Jashn-e-Rekhta is the world’s biggest festival celebrating Urdu literature. Held in New Delhi every year, it is organised by Rekhta, a non-profit organisation which seeks to preserve and promote the Urdu language and culture. This month, the grand event will take place in Dubai for the first time. It will last for two days (27-28 January) at Zabeel Park and involve more than 75 famous Indian and Pakistani artists and speakers as well as those from other countries.
The event’s diverse programme includes Urdu Tehzeeb aur Rishton ki Lazzat Ki Lazzat (The Delight of Urdu Culture and Relationships), a panel discussion involving Javed Akhtar, an esteemed Bollywood poet, and Arfa Sayeda Zehra, a human rights activist from Pakistan. There will also be a talk show with Samina and Usman Peerzada, a prominent couple in the Pakistani film industry.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see Dozakh (Hell), a stage rendition of Urdu writer and filmmaker Ismat Chughtai’s play, and Raqs-e-Naa Tammam, a depiction of acclaimed singer Noor Jehan’s life. Besides, one should not miss Naghmo’n ki Maseehaii, a Sufi concert by Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan, a classical singer of the khyal vocal genre, and Shab-e Rafta (Night of Departure), another session of mesmerising Sufi music.
On the list will also be the Kahaani se Kirdaar Tak interactive session; the participants are Shekhar Kapur (a celebrated Indian filmmaker and actor), actress Mahira Khan (Pakistan), and actress Shabana Azmi (India). Javed Akhtar, Meiyang Chang (an Indian actor and television host), and Jahnvi Shrimankar (an Indian singer) will present Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaau’n (I Will Sing a Song Like This), a project blending poetry, songs, narration, and music.
Jashn-e-Rekhta Festival’s highlight will be Gehan aur Dhoop, an international mushaira (a poetic symposium). Among the participants will be such acclaimed poets as Anwar Shaoor, Farhat Ehsad, Zehra Nigah, Shakeel Azmi, and Abbas Tabish.
Jashn-e-Rekhta Festival will also feature Aiwan-e-Zaiqa Food Bazaar, where visitors can try different delicacies from Indian, Pakistani, Arabic, and other cuisines. Rekhta’s Urdu Bazaar, which is another part of the festival, will offer one a chance to look at different types of art and buy handicrafts, merchandise, books, etc.
To get more information about the event and buy tickets, please visit its official website.
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