Lucknow: Lucknow is set to experience a heart-warming confluence of flavours, stories, art, and human warmth as the Talha Society and Kishwari Konnect come together to present Zaiqa Aur Zabaan–2025, a two-day cultural extravaganza that blends celebration with social responsibility. Organised as a Christmas and New Year special, the festival will be held on December 13 and 14, 2025, at the Dilkusha Colony Club from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.
What sets this festival apart is not just its curated lineup of interactive sessions, performances, and cultural exchanges, but the spirit of generosity underpinning it. Visitors are invited to bring a garment as their “entry fee,” a gesture aimed at supporting the less privileged during the winter season. This initiative reflects the thoughtful compassion of curator and organiser Kulsum Mustafa, who has been instrumental in shaping the event with a blend of creativity and community welfare.
A Festival Rooted in Culture and Collaboration
Supported by Tauheedul Muslimeen Trust and Swapan Foundation, the festival seeks to spotlight Lucknow’s diverse artistic expressions while nurturing cultural appreciation across age groups. Workshops, theatre sessions, baithaks, poetry, folk performances, storytelling and open mics—each segment is designed to engage, entertain, and enrich.
Day 1 Highlights: Saturday, December 13, 2025
The opening day invites attendees into a world of creativity and performance.
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Basics of Theatre Workshop (11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)
A hands-on introduction to theatre that encourages participants to explore expression, dialogue, and stage presence. -
Fun with Craft (1:30 p.m.–2:00 p.m.)
Designed for younger audiences and art enthusiasts, this segment blends fun with imagination. -
Music Break (2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.)
A refreshing musical interlude to keep the festive atmosphere alive. -
Tolaifuz Aur Media (3:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m.)
A session likely exploring nuances of articulation, dialogue delivery, and the role of media in communication. -
Christmas Carols & Open Mic (5:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m.)
An inclusive platform where voices come together—both musical and poetic—to celebrate the spirit of the season.
Day 2 Highlights: Sunday, December 14, 2025
The second day promises equally engaging performances that deepen the cultural flavour.
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Baithbaze (11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.)
A traditional baithak-style segment fostering conversation, poetry, and intellectual exchange. -
Puppet Show (1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.)
A vibrant, colourful spectacle ideal for families and children, bringing stories to life through traditional puppetry. -
Katha Rang Presentation (2:30 p.m.–3:00 p.m.)
A storytelling session blending narrative artistry with cultural nuance. -
Christmas Carols & Open Mic (5:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.)
Another musical segment that adds a festive touch to the evening. -
Inkey Jazbey Ko Salaam (6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.)
A tribute segment likely honouring inspiring individuals or creative spirits. -
Mushaira (7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.)
A soulful conclusion to the festival, celebrating the timeless charm of Urdu poetry.
A Seasonal Celebration With a Purpose
More than just an event, Zaiqa Aur Zabaan–2025 encapsulates the soul of Lucknow—its tehzeeb, its love for storytelling, and its commitment to community care. As winter sets in, the festival’s “Warm Gesture” initiative serves as a reminder of how cultural spaces can double as avenues for kindness. By donating garments, visitors participate not only in a celebration but also in an act of goodwill.
With an impressive amalgamation of theatre, crafts, music, poetry, and folk expressions, this two-day festival promises to be a memorable highlight of Lucknow’s festive calendar. It stands as a testament to how art, food, language, and humanity intertwine to create meaningful experiences—an essence beautifully captured in the festival’s name: Zaiqa Aur Zabaan.
