New Delhi: The Urdu Academy Delhi, under the Department of Art, Culture, and Language (Delhi Government), is hosting a four-day festival, Jashn-e-Urdu, at Central Park, Connaught Place, from October 17 to 20, 2024. On the third day, artists from across the country showcased vibrant performances, enthralling the audience.
The event commenced with an inter-university ‘Bait Bazi’ competition among students from the three central universities in Delhi. The evening was further enriched by a soulful Sufi Mahfil presented by the Qutubi Brothers, featuring works of renowned poets like Amir Khusro and Bulleh Shah. Their mesmerizing performance echoed the Urdu Academy’s commitment to spreading the message of love and harmony through art and culture.
A drama titled Baagh To Sara Jaane Hai was performed by the Wings Foundation, based on the life and poetry of the great Urdu poet, Mir Taqi Mir. Directed by Javed Hasan, the play offered the audience an engaging portrayal of Mir’s life, showcasing the trials he faced and the beauty of his poetic expression.
Renowned singer Bilal Chishti, also known as Dhruv Sangari, a disciple of the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, captivated the crowd with his Mahfil-e-Tarang, presenting Sufi songs that had the audience swaying to the spiritual rhythm. Another standout performance came from the famous Ghazal singer, Dr. Radhika Chopra, who elevated the evening’s charm by blending classical and contemporary poetry, also educating the youth on the intricacies of the Ghazal tradition.
The final performance of the day was delivered by the Sabri Brothers, whose powerful qawwali left the audience spellbound. Each day of the festival witnessed large crowds celebrating the beauty of Urdu art and culture.
The event was graced by the Vice Chairman of the Urdu Academy, Professor Shehpar Rasool, along with members of the governing council. Praising the artists for their exceptional performances, Rasool emphasized the Academy’s mission to provide a platform for talented artists to connect with the public and foster a deeper appreciation for the beauty of the Urdu language. He presented mementos and bouquets to the performers, adding, “Our goal has always been to bring more artists to the forefront and give them the opportunity to showcase their talents, while the audience gets to enjoy and experience the richness of Urdu.”
The festival will continue tomorrow, with performances by acclaimed artists such as Syed Mukarram Warsi from Bhopal, Amrish Mishra, Rais Anis Sabri from Mumbai, and renowned singer Harshdeep Kaur.
The event is being hosted by Reshma Farooqi and Athar Saeed. Additionally, a handicrafts, calligraphy, and book exhibition is drawing considerable attention from the audience. Exhibitors include the National Book Trust, Asia Kitab House, Rekhta Publications, and various other notable groups, adding to the cultural festivity of Jashn-e-Urdu.
