Against the winter breeze along Delhi’s Yamuna riverfront, Baansera Park turned into a vibrant celebration of language, art, and collective memory as Jashn-e-Rekhta marked its 10th edition.
Over three days (December 5-7), the world’s largest festival dedicated to Urdu drew more than 1.5 lakh visitors, turning the riverside venue into a bustling cultural corridor where literature, music, and storytelling converged. Lantern-lit pathways, reading corners, food courts, art installations, and the popular Rekhta Bazaar Pavilion added to the festive ambience, inviting audiences from across India and beyond.
The festival opened with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony attended by the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Gulzar, and Javed Akhtar—an inauguration that set the tone for a weekend honouring Urdu’s poetic grace, artistic refinement, and enduring legacy. Spread across five themed stages—Mehfil Khana, Dayaar-e-Izhar, Sukhan Zaar, Bazm-e-Khayal, and Aiwan-e-Zaiqa—this edition brought together over 300 artists for more than 35 sessions, each offering a distinct window into the world of Urdu.
Across its three-day programme, Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025 curated a rich blend of conversations, performances, and literary showcases. One of the most anticipated sessions was “Mehkti Khushbu ka Safar,” featuring Gulzar in conversation with Divya Dutta. The iconic writer and lyricist drew an overwhelming crowd, with every seat occupied and visitors standing across the lawns for a chance to hear him. His recital set a contemplative mood before singer Sukhwinder Singh elevated the energy with his electrifying set, opening with the timeless Chaiyya Chaiyya and keeping the audience on their feet.
The following evening witnessed another high-octane musical performance by Salim–Sulaiman, who delivered crowd favourites such as Ainvayi Ainvayi. Theatre enthusiasts were treated to productions like Hue Marr Ke Hum Jo Rusva, performed by Shekhar Suman, and Ek Lamhaa Zindagi, led by Juhi Babbar Soni. Meanwhile, sessions such as the Rekhta Mushaira, a soulful qawwali performance by Dhruv Sangari, the evocative dastangoi Dastan Urdu Hai Jiska Naam by Danish Husain, and the Young Poets’ Mushaira continued to draw packed audiences.
Cinema lovers found a special highlight in the session Urdu aur Cinema, which featured Raj Babbar and Zeeshan Ayyub in conversation with Ambreen Khan. The discussion traced Urdu’s deep-rooted influence on Indian cinema, exploring the language’s lasting presence in dialogue, poetry, and storytelling traditions. Beyond performances, workshops on calligraphy and Urdu script, open-mic platforms, culinary conversations under the series Rang-e-Zaiqa, and musical showcases at the Uruj-e-Fann Rekhta Studio added further layers to the festival experience.
The festival’s finale brought together some of the most celebrated names in contemporary poetry and music. Dil Abhi Bhara Nahin, a tribute to Sahir Ludhianvi by Javed Akhtar, Shankar Mahadevan, and Pratibha Singh Baghel, provided a stirring conclusion before the internationally acclaimed Orchestral Qawwali Project by Abi Sampa and Rushil Ranjan closed the event with a fusion-driven performance that blended classical qawwali with orchestral arrangements.
In addition to performances, the weekend hosted several notable book launches. These included The Art of Expressions by Sanjiv Saraf; Abba Aur Main by Neelima Dalmia Adhar; The Last Rides by Syed Mohammad Ashraf (translated by A. Naseeb Khan); Jamaliyat by Jamal Sabri; Mera Kaha Hua by Shariq Kaifi; and Mohabbat Na Samajh Hoti Hai by Wasim Barelvi, adding a strong literary dimension to the festival.
Organisers reflected on the event’s decade-long journey, noting how Jashn-e-Rekhta has evolved from a cultural gathering into a global movement dedicated to preserving and promoting Urdu. Beyond the festival, the Rekhta Foundation continues to spearhead initiatives around archival work, digitisation of manuscripts, publishing, educational courses, and heritage preservation.
With its 10th edition, Jashn-e-Rekhta reaffirmed its position as a key cultural event that brings together communities across languages and generations, offering a space where Urdu’s timeless beauty continues to thrive in contemporary forms.
Q1. What is Jashn-e-Rekhta?
Jashn-e-Rekhta is the world’s largest festival celebrating Urdu language, literature, music, and culture, organised annually by the Rekhta Foundation.
Q2. When and where was Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025 held?
The 10th edition took place from December 5–7 at Baansera Park along Delhi’s Yamuna riverfront.
Q3. How many people attended Jashn-e-Rekhta 2025?
More than 1.5 lakh visitors attended the festival over its three-day programme.
Q4. Who were the major artists and speakers this year?
Key names included Gulzar, Javed Akhtar, Sukhwinder Singh, Salim–Sulaiman, Shekhar Suman, Juhi Babbar Soni, Danish Husain, and Abi Sampa.
Q5. What were the major attractions of the festival?
Mushairas, qawwalis, theatre shows, book launches, cinema sessions, workshops, art installations, and star-studded musical performances.
Q6. Who organises Jashn-e-Rekhta?
The Rekhta Foundation, which works towards preserving and promoting Urdu through digital archives, publications, courses, and cultural initiatives.