LAHORE: The Lahore Arts Council (Alhamra) has unveiled the official schedule for the first-ever three days “Alhamra Sufi Festival 2025,” a landmark cultural endeavor set to take place from 28 to 30 November.
Designed as one of the Council’s most visionary and soul-enriching festivals, the event embodies Alhamra’s enduring commitment to elevating artistic expression, cultural reflection, and spiritual dialogue at national and global levels.
The festival will open on 28th November, with a majestic exhibition of calligraphy titled “Whirling Lines of Sufi Wisdom,” presenting a visual translation of mystical thought through dynamic strokes and meditative forms. This exhibition sets the tone for a festival that aspires to reconnect audiences with the timeless essence of Sufism—its beauty, its depth, and its message of harmony.
Day One: Intellectual Inquiry and Theatre
The opening day features a profound conversation on the life and legacy of revered thinker and spiritual mentor Wasif Ali Wasif. The session, titled “Youth, Intellectual Challenges, and Wasif Ali Wasif,” will host an esteemed panel including Sahibzada Kashif Mahmood, Dr. Waseem Ullah Shaheen, Qasim Ali Shah, Iftikhar Ali Afi, and Dr. Affan. Noor-ul-Hassan will moderate the discussion.
Adding artistic intensity to the evening, Ajnta Theatre’s acclaimed play “Maqsood-e-Kull Main Hoon!” will be presented, inviting audiences to explore the metaphysical quest for meaning through the power of performance.
Day Two: Punjabi Sufi Heritage, Dance, and Music
The second day features an essential conversation on regional mystical literature, titled “Tradition of Punjabi Sufi Poetry and Its Message for the Youth.” Distinguished scholars Dr. Sughra Sadaf, Dr. Imdad Hussain, Dr. Zakariya Zakir, Nain Sukh, and Yousaf Punjabi will share their insight, moderated by Afzal Sahir.
The evening will feature Yousaf Punjabi’s captivating Sufi dance, followed by an immersive Sufi Night led by renowned vocalist Tahsseen Sakina, whose voice is expected to lift the audience into a state of spiritual resonance.
Day Three: Sufism’s Impact on Contemporary Society
The concluding day of the festival will host a thoughtful dialogue titled “Sufism’s Influence on Society and Its Relevance for the Youth Today.” Panelists include Fahad Ali Kazmi, Dr Tariq Sharif Zada, Dr. Waqar Yousuf Azeemi, and Dr. Moeen Nizami, moderated by Dr Fatima Fayyaz.
The day will culminate with soul-stirring performances: Riaz Ali Qadri and Ghulam Ali Qadri in Sufi music, an enthralling whirling dance by the Versatile Group, and a powerful Qawwali session by the legendary Sher Miandad, who will guide the audience through a profound journey of self-awakening and inner illumination.
Beyond performances, the festival will also feature a book fair, food stalls, and diverse cultural activities, making it a richly layered experience for families, youth, and art enthusiasts.
Chairman Alhamra, Razi Ahmed said, “The Alhamra Sufi Festival stands as a celebration of the human spirit, reminding us that the essence of our culture lies in the pursuit of love, humility, and divine wisdom. Through this festival, Alhamra reaffirms its commitment to nurturing artistic brilliance while strengthening the spiritual foundations that unite us as a society.”
Executive Director Alhamra Mahboob Alam said, “Sufism is the heartbeat of our cultural identity, and this festival is Alhamra’s gift to a nation seeking beauty, balance, and inner peace. We have curated each segment with meticulous care to ensure that our audiences not only witness art but experience transformation. Alhamra proudly continues its mission of offering the people of Pakistan meaningful, elevating, and globally resonant cultural engagements.”
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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