The cultural calendar of Lucknow is set to light up with the much-anticipated return of the Repertwahr Festival. Season 13 of this vibrant four-day cultural extravaganza is scheduled to take place from December 18 to December 21 at the sprawling Janeshwar Mishra Park. The festival will run daily from 11 am to 10 pm, promising a rich blend of music, theatre, food, and art that celebrates both the heritage and contemporary spirit of the city.
A Festival of Firsts: Silent Disco and Culinary Celebrations
This edition of the Repertwahr Festival is introducing a novel attraction that is sure to be a major crowd-puller: a 'Silent Disco'. Named 'Taal', this experience allows participants to dance to music streamed directly to wireless headphones instead of traditional loudspeakers. The technology enables multiple DJs to broadcast on different channels simultaneously, letting dancers switch between genres and control their own volume, creating a party that is immersive for participants and noiseless for outsiders.
The silent disco will feature acclaimed DJs across three days. Skipster, a winner of the world's best DJ award in Poland, will perform on December 19. He will be followed by Lapataa on December 20 and Sangria on the final day, December 21.
In a delicious tribute to Lucknow's recent global honour, the festival will host a special food bazaar. This vibrant setup celebrates the city's recognition as a 'Unesco Creative City of Gastronomy'. It will showcase iconic dishes that are integral to Lucknow's rich and living culinary identity, offering a gastronomic journey through its flavours.
Stage, Screen, and Literature: A Cultural Feast
Theatre and literature take centre stage in unique ways at this year's festival. Despite being held in an open area, organisers have created a special black box theatre experience with a capacity for around 800 people. This enclosed space will feature wooden flooring, a proper stage, and even hanging heaters to keep the audience warm during the cool December evenings.
The theatre lineup is impressive, with a different play scheduled for each of the four days. Highlights include 'Vodka and No Tonic' featuring veteran actor Lillete Dubey, and 'Mohan Ka Masla' starring the talented Pratik Gandhi. For literature enthusiasts, a creatively designed stage inspired by doors and windows—symbolising how books open the heart and mind—will host poetic and storytelling sessions.
Audiences can also look forward to laughter therapy with popular comedians Gaurav Gupta, Gurleen Pannu, and Aakash Gupta, who will perform on different days.
Musical Melodies and Artistic Expressions
The musical offerings are diverse, catering to a wide range of tastes. Classical music lovers can enjoy a folk fusion presentation by sitarist Chandulal Kalburgi. Delhi-based folk group 'The Aahvaan Project' will blend music with storytelling. For pop music fans, indie singer-songwriter Anuv Jain and chartered-accountant-turned-singer Justh will perform their relatable and touching songs.
The ancient art of dastangoi (storytelling) will be revived with two distinct performances. A musical dastangoi on the life of Sufi poet Amir Khusrau will be presented by Ajitesh Gupta and Mohit Aggarwal on the second day. Another session by Himanshu Bajpai and Pragya Mishra will be a highlight on the third day. Poetry will flow from young poet Badal Sharma, known for his humorous verses, and the renowned Waseem Barelvi, who will recite his 'kalams' and 'nazms' on the concluding day.
Beyond performances, the festival grounds will feature over 50 stalls selling jewellery, handicrafts, home decor, accessories, souvenirs, books, footwear, and food. Interactive workshops on sneaker painting, tote bag painting, and clay pottery making will engage visitors of all ages. A dedicated kids zone with various games and swings will ensure younger attendees are entertained.
Founder of the festival, Bhoopesh Rai, expressed his enthusiasm, stating that this season is packed with more exciting sessions and double the enjoyment and laughter, extending a warm welcome to everyone to participate.
A special installation symbolising Lucknow's journey will also be on display, contrasting the historic Clock Tower (Ghantaghar)—once the city's tallest structure—with a model of a proposed 47-storey building, representing the city's leap from its heritage roots into modernity.
