At the ongoing 'Jashn-e-Rekhta' festival in Dubai this weekend, prominent Pakistani artists, poets, and authors took the stage, aiming to celebrate the rich literary heritage of the Urdu language through cultural fusion.
Following successful events in London and India, the two-day festival on Jan. 27-28 seamlessly integrated the essence of Urdu language, literature, and culture into the cosmopolitan fabric of the UAE.
The event featured soul-stirring ‘ghazals,’ ‘qawwalis,’ ‘dastangoi,’ engaging panel discussions, and a grand ‘mushaira,’ or poetic symposium.
Several Pakistani singers, actors, academics and authors, including Abida Parveen, Arfa Sayeda Zehra and Mahira Khan, were part of the sessions and discussions during the event.
“I am very happy that I have attended Jashn-e-Rekhta for the first time and I hope to come again and again,” Khan said.
“And to get such a platform again and again, where the artiste community from everywhere, who love and appreciate this language, they sit together and discuss about stories, poetry.”
The festival featured a Sufi concert by Shafqat Ali Khan, a discussion on Urdu by Zehra, Adeel Hashmi and Javed Akhtar from India along with the launch of a book, ‘Siyah Heere,’ by Sameena Nazeer on Saturday.
Later in the day, Parveen performed at a night of melody and music. On Sunday, Bee Gul held a session with Pakistani actors, Samina Peerzada and Usman Peerzada, titled as ‘Mera Fann Meri Zindagi.
A discussion titled 'Kahaani Se Kirdaar Tak' involving Khan, Samina Peerzada, and Hashmi followed the performance. Additionally, the book 'Gulistan-e-Saadi,' edited by Zarminae Ansari, was launched during the event.
Also Read: Mahira Khan, Javed Akhtar, Shabana Azmi, to Attend Urdu Literary Festival in Dubai
