Kashi Ka Kabir: A tribute to the saint on the banks of Ganga

Amid all the chaos of political activity in election-bound Uttar Pradesh, calm descended on the world's oldest city of Varanasi.

The historic ghats of the Ganga were immersed in soulful music and nostalgia as Kashi celebrated its true Fakir this past weekend.

The annual Mahindra Kabira festival paid a magnificent ode to Kabir as the historic ghats of the Ganga lit up with floating candles and the Banaras air was filled with music.

In difficult times of pandemic, a Khyal performance by Pandit Anoop Mishra, classical sets by the Anirudh Varma Collective and folks songs by Jumma Khan, among a host of other artists, ignited hope amid distress.

Never before have Kabir's ideals of empathy, kindness, simplicity, equality and inclusiveness held more meaning than now, and the festival was a grand affirmation of all of that.

Kabir embodied the ideals of empathy,m kindness, equality and simplicity. But above all, the mystic preached common sense. Something that is much needed in these politically charged up times...

Here's to the message and mysticism of Kabir..