A brainchild of the Mahindra Group and the pioneering performing arts and entertainment company, Teamwork Arts, the 6th edition of the Mahindra Kabira Festival (MKF) is on its way back to Varanasi to celebrate the life, works and philosophy of the 15th century mystic-poet, Kabir, from 18th – 20th November 2022. Celebrating Kabir and the inherent wisdom of his verses through its varied programme offering, this year the festival brings together unique collaborations of artistes, cultural organisations and Kabir stalwarts.

To help orchestrate a festival of this scale and prestige, we welcome willing and enthusiastic volunteers to join the Mahindra Kabira family. Volunteers will form the backbone of the festival and therefore, we are looking for passionate, sincere and dedicated people who wish to work ‘behind the scenes’ and are keen to learn about production and hospitality. As a volunteer, you will get the opportunity to work closely with the festival producers, performers and artistes, as well as fellow volunteers from different demographic and educational backgrounds and audiences - all the while making the festival experience memorable for everyone!

Before applying to be a volunteer for MKF, please read the terms and conditions carefully:

- Registration for volunteering is open till 10 November 2022..

- Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age. Those who have not turned 18 by 31st October 2022 are not eligible to apply.

- First preference when selecting volunteers will go to those residing in Varanasi or having accommodation arrangements in Varanasi.

- Ensure that the details you have entered are correct and read through the form thoroughly before submitting.

- Once shortlisted, we will schedule personal interviews for applicants residing in Varanasi and the same will be intimated via email. Skype/telephonic interviews will be conducted for volunteers who have worked with us for other festivals, those who are applying for the first time and those who are based in any city other than Varanasi.

- All chosen volunteers should be doubly vaccinated against COVId-19. It is mandatory to submit your vaccination certificate while applying.

- Teamwork Arts will not take care of travel, transport and accommodation of outstation volunteers. However, we will be happy to suggest some economical options for your convenience.

- The training and interview process is mandatory.

- Once you have been allotted a department, no changes will be made. You are expected to respect the outcome of our volunteer selection process. While you will be assigned a specific department, you may be required to double up and take on additional roles when needed.

- We would appreciate a ten-day prior notice if any volunteer wishes to back out after he/she has been selected.

- The volunteers selected for the volunteer programme who are not based out of Varanasi will be required to reach the city by the morning of 16 Nov’22. The detailed venue walk, orientation and team-building session will be conducted on 16 & 17 Nov’22 which will be succeeded by 3 days of the festival and half-day of volunteer wrap-up.

- The festival starts at 6:30 AM in the morning and goes on till 10 PM in the night. Therefore, volunteers will be expected to work from 5:30 am to 11:00 pm (tentative and might vary for different departments). We would urge all applicants to be available for the entire duration.

- Breakfast, lunch & dinner and/or refreshments will be provided during the festival. Volunteers are advised to carry basic refreshments like biscuits and fruits from home.

- All volunteers who are satisfactorily present throughout the training and festival days will receive a basic honorarium and certificate/letter of appreciation for their work after the festival.

Selected volunteers will be assigned specific departments and duties (at the discretion of the organisers); which are listed below. These duties may change according to the requirements of the festival. Please read carefully.

Logistics (Transport & Accommodation)

Volunteers will be in charge of taking care of the itineraries of each of the delegates and artistes, organising appropriate transportation between airport/railway station, festival venues and hotels and handling their accommodation. Volunteers will be stationed at the airport, railway station and ghats and might be required to work irregular hours. One of the most stimulating albeit most challenging departments, logistics, requires meticulous time-keeping and multitasking skills. Volunteers in this department must be quick thinkers and be able to tackle any problem(s) that may arise and be courteous at all times.

Venue Management

Volunteers will make sure that their respective venues are ready prior to every act and help their venue manager with managing and ushering the crowds, green room management and any other task that may arise. Volunteers must ensure that all basic requirements are met with and green rooms well-stocked with water and refreshments. As with most other roles, you’ll need to be quick on your feet, patient and courteous. While you may have a front row seat to listening to some of the country’s greatest musicians and performers, you will have to prioritise and ensure that your venue functions smoothly.

Artiste Liaison

Volunteers will receive all performing artistes, assist them through the day, and ensure they are prepared and at the venue for their sound-check and performance. Being truly hospitable and warm, and making a concerted effort to fulfil every request from the artiste are the prime responsibilities of artiste-liaison volunteers. You will also be responsible for maintaining the atmosphere of the green room.

Delegate Management

The delegate experience that is offered at the festival is one-of-its-kind. Volunteers will be assigned to each of our festival hotels and will be responsible for ensuring that delegates are looked after. This includes manning the enquiry desk at the reception, closely working with the staff at the hotel, ensuring that their shuttles are ready, escorting delegates to their cabs/boat rides, among other tasks.

Food and Beverage Management

Volunteers in the department will need to ensure that our green rooms are stocked with refreshments, venues provided with adequate bottles of water and meals laid out on time for artistes, delegates and crew. Volunteers will also need to help manage crowds during peak hours.

Become a part of our family and understand the coming together of logic, science and the art in putting together a festival of this size and scale. We look forward to receiving your applications and working with you!