From the eighteenth-century Battle of Buxar to the days when Wajid Ali Shah built Matiaburj as his beloved ‘Chota Lucknow,’ people have journeyed between the two cities; carrying dreams, memories, and traditions that continue to link them even today. The theme explores this shared history of movement and migration; the nostalgia for one’s roots, the reshaping of lifestyles, and the blending of identities shaped by two vibrant cities. As people moved, so did their recipes, dialects, arts, and sensibilities, leaving behind a cultural resonance that still thrives. Raabta Lucknow Calcutta Ka captures these lived experiences through the lens of crafts, music, dance, and literature.
In a world where conversations around migration, belonging, and cross-cultural exchange dominate, this historic bond between Lucknow and Kolkata offers a mirror to our own times. What began centuries ago continues today through creative collaborations, literary meetings, performances, and shared journeys. MSLF 2026 doesn’t just revisit the past, it shines a light on contemporary voices, growing art forms, and the possibilities that lie ahead.
This seventeenth edition will bring together artists, scholars, and storytellers who have travelled between the two cities and still carry their intertwined memories. Expect mesmerising performances, thoughtful discussions, innovative installations, and immersive exhibitions on the theme. The festival’s cherished food and crafts bazaar returns alongside qissagoi and baitbaazi sessions that echo Lucknow’s storytelling charm. Over a hundred artisans from across South Asia will present their distinct crafts, each piece carrying its own tale of heritage and heart.
We warmly invite you to be a part of this journey, one that reiterates the connection, celebrates continuity, and explores Raabta Lucknow Calcutta Ka.
