Mahindra Kabira Festival 2023 captures syncretic nature of music

Mahindra Kabira Festival in Varanasi, organised by Teamwork Art is in its seventh edition and had classical, folk, fusion and rock music at the fore

It’s 6 am on a chilly December morning when audiences board a boat that meanders through the river Ganga.  As the boat docks at the Guleria Ghat, the anticipation heightens. On disembarking, they are greeted by a breathtaking sight of the sunrise and the mist enveloping the Ganga, heralding the seventh edition of the Mahindra Kabira Music Festival in Varanasi. The celebration of the 15th Century mystique poet and saint Kabir begins on a serene note.

Amidst this natural spectacle, Sandeep Singh, a maestro of the taus, takes centre stage and holds the audience in thrall with his unique peacock-shaped instrument. This is soon followed by a tribute concert to mark the centenary of Pandit Kumar Gandharva, by singer Bhuvanesh Komkali, the legend’s grandson.

One could not have asked for a better start to the two-day programme from December 16-17, 2023, curated by the Mahindra Group and Teamwork Arts, an art and culture production company. The events that followed were Kabir-centric.

The gathering of delegates from across the country and several parts of the world were treated to a sumptuous programme of classical, folk and fusion music and insightful discourse inspired by Kabir, heritage walks, temple visits, Ganga Arati, boat rides, and a range of food curated daily with signature local Banarasi dishes. 

The Kabira festival has been a journey of cultural evolution and artistic exploration, says Jay Shah, vice president and head of Cultural Outreach Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.

Speaking in between the sessions, he says, “The Kabira festival has emerged as a cultural phenomenon, transcending its local roots to become a brand synonymous with music, art and celebration of diversity. Over the past seven years, the festival has not only established itself as a mainstay in Varanasi’s cultural calendar but has also evolved to attract a diverse audience from across the country.” 

The organisers’ goal is to integrate each festival into the cultural fabric of the city, making it a permanent fixture in that city’s calendar. This approach is evident in their other successful ventures, such as the Mahindra Blues Festival and Mahindra Independence Rock Festival in Mumbai, the Mahindra Percussion Festival in Bengaluru, the Mahindra Sanatkada Festival in Lucknow and the Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards (META) in Delhi. Each festival is meticulously curated to reflect the essence and identity of its host city,” adds Shah.