Jahan-e-Khusrau Festival Marks 25 Years of Sufi Heritage

Why in the News?

The Jahan-e-Khusrau Sufi music festival celebrated its 25th anniversary, with PM Modi calling it a cultural triumph. He highlighted its role in preserving India’s artistic heritage, visited TEH Bazaar, and praised its deep connection with India’s spiritual traditions.

Jahan-e-Khusrau Festival Marks 25 Years of Sufi Heritage

Festival’s Significance and PM Modi’s Address:

  • The Jahan-e-Khusrau Sufi music festival marked its 25th anniversary, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi praising its role in preserving India’s artistic and cultural heritage.
  • He highlighted the festival’s emotional connection with people, calling it its greatest success.
  • Modi emphasized the importance of such festivals in showcasing India’s diverse artistic traditions.
  • Before the event, he visited TEH Bazaar, appreciating the handcrafted artifacts and its cultural richness.

Cultural and Spiritual Reflections

  • Modi acknowledged the contributions of Aga Khan in restoring Sunder Nursery, the venue for the festival.
  • Extending his Ramzan greetings, he highlighted Nazr-e-Krishna, a performance that beautifully represented India’s shared heritage.
  • Quoting Hazrat Amir Khusrau, he recalled how the poet admired India’s linguistic and intellectual excellence.
  • He noted that Sufi culture seamlessly integrates with India’s spiritual and artistic landscape.

Festival Highlights and TEH Bazaar

  • Jahan-e-Khusrau, a three-day festival (Feb 28 – Mar 2), features artists from across the world to celebrate Amir Khusrau’s legacy.
  • Founded in 2001 by Muzaffar Ali, it has become a renowned annual cultural event, organized by the Rumi Foundation.
  • Modi also explored TEH Bazaar, which showcased One District-One Product crafts, traditional handicrafts, and short films on India’s artistic heritage.

About Amir Khusrau: The Iconic Poet and Musician

  • Born: December 27, 1253, in Patiyali, Uttar Pradesh.
  • Parents: His father migrated from Central Asia during Mongol invasions.
  • Career: Became a professional poet at 20, serving Delhi Sultanate rulers.
  • Works:
  • First Muslim poet to use Hindi words in poetry.
  • Contributed to Indian classical music, qawwali, and Hindavi language.
  • Created the Khalikbari dictionary (Persian-Hindi lexicon).
  • Patrons: Served five Sultans, including Alauddin Khalji and Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq.
  • Disciple: Chishti saint Nizamuddin Auliya.
  • Titles: ‘Hind ka Tota’, ‘Father of Hindi Khari Boli’.
  • Famous Compositions: Chhaap Tilak, Zehal-e-Maskeen, Sakal Ban Phool Rahi Sarson.
  • Died: 1325; buried at Nizamuddin Dargah, Delhi.