The festival, which took place at the magnificent Guleria Kothi in the heart of Varanasi paid homage to the poet Kabir’s birthplace

The latest edition of the Mahindra Kabira Festival held from December 15-17, 2023 took place on the historic ghats of Varanasi.

The festival schedule was split into three sessions—morning, afternoon and evening. Jay Shah, Vice President and Head of Cultural Outreach at Mahindra & Mahindra, emphasised the festival’s diverse activities, ranging from tranquil morning music and heritage walks to delightful cuisine and lively evening performances.

The morning at Guleria Ghat kicked off with a mesmerising taus recital by Sandeep Singh, accompanied by Avirbhav Verma on the tabla. Additional artists featured were classical vocalist Bhuvanesh Komkali honouring the centenary year of his late grandfather, Pandit Kumar Gandharva.

The second day continued with an electrifying flute and percussion duet by Kartikeya and Makrand, interpreting Kabir through their renditions. Ustad Anwar Khan Maganiyar, who had performed the night before, joined them on stage for a brilliant jugalbandi.

The key highlight was the live creation of a colossal and breathtaking artwork by the acclaimed artist Paresh Maity.

The concluding night featured an enchanting blend of music, lyrics, and rhythm. Delhi Public School, Varanasi ignited the stage with a powerful performance, paving the way for the diverse sounds of Electrokabira by the Vasu Dixit Collective.

The grand finale featured the legendary band Indian Ocean, delivering a completely captivating performance and offering their distinctive interpretation of Kabir.

The captivating music, insightful discussions and interpretations of Kabir during the Mahindra Kabira Festival deeply resonated with audiences. The festival not only made a lasting impression but also steadfastly maintained the progressive and liberating legacy of Kabir’s philosophy and ideas.