Mahindra Kabira Festival – A Celebration of the 15th-Century Mystic Poet
Festival Snapshot
- Dates: 19–21 December 2025 (Friday to Sunday)
- Venues: Sunrise sets at Guleria Kothi, evening concerts at Shivala Ghat, curated walks across the old city
- Ideal for: Classical music lovers, poets, spiritual travelers, boutique festival fans
- Stay Nearby: Godowlia/Luxa for quick ghat access or Cantonment for five-star comfort
| Pass Type | Price (₹) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Delegate (3 days) | 40,000 | All sessions, meals, curated walks, welcome kit |
| Daily Pass | 5,000 – 8,000 | One full day of programming |
| Volunteer (17-22 Dec) | Contribution-based | Training, backstage access, certificate |
Sunrise addict? Dive into the detailed Mahindra Kabira Sunrise Music guide for lineup notes, seating hacks, and photography etiquette.
Dates: December 19-21, 2025 Venue: Guleria Kothi and Shivala Ghat, Varanasi Festival Edition: 9th Annual Edition
The Vision Behind the Festival
The Mahindra Kabira Festival celebrates the revolutionary philosophy of Kabir, the 15th-century saint-poet who challenged social norms and preached a message of unity and spiritual equality. Held annually on the banks of the sacred Ganges, the festival transforms three days into a profound cultural experience that resonates across centuries.
What's Happening at the Festival
Musical Performances
Literary & Intellectual Sessions
Cultural Experiences
Special Opening Event
Festival Schedule Overview
December 19, 2025: Evening Opening Ceremony (Ganga Aarti + Inaugural Address)
December 20, 2025:
December 21, 2025:
Investment & Booking Information
Delegate Package: ₹40,000 per person (inclusive of all festival events, meals, and materials)
- Commences: December 19 at 7:00 PM
- Concludes: December 21 at 10:00 PM
Daily Passes: Available for individual days (₹5,000-₹8,000 per day).
Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers needed from December 17-22; opportunity to work alongside international teams.
Why Attend This Festival?
Unlike large commercial events, Kabira Festival maintains intimacy and depth. You'll be surrounded by classical musicians, poets, intellectuals, and spiritual seekers. The festival addresses timeless questions about identity, spirituality, and social harmony – themes that feel increasingly relevant. December's weather creates a magical backdrop – cool mornings by the river, golden sunlight during performances, and crisp evenings.
For Photography Lovers: The convergence of ancient temples, river reflections, and performances creates stunning visual opportunities.
For Spiritual Seekers: The festival provides a rare space for contemplative immersion in Indian philosophical traditions.
For Culture Enthusiasts: Direct engagement with India's finest classical musicians and scholars.
Pro Tips:
- Book early – the festival has limited capacity and sells out.
- Arrive by December 17 if volunteering to attend training sessions.
- Carry warm clothes for pre-dawn music sessions.
- The festival has limited commercial interruption – bring water and snacks.
- Photography guidelines are strict during performances; respect artist privacy.
- Getting There: Pre-book sunrise and late-night ghat runs with our Varanasi Airport Transfer Guide to avoid last-minute cab hunts. For fixed-fare airport taxi transfers (₹600-950 to Guleria Kothi), book 2-3 days ahead during festival dates.
- Road Trip Stack: After three days on the ghats, extend your pilgrimage using the Varanasi to Ayodhya taxi blueprints or the Varanasi to Prayagraj tour plan, or switch gears with a Buddhist detour via the Varanasi to Gaya & Bodh Gaya package.