Hidden away from the grand boulevards and wide streets that tourists typically traverse, the essence of Lucknow lives in its narrow lanes – or rather, the galiyan. Here, the stories of generations are softly whispered through time; the past and present merge seamlessly, and the spirit of community thrives. As the Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival (MSLF 2025) enters its 16th edition, the vibrant tapestries of Yahiyaganj, the bustling markets of Chowk, and the timeless twists and turns of Chaupatiyan hold a fresh story in every gali (lane), every chabutra (platform), and every pheriwaala (peddler).

These galiyan reflect the diversity, resilience, and adaptability of Lucknow’s awaam (public). The city's gali-kooche are settlements where different communities have coexisted for centuries, sharing traditions, languages, and customs, and where syncretic culture flourishes. Thus, this year, the defining theme of MSLF 2025 is Lucknow ke Gali-Kooche, an exploration of how the people of Lucknow breathe life into these galiyan. They are the custodians of Lucknow’s cultural memory, bearing legends and folklore that aren’t found in history books but are passed down orally through generations. We will uncover celebrated tales and those rarely heard.

MSLF 2025 will encourage visitors to look beyond postcard-perfect landmarks and instead focus on the lived experiences of communities, the layers of history embedded in architecture, and the social complexities within these intimate spaces.

The festival also aims to highlight both the positive and challenging aspects of urban development, modernisation, and heritage conservation, like, overcrowding, inadequate sanitation, loss of heritage due to modernisation, and the stark socio-economic inequalities visible in these areas. We will revisit these gali-kooche that have witnessed the everyday joys and struggles of the people who live there – the births, weddings, festivals, and funerals that mark the rhythm of daily life.

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