Sufi Heritage Festival Returns To Sunder Nursery This February: Dates, Venue, And What To Expect

The Sufi Heritage Festival returns for its second edition from February 28 to March 1, 2026, transforming the historic 16th-century gardens of Sunder Nursery into a sanctuary of music, poetry, and shared humanity. Organised by the Sufi Heritage Project, the festival aims to preserve timeless customs, from the teachings of Nizamuddin Auliya to the verses of Amir Khusrau, while presenting them through a contemporary lens.

The festival will unfold with qawwali, ghazals, performance poetry, and heritage craft, moving from music to multi-sensory engagement. Structured into curated zones, visitors can navigate throughout the day among stages, interactive spaces, artisanal markets, and food experiences.

A Stellar Lineup: From Legacy Voices To New Sounds

Continuing this celebration, the 2026 edition boasts an impressive line-up of artists who bridge the gap between traditional Sufi thought and experimental sound. Performances are divided across two main stages to offer a balanced narrative of the genre.

Sama – The Grand Stage, the heart of the festival, is located against the majestic backdrop of Sunder Nursery’s restored monuments. This main stage will host headline performances by powerhouses like Sona Mohapatra and the legendary Daler Mehndi, as well as soul-stirring qawwalis, ghazals, and the spiritual energy of the Murad Ali Khan Saurang Ensemble.

Bebaak – New Voices, powered by a modern perspective, this stage focuses on the "candid" (the literal meaning of Bebaak). It will feature artists like Sonam Kalra, Saumya Kulshreshtha, and The Aahvaan Project, blending storytelling, spoken word, and poetry to highlight the fearless nature of Sufi expression.

Interactive Spaces: Kargaah And The Sufi Bazaar

Beyond the auditory experience, the festival is designed to be tactile and participatory. The organisers have created zones to encourage relaxed engagement with heritage. 

Kargaah, the festival’s Craft & Knowledge Hub, is an intimate space for masterclasses. Here, attendees can move from spectators to practitioners as they learn traditional skills. Offerings include calligraphy, puppetry, needlework, and pottery. These sessions are more than workshops; they are dialogues about reviving "lost" arts.

For those who want to take the experience home, the Sufi Bazaar will offer a marketplace featuring artisanal, sustainable products, including handwoven textiles, carpets, traditional perfumes (attars), and wares from craft communities across India.

Legacy Flavours: A Culinary Tribute To Old Delhi

No celebration of Delhi’s heritage is complete without its flavours. At the Legacy Flavours zone, located within the festival grounds, visitors can enjoy a curated culinary journey dedicated to reviving lost recipes and regional traditions throughout the event days.

The food court, supported by partners like Hamdard, will showcase heritage-inspired dishes that reflect the city's Mughal and syncretic roots. The experience will feature slow-cooked delicacies and authentic home-style preparations served daily during festival hours. Food here is meant to evoke Sufi values, openness and inclusivity, echoing the event’s musical spirit.

Planning Your Visit: Dates, Venue, And Tickets

Set in the lush, UNESCO-awarded Sunder Nursery, the Sufi Heritage Festival provides a unique open-air cultural experience in the city centre. Here’s what you need to know before your visit:    

Dates: February 28 – March 1, 2026    

Timings: 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM    

Venue: Sunder Nursery, opposite Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi    

Nearest Metro Station: JLN Stadium (Violet Line)    

Ticket Pricing: Ticket sales have not yet opened. Passes are expected to start around INR 1,499 (subject to confirmation).

Final Word

The Sufi Heritage Festival is more than a weekend of entertainment. It is a vital effort in cultural conservation. In a digital age, the festival offers access to traditions that might otherwise feel distant. By bringing together whirling dervishes and experimental poets, SHF 2026 keeps Sufism alive as an expression of love and pluralism.

Whether you follow Sufi philosophy or simply seek a soulful link to Delhi's history, this two-day gathering promises more. Here, listening becomes an experience. Heritage becomes a shared moment.

(With inputs from various sources)

FAQs

1. When is the Sufi Heritage Festival 2026 in Delhi? 
The Sufi Heritage Festival 2026 is scheduled for February 28 to March 1, 2026. 

2. Where is the Sufi Heritage Festival being held? 
The festival will take place at Sunder Nursery, opposite Humayun’s Tomb in New Delhi. 

3. What are the timings for the Sufi Heritage Festival? 
Festival timings are expected to run from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM on both days. 

4. What kind of performances can visitors expect at SHF 2026? 
Visitors can expect qawwali, ghazals, performance poetry, spoken word, and fusion-led contemporary Sufi interpretations.

5. Which metro station is closest to Sunder Nursery? 
The nearest metro station is JLN Stadium on the Violet Line.