans' Bazaar, including a special marketplace by Dastkar. The air was filled with music from a live performance by the Azad Band, whose declaration "Lucknow bula raha hai" (Lucknow is calling) set the perfect tone.
Where Community Takes Center Stage
Children, their faces painted with joy, reveled in games ranging from air hockey and basketball hoops to animal rides and simulation games. Adults meandered contentedly between stalls, engaging in conversations and soaking in performances. The ambiance was magically enhanced by artistic touches like artificial flowers, glowing installations, and trees elegantly adorned with chandeliers.
True to Lucknow's designation as a UNESCO Creative City for Gastronomy, food stalls became natural social hubs. The aromas of iconic Lakhnawi kababs, steaming chai, momos, and sweet ice creams drew people together. Theatre enthusiasts congregated around performance spaces, while others explored the festival's merchandise store, browsing through posters and tote bags.
"This feels less like an event and more like a community gathering," shared visitor Ritika Sharma. Echoing the sentiment, Jai Agrawal noted, "Children are playing, adults are shopping or watching theatre and there's music everywhere. You can actually slow down here."
Honouring Heritage, Encouraging New Voices
The festival's cultural depth was prominently displayed through Uttar Pradesh's 'One District, One Product' (ODOP) showcase. Stalls from various states added to the richness, displaying exquisite shawls, sarees, and handwoven textiles, turning the venue into a tapestry of India's craft heritage.
Bhoopesh Rai, the founder of Repertwahr, explained the festival's core philosophy. "Repertwahr was created as a space where people do not come just to watch performances, but to share experiences," he said. He described theatre, music, craft, and food as different expressions of the same cultural spirit. "Lucknow has always been a city of stories, and through Repertwahr, we want to honour its past while creating room for new voices and contemporary expressions," Rai added, highlighting the event's mission to bridge tradition and modernity.
