Sufi Festival include “Sham-e-Qawwali” on December 14, “Ek Sham, Sufiana Kalam” on December 15, Sufiana Mushahra on December 16 and “Jashn-e-Sufiana Kalam” on December 17
In a bid to revive the country’s rich heritage of Sufi Music, the Punjab government is organizing a “Sufi Festival” from December 14 to 17 at Government College Malerkotla.
The festival, hosted by Malerkotla, the newly formed district of Punjab, along with the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, informed the Deputy Commissioner Dr. Palavi, after holding a review meeting to finalize preparations of the “Sufi Festival Malerkotla.”
Divulging the further information, the Deputy Commissioner said that on the final day of the festival, December 17, the Cabinet Minister for Tourism and Cultural Affairs Anmol Gagan Mann, will be the chief guest. She said that this Sufi festival aims to showcase the rich heritage of Malerkotla, featuring local gharana singing styles, qawwalis, sufiana kalam, mushairas, and jashn sufiana as special attractions. The event will also highlight Malerkotla’s local cuisine, exhibit Sufi literature books, and offer stalls featuring flowering plants, bangles, clay and brass utensils, iron goods, Punjabi shoes, and embroidered items. Additionally, a photo exhibition by Ravinder Ravi related to Malerkotla will be held, the Deputy Commissioner said.
Extending an open invitation to residents, art enthusiasts, and the general public to enjoy the Sufi festival, the DC said that there will be no tickets for the events scheduled from 05:00 pm. The district administration has also arranged separate seating for women, considering their dignity.
Sharing details of the “Sufi Festival Malerkotla,” the Deputy Commissioner said that Sufi singing is an invaluable part of the country’s rich heritage. The festival will feature renowned artists from across the country and around the world, alongside local talents. She said that singer Sultana Noora is set to perform during “Sham-e-Qawwali” on Thursday, December 14, while local artists Kamal Khan and Vakil Khan are scheduled for performances. On Friday, December 15, singer Kanwar Grewal will showcase his skills during “Ek Sham, Sufiana Kalam.” Additionally, Ali Khan, Nazir, Arif Matoi, and Akhtar Ali will also perform.
Deputy Commissioner shared details about the Sufi festival, highlighting that a “Sufiana Mushaira” is scheduled for Saturday, December 16. Dr. Mohammad Iqbal and Dr. Mohammad Jameel will present research papers on Sufism, joined by Dr. Rubina Shabnam, Dr. Mohammad Rafi, Dr. Salim Zubairi, Iftkhar Sheikh, Zafar Ahmed Zafar, Zameer Ali Zameer, Ajmal Khan Sherwani, Ramzan Sayyed, Anwar Azar, Sajid Ishaq, and Shahnaz Bharti. Likewise, cultural programs by Vanit Khan and Salamat Ali will be organised.
The Deputy Commissioner said that the event will conclude on Sunday, December 17, with “Jashn-e-Sufiana Kalam,” featuring Master Salim and Sardar Ali showcasing their talents, and performances by Parvez Jhinjer, Abid Ali, Arham Iqbal, and Mohammad Anish to entertain the audience.