Kabir Jayanti Celebrated in Kotwa, Varanasi, to Promote Peace and Communal Harmony

Kotwa, Varanasi, June 13, 2025: The 627th birth anniversary of Sant Kabir Das, the revered 15th-century Sufi saint and celebrated Hindi poet, was commemorated on June 11, 2025, in Kotwa — a village in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh — with a vibrant cultural programme. Organised by the Souhard Peace Centre, the event was held on the grounds of Madrasa Islamiya and drew a large gathering of villagers, most of whom are traditional weavers of Banarasi silk sarees — the very craft practised by Kabir himself centuries ago. The celebration aimed to foster peace and harmony among people of all faiths within the village.

The highlight of the celebration was the stage play Kabira Khada Bazar Mein, written by renowned author Bhishma Sahni and directed by Father Anand Mathew, IMS. Performed by artists of Prerna Kala Manch, Varanasi, the play portrayed the struggles of Saint Kabir, who spoke of the right of every human being to relate to God in their own way. Kabir identified himself with no religion. Through his couplets and poems, he condemned the fundamentalism and wrong practices in Hindu and Muslim communities, where common people were exploited by Brahmins and Mullahs. The religious leaders and rulers of the time tried to suppress his prophetic voice through persecution and imprisonment.

The audience, moved by the play’s powerful portrayal of Kabir’s defiance against religious exploitation, requested a repeat performance. As a result, Kabira Khada Bazar Mein will be staged again on the evening of June 13 at Kharka Mela Grounds in Kotwa.

Community leaders and activists used the occasion to echo Kabir’s teachings. Sarfuddin Anwar welcomed all the attendees, while Advocate Surendra Charan, convenor of Kashi Qaumi Ekta Manch, recited various couplets of Kabir appealing for peace and love. Advocate Abu Hashim, President of Manav Rakt Foundation, appealed for harmony between people of all faiths.  

Fr. Anand, who also serves as the Director of Souhard Peace Centre, addressed the gathering, emphasising the enduring relevance of Kabir’s message of love and harmony in today’s polarised world. “Kabir’s message, like that of Jesus and Fr. Stan Swamy, stands for love and justice and will always challenge the vested interests of society,” he said. He further urged the people to replace hatred with “xenophilia”—love for strangers and enemies.

This year’s celebration held special significance in the wake of recent communal tensions in Kotwa. In March 2025, nine Muslim boys from the village, aged 10 to 14, were imprisoned for a week on false charges of attacking Hindu households. The false propaganda was made by some vested media personnel to create polarisation. Civil society groups, including the Souhard Peace Centre, have since worked diligently to restore peace and harmony among people of various faiths in the village.

The Kabir Jayanti celebration in Kotwa served as a reaffirmation of the village’s commitment to unity and the enduring relevance of Kabir’s voice against hatred, division, and injustice.

By Father Anand Mathew, IMS