The Randhawa Auditorium at Punjab Kala Bhawan in Chandigarh was filled to capacity on Sunday for “Rumi Meets Kabir – A Mehfil of Mystic Poetry, Dastangoi & Music.” The event was jointly organised by the Chandigarh Citizens Foundation (CCF), SIFAT, and the Punjab Arts Council. The programme was dedicated to the memory of scholar Prof Malwinderjit Singh Waraich.
Dastangoi and Vocal Performance
Dastango Ashwin “Afraad” presented a narration combining the poetry of 13th century Persian poet Jalaluddin Rumi and 15th century Indian poet Sant Kabir. Vocalist Sawani Shikhare performed alongside the narration, creating a seamless blend of spoken word and music.
The presentation covered themes of self-realisation, detachment, and the search for the divine as expressed in the works of both poets. It included Kabir’s verses on the impermanence of worldly attachment and Rumi’s verses on locating the divine within rather than in external places.
Short Film Screening
The programme opened with a screening of the short film “Mavali,” based on the work of playwright Mohan Rakesh. This addition set the tone for the evening’s exploration of literary and spiritual themes.
Promoting Cultural Dialogue
Organisers said the event was part of an ongoing effort to promote cultural dialogue through India’s literary and artistic traditions. The collaboration between CCF, SIFAT, and the Punjab Arts Council underscores a commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding through the arts.
