Jahan-e-Khusrau World Sufi Music Festival is back for its 25th anniversary, taking place from February 28 to March 2, 2025, at Sunder Nursery, New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended his best wishes to the festival, recognizing festival founder-director Muzaffar Ali’s dedication to preserving India’s diverse cultural and spiritual heritage.
In his message, he said, “India is a land blessed with spirituality, art, and culture. For centuries, music has been an intrinsic part of our day-to-day life. Deeply associated with spirituality and culture, it can elevate the mind and act as a rejuvenating and healing force.” Modi also praised the festival’s ability to bring together artists from different backgrounds: “May the melodious strains of soulful music build bridges of peace, harmony, and friendship between people, societies, and nations. May the silver jubilee edition of Jahan-e-Khusrau create abiding memories and be a huge success.”
Cultural Phenomenon That Crosses Borders
Since its first edition in 2000, Jahan-e-Khusrau has grown into a global cultural movement, reviving and reinterpreting the mystical traditions of poets like Rumi, Amir Khusrau, Baba Bulleh Shah, and Lalleshwari. Over 25 years, the festival has nurtured new talent, providing a stage for young artists to grow and innovate. Danseuse Manjari Chaturvedi credits the festival for giving her the space to experiment with Sufi Kathak, while singer Deveshi Sehgal transitioned from an audience member to a performer.
Many renowned musicians (including Shubha Mudgal, Abida Parveen, Gurdas Maan, Ila Arun, Shujaat Hussain and Javed Ali) have performed here alongside rising stars like Sonam Kalra, Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, Archana Shah, and Murad Ali Khan. This year’s festival will continue its tradition of blending cultures through music, dance, and poetry under the theme “Unity in Diversity”, inspired by the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam:one world, connected through art and music.
Spectacular Lineup
The 2025 edition will feature an electrifying mix of Sufi artists. Highlights include:
- Mooralala Marwadafrom Kutch, merging his folk melodies with Sanjukta Sinha’s Kathak
- A musical fusion between Rajasthan’s Jasu Khan Manganiyarand Kashmir’s Yawar Abdal
- Mesmerizing performances by Whirling Dervishes, Qawwali ensembles, and Krishna Bhaktiartists
- Beyond music, the festival will host The TEH Bazaar(The Exploration of the Handmade), featuring rare crafts, GI-certified textiles, and live artisan demonstrations. There will also be poetry readings, book launches, film screenings,and a pop-up museum.
A specially curated Sufi-inspired menu will offer dishes that reflect the essence of shared legacies. Furthermore, cultural exhibits from different parts of our country will be on display for people to engage with the rich artistic and cultural diversity of our beloved land. The bazaar will be brimming with activities like poetry readings, book binding and calligraphy.