The Mahindra Kabira Festival is set to return to the historic ghats of Varanasi for its ninth edition from 19–21 December 2025. Presented by the Mahindra Group and produced by Teamwork Arts, the annual festival continues to honour the life, philosophy, and poetic brilliance of the 15th-century mystic Kabir through a carefully curated blend of music, discourse, and cultural experiences.
This year’s edition brings together a distinguished roster of musicians, scholars, and performers whose work reflects Kabir’s enduring themes of truth, unity, and introspection.
A Curated Programme Across the Ghats
The festival will open on 19 December at Guleria Kothi with a traditional Ganga Aarti, followed by welcome remarks from Jay Shah, Vice President & Head – Cultural Outreach, Mahindra Group, and Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts. The inaugural evening will feature reflections on Kabir’s teachings by Umesh Kabir of the Kabirchauramath Ashram and conclude with Kabiriyat, a qawwali performance by Rehmat-e-Nusrat.
The programme on 20 December will begin with Morning Music at Guleria Kothi, featuring vocalist Swati Tiwari and sitarist Hidayat Husain Khan. Afternoon sessions will include Kabir the Julaha: Verses from the Loom, a storytelling and musical presentation by Shivangini Yeashu Yuvraj with Isha Priya Singh, followed by a scholarly discussion on Kabir’s verse and ideas.
Evening performances at Shivala Ghat will feature Kabir Baani by folk musician Mahesha Ram and a concluding recital by acclaimed vocalist Rahul Deshpande.
On 21 December, the final day will once again open with Morning Music headlined by Hindustani vocalist Tejaswini Vernekar and sarod artiste Debasmita Bhattacharya. The closing evening at Shivala Ghat will showcase the Aditya Prakash Ensemble, known for its blend of Carnatic music and jazz, followed by the festival finale by Agam, India’s leading Carnatic progressive rock band.
The festival also continues to highlight the evolving traditions of the Banaras gharana, featuring performers who represent its rich musical heritage.
Cultural Immersion for Delegates
Alongside public performances, delegates will have access to curated heritage walks, temple visits, and explorations across Varanasi’s cultural and spiritual landscape. These experiences aim to offer further insight into the historical contexts and metaphysical themes that shaped Kabir’s worldview.
Reflecting on the festival’s significance, Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, said:“Each year, the Mahindra Kabira Festival brings together musicians and seekers who remind us that Kabir’s words remain timeless. They heal, provoke, and inspire reflection in a world that constantly changes.”
Jay Shah, Vice President, Head – Cultural Outreach, Mahindra Group, added: “The festival celebrates the power of art and tradition to create bridges between the past and the present, the self and the infinite, embodying Kabir’s eternal message of unity through diversity.”
Sustainability at the Forefront
The Mahindra Kabira Festival continues its strong sustainability commitment as a Zero-Waste event. The festival has fully eliminated single-use plastics, incorporated reusable and compostable materials, and worked closely with sustainability partner Skrap to divert over 90% of waste from landfills. This year deepens these efforts through water refill stations, eco-friendly décor, minimal reusable flex, compostable serveware, and food donation initiatives.
Its ongoing green practices have earned the festival the Platinum Level Green Event Certification from Yale University, recognising its leadership in sustainable cultural programming.
A Mahindra Cultural Outreach Initiative
The Mahindra Kabira Festival forms a key part of the Mahindra Group’s Cultural Outreach programme, which champions India’s artistic and cultural diversity across disciplines including literature, theatre, music, and design. Through such initiatives, the Group continues to create platforms that foster engagement with India’s heritage while supporting contemporary artistic expression.
The 2025 edition promises a meaningful and immersive celebration, reinforcing Varanasi’s position as a living centre of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
