How Sufi music strikes a chord in a polarised world

The first edition of the Sufi Heritage Festival was held recently in Delhi’s Sunder Nursery

The core of Sufi way of life is the relationship one has with the divine. It rejects rigid doctrines, and experiences  faith through music, poetry and reflection, making it one of the most inclusive and universal expressions of spirituality. The recently concluded Sufi Heritage Festival aimed to celebrate this spirit in its full glory. 

Yasmin Kidwai, founder, The Sufi Heritage Project says, “The project was born from a deep realisation that the rich and layered traditions of Sufism, though more needed now than ever, have been overlooked in contemporary discourse. Sufism has played a significant role in shaping our cultural and spiritual landscape, yet it remains underrepresented and often misunderstood.” The platform aspires to preserve these traditions and make them accessible to modern audiences. The inaugural edition of the festival took place at the Sunder Nursery in New Delhi. Positioned as a tangible way for people to immerse themselves in the beauty of Sufi traditions, it brought together artistes, scholars, musicians, and practitioners. “Through performances, discussions and exhibitions, it allowed people to engage with Sufi thought and art in a way that is both profound and personal,” adds Kidwai. The event was supported by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in India.

Ratish Nanda, CEO of the trust says, “Since 2007, the Trust has undertaken the Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative in the Humayun’s Tomb, SunderNursery, and Nizamuddin Basti area of Delhi. The efforts are aimed to revive the true form of Qawwali, crafts and cuisine associated with the Nizamuddin area for many centuries”. Ratish believes that Sunder Nursery serves as the rightful home of the Sufi Heritage Festival.

Noted singer and one of the participating artistes in the first edition, Rekha Bhardwaj feels that the festival is more than a celebration of music. She says, “…it is a movement that nurtures the soul and carries forward the timeless wisdom of Sufi traditions. It creates a sacred space where seekers, artistes, and listeners unite in devotion, reflection and love through poetry, songs and other fine arts”. 

Rekha believes such initiatives help preserve and expand the Sufi legacy, allowing it to touch hearts across generations. Serving as a bridge between past and present, the first edition offered a sanctuary for those yearning for a deeper connection—with  themselves and the divine.

Kabir Café, a neo-folk fusion band played the  poetry of 15th century Saint Kabir. They believe that Kabir’s philosophy and thinking mirrors that of Sufism, focussing on spirituality and mindfulness. For them it is an intellectual doctrine that draws attention to the choices we make and the paths we choose, encouraging us to make an inward journey. Kabir wrote from personal experiences and observations 500 years ago and it continues to resonate and inspire. Commenting on the experience of performing at the Sufi Heritage Festival, Neeraj Arya of the band says, “It was a cultural amalgamation , with artistes who performed in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi. The fact that the festival included independent artistes and musicians is very encouraging”. 

Rekhaon the other hand, felt it was like a homecoming for the soul. “From the sacred verses of Kabir, Khusrau, Hafiz, and Rumi and my Baba Gulzar to the raw energy of Qawwali, Zikhr, and whirling, every moment carried a divine resonance. The festival unfolded like a journey, beginning in the golden warmth of the afternoon, slipping into the hushed magic of dusk, and then dissolving into the vast starry night,” she says.