As dawn breaks over the Ganga in Varanasi, the waters shimmer with ochre hues, accompanied by soulful music from the historic Guleria Kothi. This magical scene sets the stage for the ninth edition of the Mahindra Kabira Festival, a profound exploration of the 15th-century mystic poet Kabir's enduring legacy of inclusivity and self-inquiry. From December 19 to 21, 2025, the ghats of Varanasi will transform into a vibrant confluence of musicians, artists, philosophers, and authors, all reflecting on Kabiriyat.
A Tapestry of Performances and Reflections
The festival opens with an insightful discourse by Umesh Kabir, an educator and theologist from the Kabirchauramath Ashram. The opening day will also feature a powerful qawwali performance by the Kumaon-based ensemble, Rehmat-e-Nusrat. The following days promise a rich lineup, including a vocal recital by Swati Tiwari, a sitar performance by Hidayat Husain Khan, and immersive storytelling sessions.
One notable presentation is Kabir, the Julaha: Verses from the Loom by Shivangini Yeashu Yuvraj and Isha Priya Singh. This unique collaboration reimagines Kabir not only as a mystic but also as a craftsperson, weaving together themes of textiles, music, and poetry. Another highlight is Mahesha Ram's Kabir Baani, which draws deeply from the Bhakti traditions of the Meghwal community.
Kabir's Timeless Relevance in a Divided World
In an era marked by global ideological divisions, the teachings of Kabir resonate with profound significance. Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts (the festival producer), emphasizes the timeless nature of Kabir's words. "He asks us to look beyond labels, to recognise the divine in everyday life, and to find unity in simplicity and sincerity," Roy explains. He notes that Kabir's poetry doesn't prescribe but invites personal reflection, offering a quiet space for introspection and collective healing in a tense world.
The festival consciously bridges the traditional and the contemporary. Shivangini, who has researched folk music traditions through her project Dholak Rani, observes how Kabir's poetry has traveled far beyond its origins. It is sung across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Punjab, often evolving through folk genres like Kajri and Chaiti, and finding expression in musical worlds from thumri-dadra to contemporary popular music.
Innovation, Sustainability, and Closing Notes
This year's edition boldly experiments across genres. Carnatic musicians explore jazz and rock, folk ensembles incorporate contemporary instruments, and classical dancers collaborate with new media. According to Roy, these experiments create a vital dialogue between past and present, regional and global, without diluting tradition.
The festival concludes with a powerful performance by the progressive Carnatic rock band Agam. Vocalist Harish Sivaramakrishnan states that the band's philosophy of breaking boundaries and seeking universal truth deeply resonates with Kabir's spirit.
Beyond performances, the festival includes heritage walks and a strong commitment to sustainability. In partnership with the social enterprise Skrap, the organizers are phasing out single-use plastics and aiming to divert over 90% of waste from landfills, ensuring the celebration on the sacred ghats is both conscious and responsible.
