Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently attended *Jashn-e-Khusrau*, a cultural festival celebrating the legacy of the 13th-century poet, scholar, and Sufi mystic Amir Khusrau. The event highlights Khusrau’s role as a symbol of India’s pluralistic Sufi tradition, emphasizing harmony between Hindu and Islamic cultures. PM Modi’s participation underscored the government’s commitment to promoting India’s syncretic heritage and fostering unity through cultural diplomacy.
About Jashn-e-Khusrau
*Jashn-e-Khusrau* is an annual festival organized to honor Amir Khusrau’s contributions to art, music, and literature. It features qawwali performances, poetry recitations, and discussions on Sufism’s inclusive ethos. Held at the Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya Dargah in Delhi—where Khusrau is buried—the event attracts artists, scholars, and devotees. The festival serves as a platform to revive India’s composite cultural identity and promote interfaith dialogue, resonating with contemporary efforts to counter divisive narratives.About Amir Khusrau and His Contributions
Amir Khusrau (1253–1325), a polymath in the Delhi Sultanate court, was a disciple of Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya. His works bridged Persian and Indian traditions, blending Islamic mysticism with local folklore. Key contributions include:1. Language & Literature: Credited with inventing *Hindavi* (early Urdu), he composed riddles, couplets (*dohas*), and ghazals in Persian and regional dialects, making poetry accessible to the masses.
2. Music: Known as the “father of qawwali,” he fused Persian and Indian musical styles. He is also linked to innovations like the *sitar* and *tabla*.
3. Cultural Synthesis: His poetry celebrated Hindu-Muslim unity, using metaphors from both traditions. Notable works include *Khamsa-e-Nizami* (five epics) and *Nuh Sipihr* (Nine Skies), which reflect India’s diversity.
4. Sufi Legacy: As a Sufi thinker, he propagated love, tolerance, and spiritual unity, embodying the Chishti order’s pluralistic ideals.
Significance of Khusrau’s Pluralistic Sufi Tradition
Khusrau’s legacy represents the syncretic core of Indian Sufism, which rejected rigid dogma and embraced cultural exchange. His works transcended religious boundaries, symbolizing a shared heritage. Today, festivals like *Jashn-e-Khusrau* revive this ethos, positioning Sufism as a counter to extremism and a reminder of India’s historically inclusive society. PM Modi’s endorsement aligns with efforts to showcase India’s soft power rooted in coexistence.