On February 1 and 2, 2025, Zabeel Park in Dubai transformed into a haven for poetry lovers, music enthusiasts, and those who cherish the Urdu language. Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025 was more than just a festival; it was an experience where stories came alive, voices from different generations met, and language found new meaning in this digital world.
When Poetry Met the People
The festival opened with a Grand Mushaira (a symposium of Urdu poetry) featuring literary icons like Javed Akhtar, Zehra Nigah, and Abbas Tabish. It wasn’t just an exchange of verses; it felt like a conversation between eras. The session set the tone for the weekend, reminding audiences why poetry still holds the power to connect, and heal.
The Sounds That Brought Everyone Together
Music was the heartbeat of the festival. Ilahi Sufi Qawwali brought the soul of Sufi music to an international stage. The first-ever global qawwali ensemble filled the air with poetry and rhythmic beats. Each verse carried centuries of tradition, blending storytelling with dance. The performance wasn’t just music—it was an experience of spiritual connection.
Shafqat Amanat Ali’s performance, Maah-e-Tamaam took audiences on a journey through melodies that transcended borders. Later, Ali Sethi’s Shaam Dhale closed the night with a mix of classical and contemporary, keeping the essence of romance alive through song.
Piyush Mishra’s Ballimaaraan – The Piyush Mishra Project was another standout moment. It showcased Mishra’s unique blend of music, theater, and poetry, with performances of Husna and Arre Ruk Ja Re Bande. His raw storytelling and distinctive style resonated with the audience. It also reflected on the shared history of India and Pakistan, using music to highlight cultural connections. The performance captured the essence of Urdu storytelling, bringing nostalgia and familiar melodies to the stage.
The Conversations That Sparked Reflection
Beyond poetry and music, Jashn-e-Rekhta hosted thought-provoking conversations. Arfa Sayeda Zehra and Samina Peerzada discussed the role of Urdu in films and television, exploring how language shapes narratives. Javed Akhtar and Zehra Nigah’s session, Filmi Aur Adabi Duniya, highlighted the deep connection between cinema and literature.
Actors Saba Qamar and Imran Abbas shared candid insights into their creative journeys, struggles, and experiences in the industry. Meanwhile, an exclusive session for UAE-based poets provided a platform for local voices, ensuring that the celebration of Urdu wasn’t just about nostalgia but also about the future.
More Than a Festival
Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025 wasn’t just about performances; it was about the connections made between those who found themselves nodding along to the same verse, the nostalgia triggered by a song, and the unspoken emotions that surfaced in a quiet moment of poetry. It was a reminder that language and art aren’t bound by geography—they belong to those who feel them.
For those who love Urdu, the festival was a weekend to remember. And for those who were new to it, Jashn-e-Rekhta was the perfect introduction.
