Jahan-e-Khusrau 2026: Where Music, Mysticism and Memory Come Alive

There is something quietly powerful about an evening that begins with music and slowly turns into something more, something you feel rather than just hear. As the sun sets behind the historic walls of Purana Qila, voices rise, poetry lingers in the air and for a few hours, everything feels a little more connected.

That is the spirit of Jahan-e-Khusrau 2026, returning to New Delhi from March 27–29, 2026. More than a gathering, it is a space where people come together to listen, reflect and experience the beauty of Sufi traditions in a setting that feels both intimate and expansive.

Now in its 26th year, Jahan-e-Khusrau is not simply an event; it is a legacy in motion.

The History of Jahan-e-Khusrau

Jahan-e-Khusrau was conceived over two decades ago by filmmaker and cultural visionary Muzaffar Ali as an offering that is rooted in the philosophy, poetry and music of the Sufi tradition. Envisioned as a space for spiritual and artistic exchange, the festival set out to bring the timeless teachings of Sufi saints into a contemporary cultural context through immersive, shared experiences.

At the heart of this vision lies the legacy of Amir Khusrau (1253–1325), the 13th-century poet, musician and mystic whose work continues to shape the cultural fabric of the Indian subcontinent. A disciple of the revered Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya, Khusrau is often celebrated as the “Parrot of India” for his lyrical brilliance. He is credited with enriching Hindustani music traditions and is widely associated with the evolution of qawwali, blending Persian, Turkic and Indian influences into a uniquely syncretic cultural expression.

Naming the festival “Jahan-e-Khusrau”, literally translating to “The World of Khusrau” is both symbolic and intentional. It reflects an attempt to create a space that embodies his spirit: a world where languages merge, cultures converse and devotion transcends boundaries. Much like Khusrau’s own work, the festival becomes a meeting ground of ideas, sounds and people.

Since its inception, Jahan-e-Khusrau has grown from an intimate gathering into an internationally recognised cultural platform, welcoming artists, scholars and audiences from across the world.

Over the years, it has consistently nurtured a space where music, poetry, craft and dialogue intersect while bridging divides of language, geography and identity. It has also played a vital role in reviving and sustaining Sufi traditions while opening them up to newer generations and contemporary interpretations.

Now in its 26th year, Jahan-e-Khusrau continues to evolve not just as a static celebration of the past, but as a living cultural movement that carries forward Khusrau’s enduring message of love, unity and spiritual inquiry.

This Year’s Theme: The Steed of Longing | Safar-e-Ishq Continues

The 2026 theme is both poetic and powerful:
“The Steed of Longing | Safar-e-Ishq Continues.”

Here, the horse becomes more than a symbol, they become a metaphor for movement, yearning and spiritual pursuit. In Sufi thought, the journey (safar) is everything. It is the passage from ego to surrender, from separation to union.

This year’s theme captures that restless energy of longing, the kind that pushes you forward, inward and beyond. It reminds us that love is not still. It gallops.

A Musical Lineup That Will Stay With You

At the heart of Jahan-e-Khusrau lies its music and 2026 brings together some of the most powerful voices of the subcontinent:

Satinder Sartaj
Sukhwinder Singh
Hansraj Hans
Lakhwinder Wadali

ACF at Jahan e Khurau — *Image Credits: Jahan-e-Khusrau*

Alongside them, a rich ensemble of artists including Jassu Khan Manganiyar, Shivani Verma, Sahil Agha and Sanjukta Sinha will take the stage, creating an atmosphere that moves from soulful to electrifying, intimate to expansive. Each evening unfolds like a carefully composed mehfil that is layered, immersive, and deeply emotional.

Beyond Music: A Full Cultural Immersion

What makes Jahan-e-Khusrau truly unforgettable is that it does not stop at music; TEH Bazaar (The Exploration of the Handmade) brings together master artisans and contemporary designers, celebrating India’s rich craft heritage. Literary readings and cultural dialogues dive into poetry, mysticism, and philosophy. Film screenings explore Sufi traditions through visual storytelling. And a specially curated Sufi culinary experience adds yet another sensory layer to the festival. Together, these elements create a space where music, craft, literature, food and thought coexist, not as separate experiences, but as one seamless journey.