3rd Kabira festival to begin on November 16

The third edition of Kabira festival, that celebrates the spirit of 15th-century mystic poet Kabir, will begin on November 16 in Varanasi.

The annual festival conceived by the Mahindra group and Teamwork Arts, will feature a two-day programme of music, literature, talks and city explorations, organisers said.

"Sant Kabir's thoughts are timeless and we are happy to bring back Kabir to where he was born in the equally timeless city of Varanasi. The festival will reverberate with music, poetry, discussions and more," Jay Shah, Vice President, Head of Cultural Outreach, Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, said.

The eclectic line-up of artistes will include Hindustani classical singer Vidya Rao, award-winning singer and composer Sonam Kalra of the Sufi Gospel Project fame, and vani and bhajan singer Omprakash Nayak among others.

Writer and mythologist Devdutt Pattnaik will also participate in a 'literature afternoon session'.

"The third edition of the Kabira festival will bring together incredible artists, writers and performers who have imbibed the essence of Sant Kabir," Sanjoy Roy of Teamwork Arts, said.

Delectable local cuisine and curated walks with local residents as guides, will also be part of the event that will come to a close on November 18.