Jashn-e-Rekhta: Why Dubai is the perfect stage to celebrate Urdu’s timeless charm

Dubai: Dubai, with its vibrant multicultural ethos, has once again become the perfect stage for Jashn-e-Rekhta – the world’s largest Urdu literary festival.

After the resounding success of its debut edition, the Rekhta Foundation is set to return this weekend for the 2025 edition, marking a deeper connection between the city’s diverse communities and the rich legacy of Urdu, the organisers told Gulf News.

Sanjiv Saraf, founder of the Rekhta Foundation, said Dubai’s role as a bridge between diverse communities makes it a “perfect stage” to celebrate Urdu’s timeless charm and connect it with global audiences.

“The city values and celebrates cultural heritage as much as we do. The overwhelming response from the audience at the inaugural edition inspired us to return with an even more enriched experience.”

He pointed out that this year, the two-day event has grown in scale and ambition, bringing together more than 30 distinguished artists from India, Pakistan, and the GCC, along with carefully curated sessions spanning literature, poetry, music, and the performing arts.

“We have curated a more expansive programme that reflects the depth and diversity of Urdu language and culture. What remains constant, however, is our mission to ensure Urdu continues to inspire and unite communities, transcending borders and generations,” Saraf noted.

Held at Zabeel Park across two stages, visitors can enjoy poetry, music, literature, panel discussions, and the performing arts, featuring prominent figures such as Javed Akhtar, Saba Qamar, Imran Abbas, Piyush Mishra, Zehra Nigah, Arfa Sayeda Zehra, Samina Peerzada, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Ali Sethi, and more.

Huma Khalil, trustee and creative director of the Rekhta Foundation, said the broader programme is designed to cater to both traditional audiences and younger generations.

“To bridge the gap, we’ve curated an eclectic mix of experiences that highlight the timeless beauty of Urdu while making it accessible and engaging for modern sensibilities,” she said.

Recognising that younger generations are often more attuned to English, the festival has incorporated interactive elements like tech-enabled poetry games and dynamic use of social media to engage them.

“We strive to make Urdu accessible and appealing to younger audiences who primarily engage with English. We want to show that Urdu is not just a language, but a cultural treasure that remains relevant and resonant, no matter the era or medium.”

Satish Gupta, head of festivals and programmes at the Rekhta Foundation, revealed that the annual event will continue to be held in Dubai.

“Dubai has been incredibly welcoming and has provided a wonderful platform for celebrating Urdu’s cultural richness. We continue organising Jashn-e-Rekhta as an annual event in the city.”

Gupta noted they will continue to enhance the experience for audience.

“With Jashn-e-Rekhta, we look forward to many more opportunities to bring people together through the shared love for Urdu and its vibrant heritage,” Gupta added.

Huma Khalil, trustee and creative director of the Rekhta Foundation, said the broader programme is designed to cater to both traditional audiences and younger generations.

“To bridge the gap, we’ve curated an eclectic mix of experiences that highlight the timeless beauty of Urdu while making it accessible and engaging for modern sensibilities,” she said.

Recognising that younger generations are often more attuned to English, the festival has incorporated interactive elements like tech-enabled poetry games and dynamic use of social media to engage them.

“We strive to make Urdu accessible and appealing to younger audiences who primarily engage with English. We want to show that Urdu is not just a language, but a cultural treasure that remains relevant and resonant, no matter the era or medium.”

Satish Gupta, head of festivals and programmes at the Rekhta Foundation, revealed that the annual event will continue to be held in Dubai.

“Dubai has been incredibly welcoming and has provided a wonderful platform for celebrating Urdu’s cultural richness. We continue organising Jashn-e-Rekhta as an annual event in the city.”

Gupta noted they will continue to enhance the experience for audience.

“With Jashn-e-Rekhta, we look forward to many more opportunities to bring people together through the shared love for Urdu and its vibrant heritage,” Gupta added.