After enthralling audiences in India for eight years and making its first international debut in London in 2023, Jashn-e-Rekhta, the world's largest Urdu language, literature, and cultural festival, is coming to Dubai on 27 and 28 January. The two-day festival will debut in Dubai at Zabeel Park and is organised by Rekhta Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Urdu and under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nayhan, Minister of Tolerance and Co-existence.
The event will be held from 1.30pm to 11pm on both days and promises a rich showcase of Urdu arts, including poetry, ghazals, qawwali, dance, drama, food, and handicrafts. Celebrated Bollywood lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar, will be conversing with Pakistani human rights activist Arfa Sayeda Zehra, facilitated by Adeel Hasmi. Additionally, a session featuring Pakistani actress Mahira Khan and veteran Indian actress Shabana Azmi will be hosted by the renowned Indian filmmaker and actor Shekhar Kapur.
With over 75 artists and speakers from India, Pakistan, and around the world, the festival is a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Urdu. Attendees can explore the grand celebration of this linguistic marvel, creating lasting memories over two days with diverse programs and maestros.
The festival goes beyond the stage, offering book and music album launches, intricate calligraphy displays, a Rekhta bazaar with Urdu merchandise, and culinary delights. It's a global ensemble of Urdu featuring artists from India, Pakistan, UAE, USA, and Australia, celebrating the most secular language in the world. The ticketed festival expects 15,000 to 20,000 visitors from the GCC region, India, Pakistan, and beyond.
Tickets are now available on Platinumlist, with prices starting from Dhs 75.