Jahan-e-Khusrau, a Sufi music and arts festival by filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, was celebrated with grandeur after a two-year hiatus. Held in Jaipur on November 19 and 20, the festival saw performances by artists including Javed Ali, the Nooran Sisters, and dance ballets directed by Muzaffar Ali. Travel+Leisure India & South Asia experienced the magic first-hand. By Ralan Kithan
Jahan-e-Khusrau returned after a break of two years, and this time it took place at Albert Hall in Jaipur. Organised by Rumi Foundation and Rajasthan Tourism Board, the festival was designed and directed by renowned filmmaker, fashion designer, and artist Muzaffar Ali. Kickstarted in 2001 under the aegis of Rumi Foundation, this festival positions itself as a pioneer in bringing Sufi music to the masses and has created a large following over the years.
Jahan-e-Khusrau 2022
This year, Jahan-e-Khusrau saw an amazing lineup of artists including Javed Ali, the Nooran Sisters, Shivani Varma, Shinjini Kulkarni, and Neha Singh Mishra.
Day one
The two-day festival started with Moomal: Rooh-e-Registaan, a dance ballet composed and directed by Muzaffar Ali. It featured Shivani Verma as Moomal, and Avenav Mukherjee as Rana, along with dastango Askari Naqvi and a troupe of Kathak dancers. The play narrated the love story of the lead characters, with the dance ballet performed with utmost grace and emotions.
Next was Naara-e-Mastana, a Sufi composition performed by Javed Ali. The captivating performance also featured a number of Bollywood hits that got the audience hooked.
Day two
On the second day, Huma- The Celestial Bird, a dance ballet directed by Ali, opened the evening. The ballet was choreographed and performed by Shinjini Kulkarni with Neha Singh Mishra, along with a group of Kathak dancers. Huma is a dance of ecstasy inspired by a Persian mythological story. Grace underlined the entire performance, with a special focus on emotions.
“I have [performed] multiple times now, but every time I begin, I feel like Shinjini. By the time I finish, I feel like Huma,”said Kulkarni after her performance.
Nooran Sisters, a renowned Sufi singing duo, concluded the second act with Sada-e-Sufi. The lovely Sufi music and intriguing stories combined with the beautiful stage setup and the pleasant November weather of Jaipur made the festival a memorable experience. And we’re already waiting for the next one!
Related: This Heritage Tour Of Delhi Will Make You Feel Like You Are Walking With The Sufis