Kabir Festival: Challenging hatred with songs, art and literature

Kya zulmaton ke daur mein bhi geet gaaye jaayenge, Haan zulmaton ke daur ke hi geet gaaye jaayenge.

"In the dark times
Will there also be singing?
Yes, there will also be singing
About the dark times.”

With elections in Uttar Pradesh a month, away some political parties will do what they do best—divide people and polarise votes. However, this January 26, Lucknow is gearing up to douse the fire of hate with message of peace, harmony and celebrating diversity with the first installment of Kabir Festival on Republic Day.

Organised by a youth organisation Dastak Manch in collaboration with Lucknow Collective, the Kabir Festival promises to bring music, theatre, youth activities, discussions, all celebrating the values of secularism, socialism, democracy enshrined in the Constitution of India.

“Lucknow Collective is a group of members of civil society—poets, writers, teachers and individual who believe that injustice and the oppression should be countered in peaceful but resolute manner. We got together after the happenings in 2014 at Dadri and murders of rationalists Kalburgi, Pansare and Dabholkar. We decided that we could not be mute spectators anymore. We had to take action” says Deepak Kabir the founder member of the Lucknow Collective and Dastak Manch

Sangita Jaiswal, member of Dastak Manch says that it was decided that the teachings of the 15th century poet Kabir, truly represents the spirit of rational humanism which can counter the current trend of bigotry and hate. “Kabir was the man of the world; his philosophy is not removed from society, but rooted in daily life. Throughout his life he courageously opposed superstition and useless religious practices challenging the system. His poetry and thoughts are universal and relevant in all ages and unite the subcontinent cutting across caste, religious and ethnic differences”

The Republic Day was chosen by the organisers because they also wanted to celebrate founding of the Constitution. “Protecting the Preamble of the constitution is our fundamental duty. We want to strongly emphasise that there can be no nationalism unless the preamble that declares Indian Republic to be socialist sovereign and secular is upheld. Through this festival we will celebrate the diversity, especially focusing on communal harmony” says Kabir.

The events would include performances by Dhruv Sangari, a Sufi scholar and performer also known as Bilal Chishty from Ajmer, Kabira Junction, a band from Pune which presents the poetry of Kabir in modern narrative through rock, pop reggae and fusion, a dramatised presentation by Sanam Habib and Sanjay Mattu on the works of progressive writers titled Aasman Hilta Hai Jab Gaate Hain Hum, Qissagoi, traditional storytelling and panel discussion on women and media. Photography exhibition and poetry sessions would also be held to engage the youth.

“The interest and enthusiasm that the festival has evoked is phenomenal. We are hoping to make Kabir Festival an annual event,” says Aisha Ayaaz, a poet and a member of Lucknow Collective.