Hyderabad Hosts 750-Year-Old Sufi Basant Tradition This January

Hyderabad is set to celebrate its rich cultural heritage with the upcoming Sufi Basant Festival. Mark your calendars for January 23, when this 750-year-old tradition will bring music and joy to the city.

Sufi Basant Festival Details

The festival will take place at the Dargah Hazrath Shaik ji Hali R A, located behind Pathergatti, and is expected to attract a diverse audience. People from various faiths will gather to celebrate this vibrant occasion filled with music and unity.

Historical Significance

The Sufi Basant Festival traces its roots back to the life of Saint Nizamuddin Aulia, who experienced profound grief after the loss of his nephew. His disciple, Amir Khusrau, sought to uplift his spirits. On Basant Panchami, Khusrau observed groups of joyful individuals dressed in yellow, celebrating spring. He joined them, singing and dancing, eventually restoring his guru’s happiness.

Festival Lineup

Now in its eighth edition, following a pandemic-related hiatus, the Sufi Basant Festival has become a highlight on Hyderabad’s cultural calendar. It fosters connections among attendees, including bureaucrats, diplomats, and everyday individuals, in a shared love for music.

Musical Performances

• The festival will commence with a sarangi-sitar jugalbandi featuring Mohammed Aslam Khan and Sai Santhosh.
• Amit Bhushan will accompany them on the tabla, while Sai Harsha will perform on the clapbox.
• A semi-classical vocal recital will follow, showcasing Bhushan with Aslam Khan on sarangi.
• The evening’s finale will feature spring-themed qawwalis performed by the Warsi Brothers and Shabaz Ali Khan.

The Sufi Basant Festival, organized by the Telangana Arts and Cultural Council, is set to begin at 6:30 PM. The entry is free, welcoming everyone to partake in this enchanting celebration of music.