Celebrating the Richness of Urdu: Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai 2025
On February 1 and 2, 2025, the Rekhta Foundation, based in Noida, India, unveiled its much-anticipated cultural extravaganza, Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai 2025. This festival, recognized as the world’s largest celebration dedicated to the Urdu language, literature, and culture, took place at the iconic Zabeel Park in Dubai. With a vibrant atmosphere and a diverse audience, the event showcased the timeless beauty of Urdu through a series of performances, interactive sessions, and immersive experiences.
A Grand Opening with Star Power
The festival kicked off with a dynamic session titled "Urdu in Films & TV," featuring celebrated actors Saba Qamar and Imran Abbas in conversation with Adeel Hashmi. This engaging discussion delved into the portrayal of Urdu in contemporary entertainment, highlighting its significance in modern storytelling. Following this, the Mehfil Khana (Main Gathering) came alive with the mesmerizing Ilahi Sufi Qawwali performed by the First-ever International Qawwali Ensemble. This performance celebrated the spiritual richness of Urdu’s musical heritage, captivating the audience with its soulful melodies.
Adding to the evening’s enchantment, Piyush Mishra took the stage with his Ballimaaraan project, "Dilli Se Lahore Tak," which resonated with nostalgia and cultural pride. The night culminated in a rhythmic celebration, "Maah-e-Tamaam," featuring the iconic Shafqat Amanat Ali, whose performance left the audience spellbound.
Day Two: A Literary Feast
The second day of Jashn-e-Rekhta began with a thought-provoking session titled "Filmi Aur Adabi Duniya" (Film and Literary World). Legendary poets Javed Akhtar and Zehra Nigah engaged in a riveting conversation about the intersection of poetry and cinema, hosted once again by Adeel Hashmi. This session set the stage for the Grand Mushaira (Grand Poetry Session), where celebrated poets, including Zehra Nigah, Waseem Barelvi, and Javed Akhtar, shared their evocative verses, creating an atmosphere charged with literary fervor.
The Fusion of Art: Raqs-o-Naghma
One of the festival’s highlights was the "Raqs-o-Naghma" (Dance-and-Song) performance, which captivated audiences with its multimedia presentation. Directed by Huma Khalil, this performance harmoniously blended Urdu poetry with dance and visual art, creating an absorbing experience that celebrated the essence of Urdu’s artistic tradition. Khalil, who serves as the Trustee & Creative Director of the Rekhta Foundation, expressed her vision of reviving an era when poetry, music, and dance coalesced into timeless art.
“Seeing the audience immerse themselves in this nostalgic composition at Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai was truly special,” she remarked, emphasizing the festival’s commitment to preserving and celebrating the beauty of Urdu.
A Unique Interactive Experience
The festival also featured the Rekhta Pavilion, which offered attendees a unique experience through its innovative Dial-e-Poet service. This AI-powered telephonic service allowed visitors to engage in one-sided conversations with legendary poets like Rahat Indori and Faiz Ahmad Faiz, bringing their voices and insights back to life.
Other interactive experiences included "Miliye Mirza Ghalib Se" (Meet Mirza Ghalib), where a life-sized hologram of the legendary poet recited his iconic couplets, transporting visitors to the 19th century. The "Sher Ka Shikar" (Hunt For Poetry) station invited participants to test their poetic skills, while "Naam-o-Nishan" (Name-&-Trace) allowed them to sketch their names in the elegant Nastaliq script at a calligraphy station.
Culinary Delights and Literary Treasures
Food lovers were treated to a delightful experience at the Aiwan-e-Zaiqa (Place of Taste) Food Festival, which showcased an array of delectable delicacies. Meanwhile, the Rekhta Bazaar offered a treasure trove of handcrafted items and literary bounties, while the Books Bazaar provided book lovers with the opportunity to explore and purchase classic and contemporary Urdu literature.
The Essence of Rekhta
The term "Rekhta" refers to a poetic form that combines elements of Persian, Arabic, and local dialects of South Asia, embodying the rich linguistic tapestry that constitutes Urdu literature. The word "Rekhta" literally means "scattered" or "mixed," reflecting the diverse influences that have shaped the language. "Jashn," meaning celebration, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of this festival.
Following its successful international debut in London in 2023 and its inaugural edition in Dubai in 2024, Jashn-e-Rekhta continues to expand its global presence. This year’s festival also marked a new partnership with RAKBANK Elite, Title Sponsor, underscoring the growing stature of the festival in the UAE and the larger region.
A Collaborative Effort
Co-presented by Noon and powered by Dugasta Properties, the festival received support from various sponsors, including Al Ghurair Group, EFS, and several others. Media partners such as Gulf News, Nukta, Radio Mirchi, Sony Entertainment, and ARY Digital played a crucial role in amplifying the festival’s reach and impact.
The overwhelming response from attendees at Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai 2025 demonstrated the festival’s firm establishment as a frontline celebrant of Urdu’s cultural and literary legacy. As the Rekhta Foundation looks ahead to future editions, the festival promises to continue its mission of uniting audiences across the world through the magic of Urdu language and culture.
