The Rekhta Foundation proudly wrapped up the much-awaited Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai 2025, the world’s largest festival dedicated to the celebration of the Urdu language, literature, and culture. Held at the iconic Zabeel Park on February 1st and 2nd, 2025, this two-day cultural extravaganza captured the essence of Urdu’s artistic heritage with an exciting blend of performances, interactive sessions, and immersive experiences. The festival, which featured renowned artists and speakers from India, Pakistan, the UAE, and across the globe, brought together a diverse audience united by their love for the timeless beauty of Urdu.
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Day 1 Highlights – February 1, 2025:
The festival opened with a vibrant session on Urdu in Films & TV, featuring renowned actors Saba Qamar and Imran Abbas, who were in conversation with Adeel Hashmi. This engaging discussion explored the portrayal of Urdu in modern entertainment. Following that, the Mehfil Khana stage came alive with the soul-stirring performance of Ilahi Sufi Qawwali by the First-ever International Qawwali Ensemble, a stunning celebration of the spiritual richness of Urdu’s musical heritage. Piyush Mishra’s Dilli Se Lahore Tak brought the day to a crescendo with a mesmerizing performance of the Ballimaaraan project. The evening concluded with Maah-e-Tamaam, a rhythmic celebration of soulful music featuring the iconic Shafqat Amanat Ali, leaving the audience spellbound.
Day 2 Highlights – February 2, 2025:
The second day kicked off with a remarkable session on Filmi Aur Adabi Duniya, where legendary poets Javed Akhtar and Zehra Nigah engaged in a riveting conversation about the intersection of poetry and cinema, hosted by Adeel Hashmi. The Grand Mushaira that followed showcased a symposium of Urdu poetry featuring some of the most celebrated poets, including Zehra Nigah, Waseem Barelvi, and Javed Akhtar, among others. The Raqs-o-Naghma performance captivated audiences with a multimedia presentation that highlighted the fusion of Urdu poetry with film, directed by Huma Khalil. The event closed with an enchanting evening, Shaam Dhale, where the magical voice of Ali Sethi added a romantic flourish to the festival’s finale.
One of the key performances of the day, Raqs-o-Naghma, beautifully blended the power of Urdu poetry with the elegance of dance and multimedia art. Directed by Huma Khalil, Raqs-o-Naghma was a stunning fusion of poetry and performance, where visual elements were seamlessly intertwined with poetic expressions, creating an immersive and captivating experience for the audience. The performance skillfully brought together the essence of Urdu’s artistic tradition, from classical poetry to modern interpretations, and left an indelible impact on festival-goers. The evening concluded with Shaam Dhale, an enchanting concert featuring the magical voice of Ali Sethi, whose romantic renditions added a final flourish to the festival.
Huma Khalil, Trustee & Creative Director, Rekhta Foundation,- “With Raqs o Naghma, we set out to bring alive an era when poetry, music and dance merged to create timeless art. It was more than just a performance—a heartfelt ode to the legendary Urdu poets whose words continue to resonate across generations. Seeing the audience immerse themselves in this nostalgic composition at Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai was truly special. At Rekhta Foundation, we are dedicated to preserving and celebrating the beauty of Urdu, and Raqs o Naghma is a reflection of that passion.”
Rekhta Pavilion and Immersive Experiences:
A major highlight of the festival was the Rekhta Pavilion, which offered an immersive experience for attendees. The pavilion featured Dial-e-Poet, an AI-powered telephonic service that allowed visitors to engage in one-sided conversations with legendary poets like Rahat Indori, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, and others. This unique experience brought these literary giants back to life, allowing festival-goers to interact with their voices and gain insight into their poetry.
Other immersive experiences included Miliye Mirza Ghalib Se, where a life-sized hologram of the legendary poet recited his iconic couplets, transporting visitors to the 19th century. The Sher Ka Shikar station invited participants to test their poetic skills, while Naam-o-Nishan allowed them to trace their names in the elegant Nastaliq script at a calligraphy station.
Additionally, the Aiwan-e-Zaiqa Food Festival delighted food lovers with an array of timeless delicacies, and the Rekhta Bazaar offered a treasure trove of handcrafted items and literary gems. Book lovers had the opportunity to explore the Books Bazaar, where classic and contemporary Urdu literature was available for purchase.
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A Global Celebration of Urdu:
Following the success of its 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 saw an exciting new partnership with RAKBANK ELITE, the Title Sponsor, whose support underscores the growing stature of the festival in the UAE and beyond. Additionally, the festival was Co-presented by Noon, powered by Dugasta Properties, and co-powered by Al Ghurair Group & EFS, in association with Apparel Group LLC and supported by Prime Hospitals, DPS, Sharjah Cements, West Avenue, and Dubai Calendar, is further elevated through its media partnerships with Gulf News, Nukta, Radio Mirchi, Sony Entertainment and ARY Digital, whose invaluable support amplifies the festival’s mission, expanding its reach and impact.
With an overwhelming response from attendees, Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai 2025 has firmly established itself as a celebration 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.