Mahindra Kabira Festival 2023 Commences In Varanasi, Echoing Kabir's Timeless Verses

Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, reverberated with the captivating verses of the 15th-century mystic-poet Kabir as the 7th edition of the Mahindra Kabira Festival unfolded at Guleria Ghat. 

The festival, curated through collaborative efforts by the Mahindra Group and Teamwork Arts, promises a rich two-day programme celebrating the confluence of music, literature, and culture.

Jay Shah, Vice President, Head - Cultural Outreach, Mahindra & Mahindra, expressed enthusiasm about the festival's commencement, highlighting the day's events that included serene morning music, heritage walks, delectable cuisine, and lively evening performances. 

Shah emphasised the festival's goal to bridge divides through the seamless integration of music and literature, fostering unity and understanding.

The morning at Guleria Ghat kicked off with a mesmerising taus recital by Sandeep Singh, accompanied by Avirbhav Verma on the tabla. Singh shared insights into the taus, a historic instrument dating back to the 17th century. 

The Morning Music programme also featured Bhuvnesh Komkali, a Hindustani classical vocalist and grandson of Pt. Kumar Gandharva, paying tribute to the centenary of his legendary grandfather.

The afternoon sessions at Guleria Ghat featured Dr. Linda Hess, Professor Emerita at Stanford University and an expert in devotional/mystical poetry and Kabir. 

Engaging in a conversation with Sanjoy K Roy, Festival Producer, Dr. Hess reflected on Kabir as not just a poet but a human being with profoundly remarkable experiences, delving deep into understanding human nature and our connection to everything.

The Evening Music programme commenced with a performance by Sunbeam School Varuna, followed by Padma Shri Anwar Khan Manganiar's evocative recital called "Parampara." The evening concluded with a superlative performance by Hindustani classical vocalist Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande, who shared her perspective on Kabir as a principle rather than a person.

As the first day concluded, the Mahindra Kabira Festival left behind a medley of soul-stirring melodies and insightful discussions. 

The second day promises more enriching experiences, with Purnesh Bhagwat presenting Kabir Bhajans during the Morning Music session, followed by a mystical flute journey with Kartikeya and Makrand. 

Engaging discussions and musical performances by the Vasu Dixit Collective and the iconic Indian Ocean will fill the afternoon and evening sessions, ensuring a memorable finale to this cultural celebration.