Ruhaniyat, the 3-day Sufi Music Festival, features artists from the deserts of Rajasthan to mystics from Egypt
Ruhaniyat, the 3-day Sufi Music Festival, features artists from the deserts of Rajasthan to mystics from Egypt
From Arabic Sufiana Mausiqi from Egypt to Kabirpanthi Nirguni songs from Madhya Pradesh, a 3-day concert brings together mystics from remote corners of the world to Mumbai. Ruhaniyat, the Sufi and Mystic Music Festival begins its 9th edition today, with an added venue that's an outcome of popular demand.
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Sufi singer Naglaa Fathy from Egypt |
Ruhaniyat is a one-of-its-kind festival that provides a serious platform for Sufi music. Since it is held at an open air arena at Horiman Circle garden, there is a certain added charm to the festival. "You have to be connected to the sky and feel the air around you while listening to Sufi music... the experience is something else. People forget the world around them for those four hours.
I've actually seen people meditate when the performances are on because they're so engrossed," says Mahesh Babu, director, Banyan Tree Events that's organising the fest. Farid Sabri, part of the famous Sufi Qawwali group Sabri Brothers, believes that a genuine Sufi singer holds the power to connect his audience to God.
"When a Sufi sings from his soul, the audience automatically connects with him. In Sufi music, an artist performs for Allah and can convince a man about the existence of God," says Sabri.
Banyan Tree Events started working on the line-up nearly a year in advance. Making sure that Sufi music aficionados get a chance to experience something different with every performance is a very difficult task but they took up the challenge. "Mumbai is our prime focus. Here, we try to bring together the best artists because this is where Ruhaniyat began from nine years ago. The audiences here are curious and keen on listening to something new," says Mahesh Babu.
This year's highlight is an instrumental ensemble featuring Egyptian mystics led by Mohamad Farghaly and Sufi singers from the deserts of Rajasthan led by Kachra Khan. Farghaly is quite excited about his troupe's tour of the country. "Our music is for the soul and the spirit. It speaks about love of the creator, love of human beings and spreads the idea of Sufism. I'm coming to India with a message of peace, love and brotherhood for all," says Farghaly.
On: Today, 7.30 pm at Manik Sabhagriha, opposite Lilavati Hospital, Bandra (W). Daily donor passes for Rs 400 and Rs 300 are available at Manik Sabhagriha box office, Call: 65713771; Rhythm House, Kala Ghoda, Call: 43222727;u00a0 Landmark, Andheri (W), Call: 26396010
On: November 21 and 22, 6.30 pm at Horniman Circle Garden, opposite Asiatic Library, Fort. Daily donor
passes for Rs 500 are available only at Rhythm House.
