Exciting news is coming as Dubai prepares to host a special two-day event called Jashn-e-Rekhta, celebrating Urdu literature. The festival, as reported by Khaleej Times, is set to take place on January 27 and 28, bringing together notable figures from the world of Urdu literature.
This cultural extravaganza promises a variety of activities, including poetry sessions, talk shows, ghazals, and storytelling, all presented by luminaries in Urdu literature. The festival kicks off at Zabeel Park on January 27 with a panel discussion titled ‘Urdu Tehzeeb aur Rishton ki Lazzat Ki Lazzat,’ featuring Bollywood lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar and Pakistani human rights activist Arfa Sayeda Zehra. The discussion will be moderated by Adeel Hashmi.
Following the panel discussion, attendees can enjoy a stage rendition of Ismat Chughtai’s Urdu play titled ‘Dozakh’ and a Sufi concert, ‘Naghmo’n ki Maseehaii’ by Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan. Later in the evening, there will be a portrayal of the legendary singer Noor Jehan in ‘Raqs-e-Naa Tammam’ presented by Shinjini Kulkarni, Danish Iqbal, and their troupe. The first day concludes with a session of Sufi music titled ‘Shab-e Rafta.’
On the second day, the festival continues with a talk show featuring Pakistan’s iconic couple Sameena Peerzada and Usmaan Peerzada, who have been married for 48 years. They will share their journey through numerous challenges. This will be followed by an interactive session titled ‘Kahaani se Kirdaar Tak,’ featuring Pakistani actress Mahira Khan and veteran Indian actress Shabana Azmi, in conversation with renowned Indian filmmaker and actor Shekhar Kapur.
The final event of the festival’s last day is ‘Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaau’n,’ a project bringing together poetry, songs, narration, and music, featuring Javed Akhtar, Meiyang Chang, and Jahnvi Shrimankar with a live band. The literary fest will conclude with a grand international mushaira titled ‘Gehan aur Dhoop,’ featuring renowned poets such as Anwar Shaoor, Farhat Ehsad, Zehra Nigah, Shakeel Azmi, Abbas Tabish, among others.
It’s worth mentioning that the fest was initially scheduled in February 2019 but faced an unexpected last-minute cancellation. Dubai is currently experiencing a surge in Urdu cultural events, hosting more mushairas than any other place globally. With an expected attendance of up to 15,000 visitors, including those from India and Pakistan, tickets, including the Zabeel Park entry fee, are priced at Dh75 and can be purchased on the Platinum list.