Lucknow: The cultural fervour at Janeshwar Mishra Park intensified as Repertwahr Festival Season 13 unfolded its second day, drawing enthusiastic crowds from across the city. Hosted at Gate No. 6 of the park, the open-air festival continued to celebrate artistic diversity by seamlessly blending theatre, music, poetry, comedy, food and crafts into an immersive cultural experience.
The day began on a contemplative note at the SHABD stage, where poet Badal Sharma captivated audiences with his distinctive fusion of poetry and storytelling. His verses, inspired by everyday observations, resonated deeply with listeners through their simplicity and emotional depth. He was followed by The Aahvaan Project, a contemporary Nirgun folk music and storytelling ensemble, whose performance wove reflective lyrics with folk melodies to create an intimate and meditative atmosphere.
As evening set in, theatre enthusiasts gathered at the RANG Theatre for “Jo Dooba So Paar,” a 120-minute musical dastangoi produced by Manav Kaul and directed by Ajitesh Gupta and Mohit Agarwal. The Hindustani-Persian production traced the life of Ameer Khusrau, from his birth as Yameenuddin to his rise as a cultural icon. Featuring immersive narration accompanied by live harmonium, dholak and tabla, the performance highlighted Khusrau’s spiritual bond with Guru Nizamuddin Auliya and conveyed Sufism’s timeless message of love and devotion. The production, backed by over two years of research, featured actors Rattan Deep Singh and Ashish Mishra.
Comedy lovers found their moment at the MAHOL Comedy Arena, where stand-up comedian Aakash Gupta left audiences in splits with his sharp wit, expressive delivery and relatable observations on everyday Indian life. Meanwhile, the TAAL Silent Disco offered a high-energy experience as festival-goers danced to DJ Skipster’s genre-fluid hip-hop and electronic mixes through wireless headphones, adding a contemporary edge to the festival’s diverse programming.
The musical highlight of the evening unfolded at the MAHOL Music Arena, where singer-songwriter Anuv Jain transformed the venue into a sea of lights and emotion. Songs such as “Baarishein,” “Gul,” and “Husn” sparked spontaneous sing-alongs, while “Inam” brought a moment of quiet stillness, met with collective sighs and heartfelt applause. Jain’s warm interactions and personal anecdotes between songs lent an intimate feel to the vast gathering, making his performance one of the most memorable moments of Day 2.
Beyond the performances, the Food Arena, Artisanal Bazaar, and BACHPAN kids’ zone remained abuzz throughout the day. Visitors savoured Awadhi delicacies, explored handmade crafts, and engaged children in supervised creative activities, reinforcing the festival’s appeal as a wholesome cultural destination for audiences of all ages.
With its rich blend of tradition and contemporary expression, Repertwahr Festival Season 13 continues to stand out as one of Lucknow’s most engaging and inclusive cultural celebrations.
