Rang-e-Doab
An annual festival & celebration of the syncretic culture of the Upper Doab.
At the heart of Shikwa's cultural journey is Rang-e-Doab, an annual festival celebrating the syncretic and composite culture of the Upper Doab. The initiative reflects Shikwa Haveli and the Raza family's longstanding commitment to preserving, promoting and supporting the living heritage, traditions and shared way of life of the people of India.
A festival, edition by edition
2012Sufi evenings & Kathak begin
2018The first Rang-e-Doab2019Second edition2020Third edition2021A day-long programmeNowA two-day celebrationSince 2012, Shikwa has hosted Sufi evenings, Kathak performances and other cultural programmes, creating a space where different artistic and cultural traditions come together. The first Rang-e-Doab was conceived and hosted at Shikwa in 2018, followed by editions in 2019 and 2020. Over the years, the festival has brought together historians, writers, intellectuals, artists, diplomats and international guests for conversations and presentations on syncretism, Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb and the cultural heritage of the Doab.
After the interruption caused by the pandemic, the tradition continued with a special day-long programme in October 2021 featuring Dastangoi, Sufi music and a mini-mushaira. Rang-e-Doab continues as an invitation-only annual festival, bringing together a diverse community of artists, scholars, diplomats, cultural enthusiasts and friends of Shikwa. The participation of the international community, including diplomats and members of the expat community in Delhi and NCR, has always been a distinctive and engaging part of the celebration.
A celebration of ideas, art & shared expression
Featured across the editions
Curated and organised by Mr. Shariq Bin Raza, his wife Mrs. Alka Raza and their son Sahil Raza, with their personal resources and the wholehearted support of friends and well-wishers, Rang-e-Doab is more than a festival — it is a continuing cultural initiative. It celebrates the many traditions that have lived alongside one another in the Doab for generations, creating a space where dialogue, music, dance, literature, history and art come together.
Rang-e-Doab is a celebration of the culture we share, the stories we inherit and the traditions that bring us together.
An invitation-only festival
The festival has now expanded into a two-day celebration, with the support of the District Magistrate and the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Uttar Pradesh.