Live Updates: PM Modi Attends Sufi Music Festival Jahan-e-Khusrau, Extends Ramadan Wishes Ahead of Holy Month
February 28, 2025, marked an important day in the cultural calendar of India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi graced the 25th edition of the Jahan-e-Khusrau Sufi music festival in New Delhi. The event, a celebration of the Sufi tradition and its significant cultural impact, witnessed the Prime Minister not only enjoying the soulful performances of renowned artists but also extending his heartfelt Ramadan greetings to the nation as the holy month of Ramadan approaches.
The Jahan-e-Khusrau festival, a revered event held annually at the Sunder Nursery in the capital, has been a platform for showcasing the rich legacy of Sufi music and poetry. It is named after the great Sufi poet, Amir Khusro, whose compositions have left an indelible imprint on the Indian subcontinent’s cultural and musical traditions. The festival brings together Sufi artists, musicians, and poets from across the globe to perform in a bid to preserve and propagate this unique form of art.
PM Modi’s Presence at the Jahan-e-Khusrau Festival
On the evening of February 28, 2025, the cultural atmosphere in Delhi was electric with anticipation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his way to the venue. His attendance at the Jahan-e-Khusrau festival underscored the importance the government places on cultural events that foster unity and promote the richness of India’s diverse heritage.
PM Modi’s arrival at the festival was marked with a sense of excitement, not only because of the significant cultural importance of the event but also due to his stature as the Prime Minister of the world’s largest democracy. He was welcomed by various dignitaries, including government officials, cultural leaders, and musicians, who were eager to share the spiritual and artistic experience of the evening with him.
Speaking to the gathering, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the significance of the Sufi tradition and its contributions to India’s cultural and spiritual landscape. He described the Sufi tradition as one that has flourished in the Indian subcontinent for centuries, binding people of different communities together through the universal message of love, peace, and tolerance. Modi reflected on how Sufi poetry and music have transcended barriers, playing a key role in fostering harmony and promoting a spirit of brotherhood.
The Essence of Sufi Music
As PM Modi addressed the audience, the air was filled with soulful renditions by some of the most talented Sufi musicians. The performances, steeped in centuries-old traditions, featured classical renditions of qawwalis, ghazals, and other forms of Sufi music that resonated deeply with the audience. The mesmerizing performances highlighted the timeless appeal of Sufi art and its ability to connect individuals to a higher spiritual realm.
Notable artists, including celebrated qawwali singers and instrumentalists, enthralled the attendees with their renditions of famous Sufi poetry. Among them was the renowned Pakistani qawwali singer, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, whose mesmerizing voice reverberated across the venue, captivating the audience with his emotional and powerful performance. His rendition of “Tajdar-e-Haram,” a popular qawwali, was a highlight of the evening and received a standing ovation from the crowd.
Sufi music, known for its transcendental and meditative qualities, has always held a special place in the hearts of millions. It is a form of expression that emphasizes the divine connection between the creator and the devotee. For generations, Sufi music has served as a bridge between different communities and religious beliefs. The Prime Minister acknowledged that the Jahan-e-Khusrau festival, through its global appeal, played an important role in continuing this legacy of unity through the arts.
PM Modi’s Ramadan Wishes to the Nation
In addition to attending the festival, Prime Minister Modi used the occasion to convey his heartfelt wishes to the nation ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, which is expected to begin in a few days. With Ramadan just around the corner, Muslims across India and the world are preparing to observe the month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community.
PM Modi extended his warm wishes to all Muslims in India and abroad, saying, “Ramadan is a month of piety, peace, and compassion. It teaches us the values of charity, self-discipline, and empathy towards others. Let this holy month inspire all of us to serve humanity, strengthen communal harmony, and work together for the betterment of society.”
His words resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the sacred month of Ramadan. The Prime Minister’s message highlighted the importance of fasting as a way of cultivating self-control and deepening one’s connection with the divine. He also stressed the significance of charity during this time, calling for an increased focus on helping those in need, particularly in the face of global challenges like poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation.
Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan, for Muslims around the world, is not just about abstaining from food and drink but is also a time for spiritual renewal, self-reflection, and increased devotion. It is a month dedicated to strengthening one’s relationship with God and embracing the values of patience, humility, and charity.
Prime Minister Modi noted that Ramadan’s teachings extend far beyond religious observances. “The principles of Ramadan,” he said, “serve as a reminder for all of us to work towards creating a compassionate society where we help those in need, care for the environment, and foster peace and tolerance.”
The Prime Minister also called on all citizens of India, regardless of their faith, to embrace the spirit of Ramadan. He urged people to extend support to the marginalized, show kindness to the elderly, and help the underprivileged, especially during these trying times when the world faces unprecedented challenges. The message was clear: Ramadan is not only about personal growth but also about contributing to the welfare of society as a whole.
The Festival’s Role in Promoting Unity and Peace
The Jahan-e-Khusrau festival, through its vibrant performances and spiritual significance, played an important role in promoting unity and peace. In a country as diverse as India, where multiple religions, cultures, and traditions coexist, events like these create a space for collective experience, shared values, and mutual respect.
PM Modi acknowledged that the festival’s role in promoting cultural diplomacy and fostering peace was critical, especially in the current global context where tensions often arise due to misunderstandings and divisions. “Music and art,” he said, “have the unparalleled power to bring people together and erase the boundaries of religion, ethnicity, and geography. The message of love, peace, and unity that Sufi music imparts is especially important today.”
By attending the festival, PM Modi demonstrated his government’s commitment to supporting India’s rich cultural heritage while also underscoring the importance of interfaith dialogue and mutual respect. He expressed his belief that the arts could play a key role in fostering national integration, understanding, and peace.
Looking Ahead: The Spirit of Ramadan and the Path to Unity
As the festival came to a close, the performances and the Prime Minister’s words left a lasting impact on the audience. With Ramadan approaching, there was a collective sense of spiritual readiness, optimism, and commitment to the values of kindness, empathy, and self-discipline.
Prime Minister Modi’s participation in the Jahan-e-Khusrau festival and his Ramadan message reaffirmed his vision for a united, harmonious India. The festival, with its fusion of spirituality and music, encapsulated the essence of India’s diverse culture—a culture built on the values of peace, love, and respect for all.
In the days leading up to Ramadan, the entire nation seemed united in their anticipation of the holy month, ready to embrace its teachings of charity, reflection, and spiritual growth. Through events like Jahan-e-Khusrau and messages from leaders like PM Modi, the collective spirit of India shone brightly, reflecting the enduring power of unity in diversity.
