Jahan-e-Khusrau Sufi Music Festival Returns to Delhi in 2026 with Star-Studded Lineup
The globally acclaimed Jahan-e-Khusrau World Sufi Music Festival is making a triumphant return to the national capital, promising an immersive celebration of mystical traditions. Mark your calendars for March 27 to 29, 2026, as the historic Purana Qila in New Delhi will once again serve as the majestic backdrop for this cultural extravaganza.
A Legacy of Spiritual Harmony
Conceived by the multifaceted artist Muzaffar Ali—a renowned filmmaker, painter, and cultural visionary—the festival has evolved into a vibrant platform dedicated to Sufi music, poetry, and spiritual exploration. Over more than two decades, Jahan-e-Khusrau has grown into an internationally respected event, honoring the timeless legacy of Amir Khusrau while reviving the mystical teachings of saints like Rumi, Baba Bulleh Shah, and Lalleshwari.
Reflecting on the festival's journey, Muzaffar Ali shares, “Jahan-e-Khusrau was born from the whispers of saints and the melodies of mystics. For over twenty years, it has been a sanctuary where music, poetry, and devotion dissolve boundaries, reminding us that love is the ultimate path to unity.”
Musical Highlights and Featured Artists
The 2026 edition boasts an extraordinary musical lineup, headlined by celebrated voices from the subcontinent. Attendees can look forward to performances by Satinder Sartaj, Sukhwinder Singh, Hansraj Hans, and Lakhwinder Wadali. Additionally, the festival will showcase distinguished artists such as Jassu Khan Manganiyar, Shivani Verma, Sahil Agha, and Sanjukta Sinha, with further announcements expected later this week.
Meera Ali, co-curator of the festival, emphasizes its evolving nature: “Jahan-e-Khusrau continues to grow as a cultural movement. With each edition, we strive to create a space where art heals, traditions converse, and audiences reconnect with the spiritual depth of our shared heritage.”
Theme: The Steed of Longing | Safar-e-Ishq Continues
As the festival enters its 26th year, it embraces the theme “The Steed of Longing | Safar-e-Ishq Continues,” symbolizing movement and spiritual aspiration. The horse, a powerful metaphor in Sufi imagination, represents not conquest but the journey of the soul—a restless longing for union and enlightenment. This theme underscores the festival's focus on inward voyages, courage, and the dissolution of divisions through poetry, music, and harmony.
Beyond Music: A Holistic Cultural Experience
Jahan-e-Khusrau 2026 extends beyond musical performances to offer a rich, multi-layered cultural experience. Key highlights include:
- TEH Bazaar (The Exploration of the Handmade): A showcase of India's finest traditional crafts, bringing together master artisans and modern designers to celebrate handmade artistry.
- Literary Readings and Cultural Conversations: Dialogues exploring the intersection of poetry, philosophy, and mystic thought.
- Film Screenings: Presentations highlighting the influence of Sufi traditions on various art forms over time.
- Sufi Food Offerings: Culinary experiences rooted in shared cultural traditions, enhancing the communal spirit of music and devotion.
These elements converge to create an immersive environment where music, craft, literature, food, and philosophy intertwine, embodying the open and humanistic spirit that has defined Jahan-e-Khusrau for over twenty years.
Event Details and Organization
Organized by Muzaffar Ali under the aegis of the Rumi Foundation, Jahan-e-Khusrau 2026 will take place from March 27 to 29, 2026, at Purana Qila in New Delhi. More information on the schedule and programming will be released soon, inviting audiences to join this journey of spiritual and artistic discovery.
