IMMERSE YOURSELF INTO THE MAGIC OF SUFISM AT THE SUFI HERITAGE FESTIVAL
The Sufi Heritage Project proudly presents The Sufi Heritage Festival, a landmark cultural initiative set to be India’s largest celebration of Sufism. Scheduled for 8th – 9th March 2025 at Sunder Nursery, this two-day festival will bring together music, poetry, storytelling, art, and food, paying homage to Delhi’s 700-year-old Sufi heritage and its luminaries like Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, Amir Khusrau, Mirza Ghalib, and Dara Shikoh.
Rooted in the spiritual ethos of love, unity, and enlightenment, the festival creates an immersive experience across five curated spaces, each offering a unique lens into the world of Sufism.
“It is my privilege to have lived and grown up surrounded by the incredible living heritage of Delhi. Over the years, I have been fortunate enough to serve and be a small part of the development and conservation of the Nizamuddin area—a district not restricted by boundaries and, in many ways, the epicenter of Sufi heritage in India. It has inspired me, taught me, and shown me how closely the local intertwines with the global—and how we are all but part of one.”
– Yasmin Kidwai, Founder, Sufi Heritage Project
The festival, in collaboration with Aga Khan Trust for Culture, will be held at Sunder Nursery, a home for heritage and spirituality. Nestled within 90 acres of lush gardens, 16th-century monuments, and six UNESCO sites, Sunder Nursery provides the perfect setting for the festival. Recognized as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Greatest Places in the World, it stands as a living testament to Delhi’s enduring cultural and spiritual legacy.
“For over two decades, the inter-disciplinary Aga Khan Trust for Culture team has undertaken conservation of built heritage in the Humayun’s Tomb – Nizamuddin area. This effort has always been coupled with reviving the pluralist intangible heritage of music, cuisine, and craft associated with this sacred landscape. The Sufi Heritage Festival aims to showcase authentic Sufi experiences, which in future years will also draw upon our work from across India and abroad.”
– Ratish Nanda, CEO, Aga Khan Trust for Culture India
Festival Spaces
1. Sama | The Main Stage – The Heartbeat of Sufi Performing Arts
At the festival’s epicenter, Sama brings to life the mystical power of Sufi music and dance. Set against the majestic backdrop of Sunder Nursery’s historic gardens, this stage will showcase some of the most celebrated voices in the tradition, from soul-stirring Qawwalis and Ghazals to Sufi Kathak, Whirling Dervishes, and Baul performances.
The lineup includes Rekha Bhardwaj, Nizami Brothers, Dhruv Sangari, Kabir Café, and Aditi Mangaldas, creating an unforgettable sonic and visual experience.
2. Bebaak | Modern Expressions – The Power of Words
A tribute to the poetry and literary traditions of Sufism, Bebaak (meaning “fearless”) is a space where the voices of the past and present converge. Audiences will experience the verses of Rumi, Iqbal, and Faiz, alongside contemporary spoken word, dastangoi, mushairas, and storytelling.
Featured artists include Jasleen Aulukh, Sina Fakhroddin, Gaurav Bhati, Ananyaa Gaur, Harish & Saumya Kulshreshtha, offering a fresh perspective on Delhi’s rich literary legacy.
3. Kargaah | Workshops & Sessions – A Revival of the Arts
Inspired by the historical kargaahs (workshops) of Delhi’s Sufi neighborhoods, this space offers a hands-on experience in traditional crafts and storytelling techniques.
Visitors can engage in calligraphy, Sanjhi art, Aari embroidery, pottery, and puppetry, learning from master artisans and storytellers who have preserved these traditions for generations.
4. Culinary Experience – A Journey Through Sufi Flavors
Food has always been at the heart of Sufi traditions, symbolizing community, devotion, and hospitality.
The Culinary Experience at the festival explores the lost recipes of Old Nizamuddin, Mughal Delhi, and beyond, through food trails, live cooking sessions, and curated dining experiences.
Featuring dishes prepared by celebrated chefs and home cooks, this space will highlight Delhi’s deep connection to spiritual and communal dining traditions.
5. Dilli Ka Bazaar | Market Plaza – A Celebration of Craft & Commerce
Rooted in the rich craft and heritage of Delhi, Dilli Ka Bazaar brings together some of the city’s most celebrated brands that are deeply connected to traditional artistry.
Showcasing handcrafted textiles, perfumes, artisanal wares, and contemporary craft interpretations, this marketplace is a tribute to the legacy of craftsmanship and sustainable design.
Co-curated with Delhi-based brands that champion indigenous techniques and local artisans, Dilli Ka Bazaar offers a unique shopping experience that blends heritage with modernity, ensuring that time-honored traditions continue to thrive in today’s world.
Event Details
- Name: The Sufi Heritage Festival
- Date: 8th – 9th March 2025
- Venue: Sunder Nursery, New Delhi
- Tickets: https://www.district.in/sufi-heritage-festival-mar8-2025/event