New Delhi, March 1, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the 25th anniversary of the Jahan-e-Khusrau festival, a prestigious Sufi music event held at Sunder Nursery in the capital, on Friday evening. The three-day festival, organized by the Rumi Foundation, celebrates India’s rich Sufi heritage and the legacy of the 13th-century poet and musician Amir Khusrau. During his visit, the Prime Minister inaugurated the event, addressed the gathering, and explored the accompanying TEH Bazaar, which showcases handmade crafts from across the country.
Among the artisans present was a shopkeeper from Srinagar, representing Kashmiri craftsmanship through Pashmina shawls. Speaking to reporters, the shopkeeper expressed pride and gratitude for the Prime Minister’s presence. “I am from Srinagar, and we are representing Pashmina shawls here at the festival. We have been a part of this festival before, and this time it’s the 25th year. It felt really good that the Prime Minister also visited,” he said. His sentiments underscored the festival’s role as a platform not only for cultural performances but also for promoting traditional Indian handicrafts.
The Jahan-e-Khusrau festival, initiated in 2001 by filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, has grown into an international celebration of Sufi music, poetry, and dance, drawing artists from countries such as the United States, Canada, Morocco, Iran, and Pakistan. This year’s milestone edition, running from February 28 to March 2, features performances by renowned artists and serves as a tribute to India’s pluralistic traditions. The TEH (The Exploration of the Handmade) Bazaar, a new addition, highlights the “One District-One Product” initiative, offering artisans like the Srinagar shopkeeper an opportunity to showcase their work to a wider audience.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the cultural significance of the Sufi tradition in India, describing the festival as carrying the “fragrance of the soil of Hindustan.” While the full text of his speech was not immediately available, sources indicate he highlighted the contributions of Sufi saints and poets like Amir Khusrau to India’s artistic and spiritual heritage. The Prime Minister’s participation comes as part of his broader efforts to promote India’s diverse art and culture, a commitment reflected in his interactions with artisans at the bazaar.
For the Srinagar shopkeeper, the event marked a moment of pride, blending personal achievement with national recognition. “Being here for the 25th year feels special, and having the Prime Minister visit makes it even more memorable,” he added. His Pashmina shawls, emblematic of Kashmir’s centuries-old weaving tradition, found a fitting stage at an event celebrating India’s syncretic identity.
The festival continues through the weekend, with performances and exhibitions expected to draw large crowds. Security measures remain in place at Sunder Nursery, which was closed to the public on February 27 and 28 to accommodate the high-profile visit. As Jahan-e-Khusrau marks a quarter-century, it reinforces its status as a bridge between tradition and modernity, resonating with artisans, artists, and attendees alike.