Indian Embassy, Consulate to host mushaira in Riyadh, Jeddah

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is organizing a grand mushaira (Urdu poetry session) on Thursday (Jan. 18) in the Saudi capital, featuring an exciting line-up of eminent poets including Muzaffar Hanfi and Waseem Barelvi.

The event will be held at the auditorium of the International Indian School, Riyadh (IISR Boys Section).

A large number of Urdu lovers are waiting to hear the poetry of Hanfi, who is a prominent Urdu poet, critic, and writer. He has received more than 35 awards from various state academies and institutions of national importance in India. Hanfi has also authored and edited more than 80 books in Urdu. The presence of Barelvi, meanwhile, will add grandeur to the poetry recitation function.

Barelvi’s ghazals (ballads), mostly sung by famous singer Jagjit Singh, are popular across the world. Barelvi is also the vice chairman of India’s National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL). The evening of Urdu poetry in Riyadh will also witness names like Iqbal Ashar, Abrar Kashif, Sardar Saleem, Aleena Itrat, Nadeem Shad and Naeem Fraz.

The Indian consulate in Jeddah, in association with the Indian Pilgrims Welfare Forum (IPWF), will host the annual mushaira at the International Indian School, Jeddah (Boys’ Section) auditorium at 7:45 p.m. on Sunday ( Jan. 21). “Renowned Urdu poets from various parts of India will take part in the event,” said Moin Akhtar, consul (press, information and culture).

According to a press release issued by Akhtar, Indian nationals in Jeddah and neighboring cities are invited to the mushaira. “All are advised to reach the venue by 6:45 p.m. with their valid iqama,” he said. “The capacity of the auditorium is limited and entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis.”