Jashn-e-soirée

An evening of breathtaking Urdu poetry awaits Delhiites

Some languages are known for their khoobsurati (beauty). All it takes is a few alfaaz (words) to create meethe bol (sweet verse) — and, shayari or Urdu poetry is born. It is a celebration of this art-form that one will get to see at Mushaira Jashn-e-Bahar in Delhi, where the audience will be able to relish verse after verse of brilliance, under a moonlit sky.

Founded by Kamna Prasad, the event is in its 21st edition now, and, as Prasad reveals, “It’s an expression of India’s composite cultural heritage, best symbolised by Urdu and best expressed by Urdu poetry. And this openmindedness, freedom of expression, this beauty of words, makes it unique.”

This year, the theme reflects the

150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, but more than that, it is meant to represent the “Timeless and universal ideas of the Mahatma. Though Jashn-e-Bahar has always carried forward the message of peace and universal brotherhood, this 21st edition will be unique in its ensemble of poets and their modern p o e t r y, ” says Prasad.

Indeed, a variety of prominent names from the Urdu poetry world will be presenting their repertoire of writings at the event. Some of the international participants include Dr Abdullah Abdullah from Washington, USA; Dr Nausha Asrar from Houston, USA; So Yamane from Osaka, Japan; Aziz Nabeel from Doha, Qatar; and Syed Sarosh Asif from Abu Dhabi. This way, we get an idea of how widespread is the language and its influence., Some prominent names from India include Wasim Barelvi, Dr Nusrat Mehdi, Rajesh Reddy, Prof Minu Bakshi, Iqbal Ashhar, Parveen Kaif, Dr Nuzhat Anjum and Liaqat Jafri.

The Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, will be the chief guest for the event, while the Vice Chancellor of Jamia MIllia Islamia, Dr Najma Akhtar, will be the guest of honour. Prominent litterateur, Chitra Mudgal, who is a recent recipient of the Sahitya Akademi, will preside over the mushaira.

— Inputs by Mayank Goyal

It’s an expression of India’s composite cultural heritage, best symbolised by Urdu and best expressed by Urdu poetry. — KAMNA PRASAD