Kahe Kabir

Time after time,Kabir lives on in the hearts of many through his poetry,with many of his verses also part of the Guru Granth Sahib. The mystic saint and poet of the 16th century composed his poetry in an earthy style,replete with surprise and inventive imagery. No wonder then,many have done research on his works,with some music directors and singers composing and rendering his poetry. To celebrate Kabir’s philosophy and poetry,Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademi is organising a Kabir Festival titled “Suno Bhai Sadho” from March 12-14.

The festival will include screenings of films on Kabir that will include Had Anhad,Chalo Hamara Des,Kabira Khada Baazar Main,and Koi Sunta Hai by documentary filmmaker Shabnam Virmani. The Kabir project tries to look for references from the mystic poet’s philosophy and if they are relevant in the contemporary world. Started in 2003,these journeys inquire into the spiritual and socio-political resonances of Kabir’s poetry through songs,images and conversations.

For music lovers,the festival will bring forth a diverse group of singers and musicians presenting Kabir’s poetry in their inimitable style. Sardeshmukh of Maharashtra,disciple of Pandit Kumar Gandharva in his classical style,will render nirgun bhajans of Kabir followed by Mir Mukhtyar Ali of Rajasthan,who will present bhajans in his Rajasthani folk and semi-classical form. One can lend a ear to Kabir Vani by Vijay,bhajans in Malwai tradition of Madhya Pradesh by Shabnam Virmani,a unique presentation of bhajans by Mooralala Marwada,a folk singer of Gujarat,followed by Gafoor Khan and Swan Khan of Jaisalmer. The concluding day will have Prahlad Singh Tipanya perform with his group in Malwai tradition of Madhya Pradesh followed by Mahesha Ram of Rajasthan folk singing tradition.

The films will be screened from 11 am and 2 pm. The poetry recitals will be held in the evening,6.30 pm onwards at Tagore Theatre,Sector 18.