Get Up Close with Mirza Ghalib at Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai 2025

Imagine standing face-to-face with Mirza Ghalib, the legendary Urdu poet, as if he’s stepped right out of history. At Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai 2025, this moment becomes reality through a life-sized hologram of Ghalib bringing his poetry to life. Returning to Dubai after a successful debut in 2024, the festival will take place on February 1 and 2 at Zabeel Park, offering an immersive celebration of Urdu’s rich literary and cultural heritage.

This two-day event will feature over 50 artists, poets, and performers from India, Pakistan, and beyond, offering a mix of performances, discussions, and interactive sessions. Among the highlights is Dial-e-Poet, where visitors can interact with an Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered rotary phone booth to hear the voices of legendary poets like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Jaun Elia, and Ahmed Faraz, creating a personal connection to their work.

Sanjiv Saraf, Founder of Rekhta Foundation, explains, "Jashn-e-Rekhta Dubai 2025 is not just an event — it’s a celebration of the beauty of Urdu and its ability to connect people across cultures.”

The first day will feature the debut of a women’s qawwali ensemble, bringing Sufi spiritual music to life. Later, Piyush Mishra’s Ballimaaraan will explore the cultural connection between Delhi and Lahore through music, followed by Shafqat Amanat Ali’s Maah-e-Tamaam, a rhythmic journey filled with soulful melodies.

Day 2 will kick off with a panel on Urdu in films and TV, featuring Saba Qamar and Imran Abbas in conversation with Adeel Hashmi. Later, Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar and Zehra Nigah will engage in a discussion titled Filmi Aur Adabi Duniya: Faasle Aur Nazdeekiyan, exploring the intersections of film and Urdu literature. Another key session, Urdu: Mohabbat Aur Dosti Ki Zubaan, will feature Arfa Sayeda Zehra in conversation with Samina Peerzada, delving into the emotional power of Urdu as a language of love and friendship.

The festival will conclude with Ali Sethi’s Shaam Dhale, a romantic evening of music and poetry, bringing the event to a high note.

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