Mystic February

February,so far,has been all about celebrating the arts,thanks to the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival in the city. Taking on thereafter will be the Kabir Festival,which will celebrate the mystic saint’s teachings and poems through a series of events.

From February 17 to 19,the festival,organised by a community of the poet’s followers in Mumbai,will be held at different locations from Bandra and Churchgate to Ghatkopar and Vashi. Featuring poetry readings,song and dance recitals and films based on the poet’s works,there are several highlights one can look forward to this year. With music performances by Sufi singer Mukhtiar Ali,folk singer Prahlad Tipanya and Kutchi performer Moorlala Marwada,the festival will also feature Bhanwari Devi and her tribal troupe,which is coming down all the way from Churu in Rajasthan. In addition,writer Jaya Madhavan will be presenting a song-and-dance session based on her children’s book,Kabir the Weaver Poet,which details the last days of the saint’s life. “The response to the festival was excellent last year,” says Priti Turakhia,festival co-ordinator,adding, “This year,we’ve gone a step further and brought down acts and performances that will truly celebrate the mystic poet’s legacy.”