The third edition of Sacred Amritsar, presented by Sleepwell, is all set to return to the storied city of Amritsar to celebrate mystic-poets and their timeless verse. Produced by Teamwork Arts, the festival has an incredible programme featuring a melange of musical performances, literature sessions, heritage walks, and more. Across three venues in Amritsar, the festival is scheduled from 21st to 23rd February, 2025.
21st February – Festival Opening
The festival’s opening at Sarvoar Premiere will feature a performance in honour of the late legendary Qawwali singer and songwriter, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Rehmat-e-Nusrat, a self-trained Qawwali group from the Kumaon Hills, draws inspiration from Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s music. Founded in 2014 by vocalist and harmonium virtuoso Sarvjeet Tamta, the group has carved a niche for itself by performing Ustad Nusrat’s qawwalis, Sufiyana kalaams, ghazals, Kabir bhajans, and original compositions.
22nd February – Highlights
As in previous years, the festival will commence with soulful musical performances. Kalapini Komkali will present a tribute to her father and guru, the legendary Pandit Kumar Gandharva. Recognised as one of the finest classical vocalists of her generation, she has been trained under both her father and her mother, Vidushi Vasundhara Komkali. She also serves as a trustee of the Kumar Gandharva Sangeet Academy.
Afternoons will be devoted to conversations at Amritsar’s Partition Museum. One of the sessions will feature Lady Kishwar Desai and Navtej Sarna in a discussion on the myriad ways the tumultuous and tragic episode of Partition continues to be remembered.
The evening performances at the historic Gobindgarh Fort will showcase Parampara by Padma Shri Anwar Khan Manganiar, presenting a captivating repertoire of Rajasthani folk music, Kabir bhajans, and works by poets such as Mira Bai and Amir Khusrau. A globally celebrated vocalist, Anwar Khan Manganiar has graced prestigious platforms both in India and abroad. With iconic albums like Kandisa and Desert Rain, and unforgettable contributions to films such as Masaan and Black Friday has firmly cemented their legacy in the music world.
23rd February – Highlights
The final day will begin with a performance by Debpriya Samanvaya, setting a soulful tone for the day. This is followed by an insightful afternoon discussion, with Indian oral
historian and author Aanchal Malhotra in conversation with Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts.
The evening promises a captivating blend of music and storytelling, beginning with the Hazrat Amir Khusrau Project by Abhijit Pohankar. The night culminates with Dastan-E-Akhtari: The Tale of Begum Akhtar, an evocative tribute to the legendary Begum Akhtar, presented by Padma Shri Malini Awasthi and acclaimed poet and writer Yatindra Mishra.
Heritage Trails & Temple Visit
Festival delegates will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich histories of Amritsar through specially-curated heritage trails, museum walks, and temple visits. The heritage trail, led by the city’s expert chroniclers, will guide delegates through the iconic Town Hall, Santokhsar Gurudwara, the bustling lanes and bazaars, katras, and havelis, culminating at the Jallianwala Bagh. The temple visit will take delegates to the revered Golden Temple, while the museum walk will offer an insightful exploration of the Partition Museum. While the morning and evening performances, as well as the afternoon sessions, are open to all, elevate your experience with Sacred Amritsar’s exclusive two-and-a-half-day Delegate Package. From reserved seating and personalised hospitality during performances and conversations to offerings such as specially-curated heritage walks and temple trails, all complemented by a delectable selection of Amritsari cuisine — you can savour the best of this festival as a Delegate!
