“We should sit together and rejoice.”
In an elegant celebration infused with the essence of Urdu literature, poetry and cross-cultural interaction, the Jashn-e-Rekhta festival took place in Dubai.
The festival engaged its audience from January 27-29 at Zabeel Park, which underwent a mesmerising change as it transformed into a hub of linguistic and artistic vibrancy.
The perfect setting for a comprehensive celebration was created that brought together luminaries from the worlds of literature, cinema and activism.
Jashn-e-Rekhta created a vibrant mosaic of diverse events and thought-provoking discussions that aimed to make a lasting impact on the cultural scene.
A noteworthy moment at the esteemed festival featured the renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar engaging in intellectual and stimulating conversations with Pakistani human rights activist Arfa Sayeda Zehra and actor Adeel Hashmi.
Also present on the second day of the festival were Abida Parveen, Mahira Khan, Shabana Azmi and Shekhar Kapoor.
They appeared on the panel Kahani Se Kirdaar Thak.
This panel shed light on the art of storytelling and character-building, and Mahira shared her happiness as she debuted at the festival.
Mahira said: “I am very happy that I have attended Jashn-e-Rekhta for the first time. I hope that I continue to come here.
“I hope I come here repeatedly and receive such a platform where the community of artists from around the world, who love and appreciate this language, sit together and share stories, poetry and jokes.
“We should sit together and rejoice.”
Samina Peerzada, Usman Peerzada and Bee Gul were spotted partaking in the Mera Fann Meri Zindagi session, which detailed an artist’s journey through their creativity.
The festival featured an evening of Sufi music ‘Shab-e-Rafta’, mesmerising audiences with magical performances by Abida Parveen.
Abida Parveen’s performance proved to be one of the highlights of the evening and people were seen swaying and dancing energetically as she performed the iconic ‘Dam Mast Qalandar’.
A fan and attendee of the event said: “She was unbelievably amazing as always! Best night I’ve had in Dubai EVER! Love her.”
Another said: “What an amazing show. I’m having a great time.”
A third added:
“Mesmerising performance. It’s the first time I saw Abida Jee live.”
Jashn-e-Rekhta is a partnership between India and Pakistan which focuses on unity.
The festival showcased the significance of the Urdu language which brings people together through art.
The insightful discussion in the panel, appropriately named Urdu Tehzeeb Aur Rishton Ki Lazzat, explored the intricate convergence of literature, activism, and the refined subtleties of language.
Participants enjoyed a distinctive and enlightening intellectual journey, exploring the deep ties between Urdu culture, significant connections and the expansive socio-cultural fabric.
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