Lucknow: The Kabir Festival 2025, underway at the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Gomti Nagar, continued its vibrant cultural journey on Day 2 with a compelling blend of youth-led conversations, cinematic reflections, socially charged performances, and an unforgettable Sufi-Kabir musical evening. From 12 PM to 9 PM, audiences from all age groups and social backgrounds poured in to experience the city’s most meaningful cultural extravaganza.
Youth Takes the Lead with ‘The Buzz Box’
Day 2 opened with an energetic youth podcast, The Buzz Box, led by Kuljeet. The session set an interactive tone for the day, engaging young attendees in conversations about art, culture, and contemporary issues.
Cinema Meets Literature in ‘Samjho Cinema’
The second session, Samjho Cinema, brought film enthusiasts and literature lovers together. The workshop-style discussion explored how storytelling, narratives, and literary sensibilities translate into cinema, sparking thoughtful exchanges among participants.
Media Conversations: ‘Baat Niklegi Toh Door Talak Jayegi’
The afternoon progressed with a high-powered media session titled Baat Niklegi Toh Door Talak Jayegi, featuring prominent media voices—Sudhir Mishra, Anand Vardhan, and Daya Shankar Shukla Sagar. The trio delved into the role of media in shaping public discourse, the responsibilities of journalists, and the evolving landscape of communication. Their candid insights drew strong engagement from the audience.
Satire for Social Health: ‘Art for Aarogya’
A standout performance came from Delhi’s JAMIA theatre group, who presented a sharp, humorous skit titled Art for Aarogya. Using satire to spotlight issues in public sanitation, the play revolved around a village blinded by superstition while the true threat—industrial toxic waste—continued to poison their river. The gripping narrative highlighted pollution, corruption, and the urgent need for informed community action.
A Poetic Evening: Jashn-e-Adab Mushaira
As the day drew toward the evening, poetry took center stage at the Jashn-e-Adab Mushaira, featuring noted poets including Saleem Siddiqui, Balwant Singh, Ahmad Ayaz, Shahbaz Talib, Vandana Verma Anum, Piyush Agnihotri, Shashwat Singh Darpan, and Gulab Muntazir. Their evocative verses created an atmosphere of literary charm and emotional resonance.
A Soulful High Point: Vipul Rikhi’s Sufi-Kabir Concert
One of the most anticipated sessions of the festival, Mohabbat Ke Maayne, presented by acclaimed vocalist, storyteller, and poet Vipul Rikhi, drew a packed auditorium. His live Sufi-Kabir concert blended Kafi, Sufi, and Kabir-inspired renditions, exploring the human and divine dimensions of love. The audience was visibly moved, swaying to his soulful melodies and reflective couplets. The performance received a phenomenal response, marking it as a major highlight of the festival.
A Bold Finale: ‘Maas’ by Jyoti Dogra
Day 2 concluded with the acclaimed play Maas (Flesh) by Jyoti Dogra—an evocative, internationally recognized performance that examines society’s rigid beauty standards. With wit, sharp observation, and emotional depth, Dogra’s work dismantled patriarchal perceptions and left the audience introspective. Dedicated to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the play resonated strongly with viewers.
A Festival for All
With an eclectic mix of music, theatre, poetry, cinema, and media dialogue, Kabir Festival 2025 continued to reinforce its commitment to inclusivity. The event drew participants from diverse professions, genders, and age groups, reflecting Kabir’s timeless philosophy of unity, awareness, and social harmony.
The festival concludes tomorrow with an equally power-packed lineup, promising another day of thought-provoking experiences.
