Dubai is gearing up to host the world’s largest Urdu literary festival, Jashn-e-Rekhta, which promises to be a cultural extravaganza celebrating the rich heritage of the Urdu language. Scheduled for January 27-28 at Zabeel Park, the festival will feature renowned personalities from the Urdu literary world, including Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar and actress Mahira Khan.
Key Takeaways
- Event: Jashn-e-Rekhta, the largest Urdu literary festival.
- Dates: January 27-28, 2024.
- Location: Zabeel Park, Dubai.
- Notable Guests: Javed Akhtar, Mahira Khan, Sameena Peerzada, and Shabana Azmi.
- Expected Attendance: Approximately 15,000.
The festival will kick off with a panel discussion titled "Urdu Tehzeeb aur Rishton ki Lazzat Ki Lazzat" (The Delight of Urdu Culture and Relationships) featuring Javed Akhtar and Pakistani activist Arfa Sayeda Zehra. Following this, attendees can enjoy a variety of performances, including:
- Dozakh (Hell) – A stage rendition of Ismat Chughtai’s Urdu play.
- Naghmo’n ki Maseehaii – A Sufi concert by Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan.
- Raqs-e-Naa Tammam – A portrayal of the life of legendary singer Noor Jehan.
- Shab-e Rafta – An enchanting session of Sufi music.
The second day will feature a talk show with the iconic couple Sameena and Usmaan Peerzada, followed by an interactive session with Mahira Khan and Shabana Azmi, moderated by filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. The day will culminate in a musical performance titled "Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaau’n," featuring a blend of poetry and music.
Cultural Significance
Sanjiv Saraf, founder of the Rekhta Foundation, emphasized the importance of hosting the festival in Dubai, highlighting the city’s diverse Urdu-speaking community. He stated that the event serves as a beacon of cultural unity, transcending political divides through the universal language of poetry.
Dubai is currently experiencing an Urdu Renaissance, hosting more mushairas (poetic symposiums) than any other city globally. The festival is expected to attract a diverse audience, including visitors from India and Pakistan, and will feature a food bazaar offering culinary delights from various cultures.
Ticket Information
Tickets for the festival, which include entry to Zabeel Park, are priced at Dh75 and can be purchased online.
This event not only promises to be a celebration of Urdu literature but also aims to weave the essence of Urdu culture into the cosmopolitan fabric of Dubai, making it a must-attend for literature enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.