New Delhi

Khusrau darya prem ka, ulti wa ki dhaar,
Jo ulta so doob gaya, jo dooba so paar
(Oh Khusru, the river of love
Runs in strange directions.
One who jumps into it drowns,
And one who drowns, gets across.)

With this evocative couplet by Hazrat Amir Khusrau, a Sufi musician, poet and scholar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the tone for the silver jubilee celebrations of the Sufi music and art and craft festival, Jahan-e-Khusrau, at Delhi’s iconic Sunder Nursery on February 28. The venue was filled with an enthralled audience swaying to the mesmerising Sufi melodies and performances. A beautiful blend of colourful lights illuminated the area, while a gentle aroma fragrance lingered in the air, enhancing the mystical ambiance of the evening.

Though a brief moderate breeze just before the prime minister’s arrival momentarily disrupted the performance, the audience remained seated, immersed in the transcendental experience of the music.

Addressing the gathering, PM Modi highlighted the essence of the festival, stating, “There is a unique fragrance in this event, the fragrance of India’s soil.”

He expressed his joy at attending the event, adding that Jahan-e-Khusrau has not only contributed significantly to India’s culture and arts but has also provided a sense of peace to those who experience it. “It is natural to feel happy upon coming to Jahan-e-Khusrau. Such events are important for preserving our cultural and artistic heritage, and they bring immense solace as well. The festival has completed 25 years and, in this journey, it has found a place in the hearts of people — this is its greatest success,” he said.

Shared heritage

Highlighting the inclusive and pluralistic nature of Sufi traditions, PM Modi emphasised the profound impact of Sufi saints in India. He said these spiritual figures did not confine themselves to mosques or shrines but embraced a broader understanding of faith. “Sufi saints recited the Quran and also listened to the Vedas. They blended the sweetness of devotional songs with the call of the azaan (call for prayer). Civilisation and culture find their voice in music and art,” he said.

Recalling the contributions of Hazrat Amir Khusrau, the 13th-century poet and scholar in whose honor the festival is named, the prime minister praised his devotion to India. “Hazrat Khusrau described India as greater than all the big countries of the world at that time. He called Sanskrit the best language in the world and considered Indian sages to be greater than the greatest scholars.” Modi said when classical and Sufi music merged, “we witnessed a new, rhythmic flow of love and devotion”.

A tribute to cultural icons

During his speech, Modi paid tribute to other revered Sufi saints such as Nizamuddin Auliya, Ras Khan and Rumi — poets and mystics who transcended religious divides in their expressions of devotion. He reiterated the cultural fusion that defines India’s spiritual heritage.

Reflecting on his own experiences in his 15-minute address, PM Modi recalled the restoration of Sarkhej Roza — a historic Sufi mosque and tomb complex near Ahmedabad — during his tenure as Gujarat’s chief minister. He said he regularly attended the annual Sufi music festival at Sarkhej Roza in Gujarat. He highlighted how Krishnotsav was celebrated there with great enthusiasm and noted that the Nazar-e-Krishna performance at Jahan-e-Khusrau evoked memories of those grand celebrations.

He further underscored his connection to the Sufi tradition. “Sufi music is a shared heritage that we have all lived and preserved together. This is how we have grown up. Even in the performance of Nazr-e-Krishna here, we see a reflection of our shared cultural legacy.”

India’s garden of paradise

Drawing from Amir Khusrau's writings, Modi described India as “a garden of paradise where every colour of civilisation has blossomed”. He said India’s soil has a special essence that naturally embraced Sufism. “Perhaps that is why, when Sufi traditions came to India, they felt as if they had connected with their own land,” he said, adding, “India is the land of Baba Farid’s tranquillity, Hazrat Nizamuddin’s festivities and Hazrat Amir Khusrau’s verses... The language, style and words may be different, but the message is the same”.

The prime minister acknowledged the challenges India’s heritage has faced, including the colonial period, but highlighted the resilience of its cultural legacy. He said Amir Khusrau played a vital role in keeping the country connected to its roots during difficult times.

He highlighted the fusion of Sufi and classical Indian music, which gave rise to spiritual luminaries like Khusrau, Farid, Guleshan, Mir, Kabir, Rahim and Raskhan — the people who spread the message of divine love.

Citing Raskhan, he said how the poet, though a Muslim, worshipped Krishna and likened love and Hari to the inseparable bond between the sun and its rays. Modi also recalled Khusrau’s verses, emphasising that true unity can only be achieved by immersing oneself in love.

During the event, he also remembered Agha Khan and acknowledged his contributions to the beautification and preservation of Sunder Nursery, the venue for the celebration. “As I have come here at Sunder Nursery, it is important to remember Aga Khan. His contribution to beautifying this place has become a blessing for many artists.”

A unifying force

With Jahan-e-Khusrau reaching its 25th year, Modi reaffirmed the importance of celebrating India’s rich Sufi traditions. He extended his greetings to the nation on the occasion of Ramzan and underscored the universal message of Sufism, which aligns with the ancient Indian philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family).

During the festival, the Prime Minister also visited TEH Bazaar (TEH: The Exploration of the Handmade), which showcased One District-One Product crafts, exquisite artifacts from across India, and short films highlighting traditional handicrafts and handlooms. He interacted with shopkeepers, appreciating their craftsmanship and the rich artistic traditions they represent.

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Founded by filmmaker Muzaffar Ali in 2001, Jashn-e-Khusrau, named after Amir Khusrau, continues to be one of India’s most renowned cultural celebrations, bringing together diverse voices in a symphony of music, poetry and spirituality. It is playing its role in enriching India’s cultural landscape and fostering unity through the shared love of art and tradition.

Modi wrapped up his address with a verse from Ghalib, drawing attention to the symbolic closeness of Kashi (India) and Kashan (Iran). He stated the distance between them is merely half a step. He emphasised that this message holds great significance in a world struggling with division and conflict.