Jashn-e-Rekhta- An event close to heart 

By Kriti Raj

Jashn-e-Rekhta was a three-day festival that celebrated all the facets of Urdu through various art forms. It was devoted to the preservation and promotion of language, literature and culture. As I went to attend the 7^th edition of Jashn-e-Rekhta, I was mesmerised with the beauty of Urdu literature and culture. It was a whole new experience for all the students of Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication. We experienced Urdu cultural heritage through ghazals, poetry symposiums, qawwali, sufi music, and a lot more.

At the event, we got the opportunity to meet lots of guests and panelists.  Meeting Mr Naseeruddin Shah and Mrs Ratna Pathak Shah as well as listening to them live was a wholesome experience. I felt that they were so experienced and their voice was music to the ears. The event created the atmosphere of a festival.

There were also food stalls representing different states – Champaran meat house, Bihari kitchen, Cool point, Nomadic thali,  Quereshi kabab corner, Ilham, Indus flavours, Rajasthan ka swad and many more. The decoration and lighting were a treat to the eyes. The event had different programs such as Mehfil- Khana, Bazm – E – khayal, Dayaar – E – Izhaar and Sukhan – Zaar.

We also got to see Mr Kumar Vishwas sir, one of the finest and most legendary Hindi poets of the era. He had a discussion with Mr Sumit Awashti on the topic ‘ Mushaira aur kavi sammelan ka itihaas’. His thoughts were very connecting and the crowd was hooting continuously. I was amazed to hear every writer, poet and guest present at the event.

It was a pleasure to be part of such a lively and mesmerising event. I will definitely attend Jashn-e-Rekhta every year as the memories of the event are close to my heart.