RAWALPINDI: A mesmerising night of Sufi music ended with standing ovations from a large audience at the Rawalpindi Arts Council (RAC) on Saturday.

Noted artist Masood Khawaja anchored the function while Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Director Riaz Soomro accompanied by Naheed Manzoor and RAC Director Waqar Ahmed attended the function.

The evening started with a performance by Lahore’s Versatile Dance Group of a Raqs-e-Darwaish (whirling dance) to the sound of Allah Hoo, Allah Hoo, followed by Lal Meri Pat Rakhio Bhala and others.

Young singers Sheeza Baloch, Maher Anjum and the Niazi brothers – all of Lahore - performed the popular Ki Jana Me Kaon, receiving thunderous applause.

To cap off the night, Tamgha-i-Imtiaz recipient Qurban Niazi also performed his versions of Ki Jana Me Kaon, Andaz-e-Jijabana, and other favourites from the poetry of Hazrat Shah Hussain, Bulhe Shah, Khawaja Fareed and Hazrat Bedam Warsi.

He received a standing ovation from the thrilled audience.

RAC’s Waqar Ahmed said the performances would be remembered for years to come.

He added that Sufism is a mystical trend in Islam characterised by values, ritual practices, and doctrines that began very early in Islamic history and represents the main manifestation of mystical practice in Islam.

Published in Dawn, July 1st, 2018