09/26/2025
Cassius Khan and Amika Kushwaha’s vision transformed the cultural landscape of Canada when, in 2012, they founded the Mushtari Begum Festival of Indian Classical Music and Dance—the first and only festival in the country dedicated solely to Indian classical music and dance. The festival bears the name of Khan’s beloved guru, Mushtari Begum, chosen after he visited her grave and vowed to honour her legacy by creating a platform where Indian classical traditions could flourish in Canada.
The MBF’s motto? When your Ears begin to See the Eyes Listen.
Thanks to the efforts of Executive Director Jessica Schneider, the Massey Theatre in New Westminster became an essential partner in bringing this dream to life. By embracing the festival as a venue partner, the theatre validated the significance of Indian classical arts and offered Khan and Kushwaha the stage from which they could share their vision. Their deep love for their city is evident in the way they have become cultural ambassadors for New Westminster, proudly representing its diversity and spirit through their music and dance.
The Mushtari Begum Festival has not only enriched the city culturally but also boosted tourism to New Westminster, drawing audiences from across Canada and around the world. From its very first year, the festival attracted exceptional talent, including the renowned Satvik Veena player Pt. Salil Bhatt, who traveled all the way from Jaipur, India, to grace the inaugural event. Each year, visitors travel to experience this rare celebration of Indian classical traditions, making the festival both a cultural jewel and an economic contributor to the city.
Arun Kapur, CEO of Future Uday and a dear friend of Cassius and Amika, captured the festival’s essence during an early morning while staying at their home in New Westminster with his wife Manisha, wrapped in a cozy blanket and sipping a steaming cup of chai, when he penned the phrase: “When your ears begin to see, the eyes listen.” This sentiment reflects the transformative power of the festival and its dedication to uplifting struggling Canadian professional artists, giving them a platform to share their craft and be recognized.
Yet, despite its impact, Western media and institutions have often failed to see its value. At one point, a well-known broadcasting corporation dismissed the festival as “not Canadian enough,” a statement that disregarded the very foundation of Canada’s identity: cultural diversity and pluralism. In truth, the Mushtari Begum Festival is profoundly Canadian, showcasing Canadian-based artists who carry centuries-old traditions forward on new soil.
Khan and Kushwaha’s individual achievements underscore the importance of their work. Both have been nominated for the Western Canadian Music Awards’ Bernie Legge Artist of the Year. They have performed on international stages such as the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. Khan himself has been nominated for a Juno Award and has served as a Juno adjudicator, shaping the recognition of Canadian musical excellence. He is widely acknowledged as Canada’s leading Indian classical artist and made history as the first Canadian musician invited to the prestigious Saptak Festival in Ahmedabad, India, as well as the first Ghazal-Tabla artist to perform at SXSW in Austin, Texas.
But behind these achievements lies a story of struggle. Khan has fought his entire life to carve out a place for himself and his art form in a country where recognition was not easily given to artists of colour, particularly in Indian classical traditions. Both he and Kushwaha have dedicated their lives to uplifting these arts in Canada, sustaining the festival without government grants or official recognition. It survives through their tireless commitment, ticket sales, and the generosity of supporters—a grassroots triumph proving resilience can overcome neglect.
The Mushtari Begum Festival is more than an event; it is a soul-stirring experience. With its mesmerizing blend of tabla, veena, kathak, ghazal, mridangam, dilruba, violin, sitar, and more, it transports audiences into a world of beauty, devotion, and transcendence. Rooted in New Westminster yet resonating globally, the festival represents not only music and dance but also a profound responsibility to struggling Canadian artists and a legacy of perseverance and love. It is a gift to Canada, created by two artists, Amika Kushwaha and Cassius Khan, who have dedicated their lives to ensuring that Indian classical arts thrive for generations to come.
The 14th Annual Mushtari Begum Festival is on October 4th, 2025, at the Massey Theatre. Buy your tickets here: https://www.masseytheatre.com/event/mbf-2025/
