When lawyer Falguni Desai returned from a trip to Gujarat, in the aftermath of the 2002 riots, she was deeply disturbed. While justice, she believes, takes its course, there is no healing. That, she found in the voice and songs of folk singer Prahlad Singh Tipaniya. This was the genesis of The Kabir Festival, which enters its 10th edition this year.

Spread over 10 days at venues across the city, the festival brings the mystic to the mainstream through music, poetry, workshops, films and discussion. "From Fort to Borivali, there's something for everyone," says Desai about the volunteer-led, community-funded and largely open-air festival. "None of the events are ticketed and having them in public spaces takes away the hesitation of walking in," explains Desai.