“Jashn-e-Rekhta”, celebrated the beauty of Urdu with soulful music, heartfelt poetry and moments that deeply connected with everyone, says SAKSHI PRIYA

In the delicate dance of words and melodies, there exists a beauty that can only be captured by the language of the soul, Urdu. The language has flourished in the hearts of poets, lovers and dreamers for centuries, finding its voice in the lyrical verses of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal and countless others. As one steps into the world of Jashn-e-Rekhta, a living celebration of this beloved language, it is as though you are immersed in a space where poetry is not merely recited, but experienced, felt in every beat of your heart.

“Dil-e-nadaan tujhe hua kya hai?

Aur koi bhi, tujhe na samajh paaya”

These lines by Mirza Ghalib echoed throughout the festival, capturing the essence of Jashn-e-Rekhta 2024 in a way no words could. Each verse, each melody, became a reminder of the timeless beauty and emotion embedded in Urdu poetry, and how it continues to bind hearts together across generations.

The opening evening saw the mesmerising Sufi performance by the ever-graceful Padma Shri Kailash Kher and his Kailasa band, setting the mood for an emotional journey through music and words. But the magic of Jashn-e-Rekhta didn’t stop there.

The second day of the festival paid tribute to the legendary poet Sahir Ludhianvi. Performances by the Qutbi Brothers and the stirring Dastangoi session by Himanshu Bajpayee and Pragya Sharma were particularly notable. Their narratives made the audience reminisce about the timelessness of Urdu poetry, while the theatrical production Jaun Elia ka Jinn brought forth the intensity and passion that marked the poet’s life. Javed Akhtar’s book launch of Kyon: Jaun Elia's Unpublished Poetry and Sanjiv Saraf’s Wayward Verses led to a deeper understanding of how Urdu continues to shape the contemporary cultural landscape. As the final act, Papon’s soul-stirring performance brought the festival to a close.

The final day of Jashn-e-Rekhta added a modern touch to the festivities with Nisschal Zaveri’s “Chaand, Urdu aur Awaaz Unplugged,” a performance blending classical Ghazals with contemporary musical expressions. This performance bridged the timeless charm of Urdu poetry with modern acoustic instrumentation, providing an experience that resonated with every listener’s heart. Nisschal, with his incredible talent and reverence for the art, captured the essence of what makes Urdu poetry so deeply moving, a delicate balance between tradition and innovation, an invitation to dive into the depths of emotion, where every word is a universe unto itself. The event concluded with a moving tribute- Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon, a celebration of the songs that have touched Bollywood’s heart, presented by Javed Akhtar.

One of the most delightful aspects of Jashn-e-Rekhta was the Rekhta Pavilion. From the Rekhta Food Festival - Aiwan-e-Zaiqa, which showcased the subcontinent’s culinary delights, to the Rekhta Bazaar and Books Bazaar, which made Urdu’s literary treasures accessible to all, every corner invited exploration. At its heart was the Dial-e-Poet, where visitors could listen to the timeless voices of legends like Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Rahat Indori, creating a deeply personal connection to their immortal words. Around these spaces, people of all ages gathered in spontaneous circles, reciting shayari, sharing verses and singing ghazals. The soft glow of the lights created an atmosphere of unity, where the shared love of Urdu poetry connected everyone and the timeless melodies carried emotions that resonated deeply in the heart.

Jashn-e-Rekhta celebrates the timeless charm of Urdu, bringing its poetry, music, and legacy to life. It reminds us that Urdu isn’t just inked on pages but lives in every song, verses and conversation, a celebration of life where poetry becomes a vibrant, living essence.

Photos: Pankaj kumar