Sunder Nursery Transforms into a Spiritual Sanctuary for Sufi Heritage Festival
The historic grounds of Sunder Nursery, nestled between the revered Nizamuddin Dargah and Gurudwara Damdama Sahib, recently became a vibrant epicenter of cultural celebration. Over two enriching days, the Sufi Heritage Festival transformed this iconic location into a sanctuary dedicated to music, dance, poetry, and profound spiritual connection, known as roohaniyat.
A Celebration of Inclusivity and Shared Humanity
Organized by Culture Plus founders Yasmin Kidwai and Himanshu Anand, the festival was deeply rooted in timeless Sufi ideals of openness, inclusivity, unconditional love, and shared humanity. It provided a unique space for reflection, meaningful dialogue, and heartfelt connection among attendees from diverse backgrounds.
"The festival is essentially our interpretation of what Sufism is," explained Yasmin Kidwai. "Sufism is a feeling, a belief system, something that allows you to expand and evolve." She expressed joy at the gathering, noting, "Yahan koi paraya nahi hai. Sab apne hain. Bahut khushi ho rahi hai sab ko dekh kar," which translates to "No one is a stranger here. Everyone is our own. It is heartwarming to see everyone."
Musical and Artistic Performances Bridge Traditions
The festival showcased an impressive array of performances that blended traditional and contemporary interpretations of Sufi thought. Soul-stirring musical compositions were delivered by renowned artists including Sona Mohapatra and Daler Mehndi, whose segment "Rooh Se Rab Tak" featured beloved songs like Ishq Ka Dariya, Allah Jane, and Deewani.
Spoken-word poetry captivated audiences through the powerful words of Amandeep Khayal, Mujtaba Khan, and Saumya Kulshreshta. Experimental soundscapes were explored by innovative groups such as The Aavahan Project and Maati Bani, pushing the boundaries of Sufi expression.
On the Bebaak stage, Sonam Kalra rendered classical kalaams by revered poets Baba Bulleh Shah and Amir Khusrau, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the daff played by Sina Fakhroddin Ghaffari, along with soulful sarangi and flute melodies.
Honoring Delhi's Legacy of Cultural Convergence
Himanshu Anand emphasized the festival's deeper purpose: "With this festival, we are honoring a legacy long embedded in the city – where Sufi and bhakti traditions converge – because at their core, their teachings speak the same language of love, oneness and shared humanity."
Dance also played a significant role, with Shinjini Kulkarni presenting the historical story of Jodha Bai and Akbar through expressive movement and nuanced gestures, demonstrating where bhava (emotion) meets thirak (rhythmic movement).
Interactive Workshops and Engaging Activities
A specially curated section invited visitors to participate in hands-on activities, fostering creative engagement:
- Creating architectural impressions through linocut printing techniques
- Crafting intricate Sufi dervish figures from felt paper
- Learning to play the traditional daff instrument
Laksh Maheshwari served as the sutradhaar (narrator) for the festival, guiding attendees through the immersive experience. The audience responded enthusiastically, swaying, clapping, and even whirling to the captivating music, embodying the festival's spirit of joy and unity.
This celebration at Sunder Nursery not only highlighted Delhi's rich cultural tapestry but also reinforced the enduring relevance of Sufi principles in fostering community and artistic expression in contemporary times.
