Najeeb Khan
Dates: 28, 29 & 30 November 2025
Venue: Sangeet Natak Academy, Lucknow
What is Kabir Festival?
Kabir Festival is a nationally recognised, three-day cultural event organised by the NGO Dastak in Lucknow. Over the past decade, it has grown into one of the city’s most significant cultural celebrations, bringing together music, theatre, literature, art, seminars and meaningful conversations.
The festival draws inspiration from the timeless values of Sant Kabir – peace, love, humanity and inclusion expressed through contemporary creativity. Renowned artists from across India, including performers and cultural voices from Mumbai and Delhi, participate each year.
The audience reflects the diversity of the city: youth, senior citizens, social groups, cultural organisations, and prominent media houses all come together to be part of this annual celebration.
How and When Was It Started?
Kabir Festival began in 2016 with a simple yet powerful idea. Founding members Veena Rana, a social worker and women’s rights advocate, and Sangita Jaiswal, a socio-cultural entrepreneur, envisioned a space where people could come together beyond social boundaries united by art, compassion and shared human values.
What started as a local initiative has now evolved into a cultural movement embraced by the city. Over the years, the festival has expanded in scale, participation and creative direction while staying rooted in its core philosophy of inclusiveness and community.
The Idea and Vision Behind the Festival
At the heart of Kabir Festival is the spirit of unity and understanding. The aim has never been to simply host an event but to create a collective cultural experience. Through music, theatre, literature and visual art, the festival celebrates simplicity, love and shared humanity.
The environment is intentionally welcoming and inclusive. Every voice matters, every age group feels represented, and art is used as a catalyst for dialogue and social reflection. The festival encourages participants to engage, think, question and connect.
What Makes It Different from Other Cultural or Literary Fests in Lucknow?
Kabir Festival stands apart because it goes beyond entertainment. Here, art becomes a medium for conversation and connection. The festival embraces diversity, dialogue and compassion, encouraging people to celebrate differences rather than be divided by them.
It is deeply community-driven. Youth, women, artists, social organisations and cultural thinkers all participate as co-creators. Established performers share platforms with emerging voices, creating a space that is vibrant, collaborative and inclusive.
Along with theatre and music, the festival includes art exhibits, discussions, jamming sessions and craft pop-ups, making it three days of culture that is both meaningful and enjoyable.
Why Should People Attend?
Kabir Festival offers an opportunity to experience powerful ideas and inspiring artistic performances while reconnecting with cultural roots. Over three days, audiences engage with theatre, Sufi music, filmmakers, artists and mental wellness experts.
The festival appeals to all age groups and interests. It provides a space to slow down, step away from digital noise and meet like-minded individuals.
More than entertainment, Kabir Festival creates memorable experiences that celebrate joy, reflection and togetherness.
Events and Performances at Kabir Festival 2025
Contemporary Theatre Productions from Mumbai
The festival features three acclaimed productions exploring themes of migration, ageing, identity, gender roles and generational conflict through modern dramaturgy:
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MEZOK
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MAAS
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Dance Like a Man
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Besharam Ka Paudha
A performance that follows the artist’s personal journey from village to city. Through stories, childhood games and memories, it highlights the everyday realities of caste in India. The play encourages audiences to reflect on how caste shapes their own lives.
Note: A private closed performance of this play will be held on 26 November.
Bahurupiya
A powerful solo play performed and directed by Luckyjee Gupta, inspired by real Bahurupiya folk performers. It examines the decline of this centuries-old art form and portrays the Bahurupiya as a cultural warrior challenging systems of power.
Maa Mujhe Tagore Bana De
Another solo theatre creation by Luckyjee Gupta, this performance follows a young boy’s love for poetry and his journey through life’s challenges. With more than 1,700 shows across India, the play is being staged across schools and colleges in Lucknow as a curtain raiser from 18 to 26 November 2025.
Musical Jamming Tribute: Guru Dutt & Zubeen Garg
A special musical evening celebrating 100 years of Guru Dutt and the timeless voice of Zubeen Garg. This live jamming session blends iconic songs with storytelling, offering a soulful tribute to two legendary artists.
Mohabbat Ke Maayne
One of the most anticipated evenings of the festival, this Sufi-Kabir musical performance by Vipul Rikhi explores the many meanings of love—divine, human, rebellious and compassionate. Through Kafi and Sufi-inspired vocals, the session brings Kabir’s philosophy of unity and inner awakening to life.
Samjho Cinema – Season 2
A youth-centred, three-day certificate course led by Dr Avinash Kumar. Participants explore films beyond entertainment, engaging with cinema from cultural, social and intellectual perspectives.
Themes for 2025:
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Cinema & Literature
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Cinema & Women
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Cinema, Literature & History
For more details:
- Instagram: kabirfestival_lucknow
- Facebook: kabirfestlko
- Contact: 9818023325, 9769935883
- Complete Event Schedule: https://linktr.ee/KabirFestival
