LUCKNOW, Feb. 4 -- After five days of events celebrating the confluence of the Awadhi and Bengali cultures, Mahindra Sanatkada Lucknow Festival (MSLF)-2026 drew to a close on Tuesday. The venue was spread across Safed Baradari, Raja Ram Pal Singh Park, Amir-ud-Daula Library and Qaiserbagh. The festival finale reflected the enduring cultural, artistic and emotional connections between the historic cities of Kolkata and Lucknow. At Amir-ud-Daula Library, a conversation revisited the legacy of Aligarh Movement leader and pioneer of Muslim women's education Justice Syed Karamat Husain. A book on him was released on the occasion. Prof. Huma Khwaja and Atif Hanif, in conversation with Noor Khan, reflected on changing ideas of women's education and empowerment, highlighting how language and outlook have evolved over time. Meanwhile, Crafts Bazaar remained a major draw, showcasing artisanal traditions from across South and Central Asia. Among the highlights were Madhubani paintings by Hira Devi from Bihar's Mithila region, Feroza's designs from Uzbekistan featuring adras handloom textiles and stone jewellery, and Afghan handicrafts by Sadiq. Food histories and cultural memories were discussed in a conversation between Manzilat Fatima, Rajeev Lochan and Sufia Kidwai, which was moderated by Saira Mujtaba. Visual artist Soumyadeep Roy's exhibition HUZN explored migration, music and shared histories between Lucknow and Calcutta through paintings and installations drawn from eight years of research. Jay Shah, vice-president, cultural outreach, Mahindra Rise, said the festival brought together thousands of citizens to enjoy food, music, crafts and "the incredible vibe that is so characteristic of the festival". The final day also echoed with the festive sounds of Rhythms of Calcutta by Gokul Das Dhaaki and troupe, recreating the soundscape of a Durga Puja, and a high-energy concert by The Tapi Project....