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Celebrating the Legacy of Sindh: Sindhi Sufi Music & Food Festival opens to Rousing Welcome

·  Delhi Govt, Department of Art, Culture & languages in association with the Sindhi Academy presents two-day festival of Sindhi Sufi Music & Food

·  Indira Naik, Dushyant Ahuja and Sadhna Bhatia recite Sufiana kalams on opening day

New Delhi, 23 March, 2015: A two-day festival to celebrate the beautiful culture and heritage of Sindh opened today in the national capital, with soulful music of legendary Sufi masters of the ancient land, garnished with delectable cuisine of the region.

Presented by Delhi Government’s Department of Art, Culture & languages in association with Sindhi Academy, the festival brings together some eminent Sindhi singers, and rolls out a culinary Sindhi delight for the people of the capital.

Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri Manish Sisiodia inaugurated the festival while Hon’ble Minister for Women & Child, Social Welfare & Languages, Shri Sandeep Kumar, presided over as the Chief Guest at Pallika Services Officers Institute Lawn, Vinay Marg.

Sindhi way of life has been deeply influenced by Sufi doctrines and principles. Sufi masters such as Shah Abdul Latif and Lal Shahbaz Qalandar are among the most prominent cultural icons of this land. Celebrating their mystical poetry on the first day of the festival were eminent singers Indira Naik, Dushyant Ahuja and Sadhna Bhatia.

“The contributions that the region of Sindh made to the composite culture and shared heritage of India and Pakistan cannot and should not be undermined. For centuries Sindh was a melting pot from which various strains of ideas and practices emanated and enriched this country. The Sufi music of Sindh is among the most recognizable facets of this tradition. In a world where many cultures and languages are fighting for survival, it is pertinent that we propagate the richness of Sindhi language, its lyrical beauty and musical heritage to keep its charm intact with the young generation,” says eminent singer artist Indira Naik.

From the cradle of ancient Indian civilization to a melting pot of multiple traditions, Sindh has a rich legacy which is reflected suitably in its art, culture and cuisine. The Sindhi Sufi Music and Food Festival is an opportunity for the people of Delhi to get a taste of this rich and vibrant heritage. The second and final day of the festival (tomorrow) will see performances by Pankaj Jeswani and Mohit Lalwani.

“Art and food are among the most important components of a cultural tradition. The more vibrant they are, the more are the chances that this culture will spread and thrive. In India where the people of Sindhi ethnic origin are scattered around with little contact with the land of their origin, some community members worry about their younger generation losing touch with their past. In this light, it is very important to showcase the culture and legacy of Sindh to inform our youngsters about its richness and resilience. We should all know that Dama Dam Mast Qalandar, the ecstasy-inducing Sufi rendition that everyone loves has its origins in Sindh,” says much popular young singer Mohit Lalwani.

The festival is intended not only for the lovers of the Sufi tradition but will also appeal to the lovers of Sindhi, the ancient language of the Sindh region that has inspired its own culture of art, literature and music. The rich and delicious Sindhi cuisine will also be at full flow at the food festival where visitors’ taste buds will be given a delectable treat of delicacies like Sai Bhaji Chawal, Taryal Patata, Pallo Machi, among others.

Chefs and caterers from across Delhi such as Lahori Gate, Karachi Caterers, Mothers Kitchen, Shalini Home Chef, Gyani Ice Cream, and Moti Mahal Deluxe will participate in the festival

As part of the festival, a documentary on ‘Sindhis of India’ scripted by Suresh Khatri was also shown at the festival. The film documents the history, legacy and contributions of Sindhis to the country.