Rich legacy of Urdu celebrated at Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai 2025
- 15 Feb 2025
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
The Rekhta Foundation, Noida, India, presented their heart-and-brain child Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai 2025, the world’s largest festival dedicated to the celebration of Urdu language, literature and culture, on February 1 and 2 at the iconic Zabeel Park in Dubai. The two-day cultural extravaganza captured the spirit of Urdu’s artistic heritage with a deeply appreciated blend of performances, interactive sessions and immersive experiences. Featuring renowned artists and speakers from India, Pakistan, the UAE and across the globe, it also brought together a diverse audience united by their love for the timeless beauty of Urdu.
A vibrant session on Urdu in Films & TV, featuring renowned actors Saba Qamar and Imran Abbas in conversation with Adeel Hashmi, opened Jashn on February 1. The forum hosted an engaging discussion that explored the portrayal of Urdu in modern entertainment.The Mehfil Khana (Main Gathering) followed, with the stage coming alive with the stirring performance of Ilahi Sufi Qawwali by the First-ever International Qawwali Ensemble. It was a celebration of the spiritual richness of Urdu’s musical heritage. Piyush Mishra’s Dilli Se Lahore Tak (from Delhi to Lahore) heightened the vibes with a mesmerising performance of the Ballimaaraan project. The evening concluded with Maah-e-Tamaam (Full Moon), a rhythmic celebration of soulful music featuring the iconic Shafqat Amanat Ali.
The second day (February 2) began with a session titled Filmi Aur Adabi Duniya (Film And Literary World), where legendary poets Javed Akhtar and Zehra Nigah, engaged in a riveting conversation about the intersection of poetry and cinema. It was hosted by Adeel Hashmi. The Grand Mushaira (Grand Poetry Session) that followed, showcased a symposium of Urdu poetry featuring some of the most celebrated poets, including Zehra Nigah, Waseem Barelvi, and Javed Akhtar, among others.
The Raqs-o-Naghma (Dance-and-Song) performance captivated audiences with a multimedia presentation that highlighted the fusion of Urdu poetry with film, directed by Huma Khalil. One of the key performances of the day, it harmoniously blended the power of Urdu poetry with the elegance of dance and multimedia art in a fusion of poetry and performance. Visual elements seamlessly intertwined with poetic expression, creating an absorbing experience for the audience. It brought together the pith and substance of Urdu’s artistic tradition, from classical poetry to modern interpretation. Khalil, who is Trustee & Creative Director, Rekhta Foundation, said that “with Raqs-o-Naghma, we set out to bring alive an era when poetry, music and dance merged to create timeless art. It was more than just a performance — it was a heartfelt ode to the legendary Urdu poets, whose words continue to resonate across generations.
“Seeing the audience immerse themselves in this nostalgic composition at Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai was truly special. At Rekhta Foundation, we are dedicated to preserving and celebrating the beauty of Urdu, and Raqs-o-Naghma is a reflection of that passion.” The festival closed with an enchanting evening programme, Shaam Dhale (An Evening), where the magical voice of Ali Sethi gave a romantic flourish to the finale. A major highlight was the Rekhta Pavilion, which offered an inviting experience for attendees. It featured Dial-e-Poet, an AI-powered telephonic service that allowed visitors to engage in one-sided conversations with legendary poets like Rahat Indori, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, and others of their calibre. The unique experience brought literary giants back to life, allowing festival-goers to interact with their voices and gain fresh insights into their poetry.
Other notable experiences included Miliye Mirza Ghalib Se (Meet Mirza Ghalib), where a life-sized hologram of the legendary poet recited his iconic couplets, transporting visitors to the 19th century when he was alive. The Sher Ka Shikar (Hunt For Poetry) station invited participants to test their poetic skills, while Naam-o-Nishan (Name-&-Trace) allowed them to sketch their names in the elegant Nastaliq script at a calligraphy station. Additionally, the Aiwan-e-Zaiqa (Place of Taste) Food Festival delighted food lovers with an array of tasty delicacies, and the Rekhta Bazaar (Urdu Market) offered a treasure trove of handcrafted items and literary bounties. Book lovers had the opportunity to explore the Books Bazaar (Books Market), where classic and contemporary Urdu literature was available for purchase.
The Urdu word “Rekhta” refers to a form of poetry that combines elements of Persian, Arabic, and local dialects of South Asia, particularly in the context of Urdu literature. “Rekhta” literally means “scattered” or “mixed”, indicating the combination of languages that came to constitute Urdu. “Jashn” means celebration. Following the success of its international debut in London in 2023 and its inaugural edition in Dubai in 2024, Jashn-e-Rekhta continues to expand its global presence. This year’s festival also saw a new partnership with RAKBANK Elite, Title Sponsor, whose support underscored the growing stature of the festival in the UAE and in the larger region.
The festival was co-presented by Noon, powered by Dugasta Properties and co-powered by Al Ghurair Group & EFS, in association with Apparel Group LLC and supported by Prime Hospitals, DPS, Sharjah Cements, West Avenue, and Dubai Calendar. Media partners were Gulf News, Nukta, Radio Mirchi, Sony Entertainment and ARY Digital. The overwhelming response from attendees at Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai 2025 showed that the festival has firmly established itself as a frontline celebrant of Urdu’s cultural and literary legacy. As the Rekhta Foundation looks ahead to future editions, said the organisers, the festival promises to continue its mission of uniting audiences across the world through the magic of Urdu language and culture.